Metamorphic rock that lies close to the surface of the earth in Northern Estonia could be an excellent building material for upcoming infrastructure projects. But the emptiness left after mining opens up even more opportunities, writes Taavi Simson in an article submitted to the “Successful Estonia” competition.
Natural resources: a controversial issue
Mineral resources in Estonia are a topic that always generates heated debate. Whether it is issues related to energy based on oil shale, or research on the extraction of phosphate rocks, these topics do not leave anyone indifferent. Most often there is protest or skepticism, especially regarding environmental consequences.
But what if we say that we have a natural resource whose extraction has a lower environmental impact than others, and which offers additional value beyond financial gain? Does this seem too good to be true? But there is such a resource – gneiss, the gold reserve of Estonia.
Valuable building material
Gneiss, simply put, is a metamorphic rock that lies close to the surface of the earth in Northern Estonia. This breed is excellent as a base for roads and railways due to its strength and durability.
Since Estonia is expecting large-scale infrastructure projects in the coming years that will require such material, it would be rational to mine and produce it locally. This will create jobs and reduce transport and import costs.
However, what remains after mining is even more valuable.
As if made for shelters
The best use for voids left after mining is currently proposed for the Paldisk pumped storage power plant. This is just one example of how you can use the space remaining after mining.
Such space can be adapted, for example, for shelters. Although gneiss is close to the surface, its strength and depth can provide protection from potential threats. Compared to limestone, gneiss can be used to build stronger and more durable shelters.
Future Opportunities
Looking even further into the future, the mines could create something similar to the Wieliczka Salt Mines in Poland, which became a veritable underground city with hotels, churches and concert halls.
Such a tourist magnet would attract millions of visitors every year, which would not only be a way to pay for the maintenance of the mines, but would also bring income to hotels and restaurants in Estonia.
The Estonian land has provided for our people for centuries. Today, by using resources wisely, we can create value for future generations. Gneiss is a natural resource with minimal environmental impact that can provide benefits not only today but also in the future. This is our gold.
Take part and win up to 10,000!
Successful Estonia is a competition between Äripäev, Helmes, Elenger (formerly Eesti Gaas), If Kindlustus, Ellex Raidla Advokaadibüroo, Swedbank and Verston, for which we are looking for ideas in the form of opinion pieces on how to update Estonia’s success story and accelerate its development.
You can submit up to two works for the competition, each of up to 5000 characters (including spaces). The main evaluation criteria are: originality of the idea, its feasibility and bright presentation. The main prize is 10,000 euros, second place is 3,000 euros, third place is 2,000 euros.
The jury consists of owners and managers of organizing companies, and the competition is conducted by the editorial board of Äripäev opinions.
The competition ends on March 31st.
The participants’ works will be published in a special opinion section Äripäev and on the Edukas Eesti Facebook page. You can send your work and a photo of the author through a special web platform.
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