Finland

Finland has a long history of mining. It all started in the late 1600s when the Swedish government saw the potential benefits of mining copper and other metals in what is now Finland. The government-owned Lapland Copper Mine was established in 1688 and was operational until the 1700s. However, mining operations in Finland remained small-scale until the 19th century, when the discovery of iron ore in Lapland led to the establishment of large-scale mining operations. 

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In the early 20th century, Finland became known for its nickel deposits, and mining operations focused on this metal. During World War II, Finland relied heavily on mining to produce the raw materials needed for the war effort. After the war, mining operations continued to expand, with the discovery of uranium, zinc, and other minerals. Today, the Finnish mining industry is still growing, and the country is known for its innovative and sustainable mining practices.