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Earth’s crust means the layer underneath the uppermost surface of the earth used by people for the extraction of mineral resources, construction of underground structures and research. Objects of research related to earth's crust are soil and mineral resources as well as the use and protection thereof. In terms of mineral resources, Estonia is a relatively average country in the world. Not every mineral resource found in Estonia is currently being extracted, e.g. phosphate rock, granite and Dictyonema argillite known for its moderate uranium content are not extracted because of their low efficiency. Intensive use is made of oil shale (kukersite) and peat; the demand for natural building materials (sand, gravel, flagstone, limestone, clay, etc.) is growing each year.The extraction and use of mineral resources is regulated by the Earth's Crust Act and the Mining Act. Other important legal instruments relating to oil shale include the Ambient Air Protection Act and the Waste Act, which regulate the use of oil shale in combustion installations and oil production. The National Development Plan for the Use of Oil Shale 2008-2015 has been approved. The Government of the Republic has also approved the Estonian electricity sector development plan for 2008‑2018. The mining and use of limestone, dolostone, crystalline quarry stone (in Estonia mostly granite), sand, gravel and clay is covered by the Development Plan for Mineral Resources Used in the Construction Industry for 2010-2020.
The most important energy mineral resource in Estonia is oil shale. Almost 80% of the oil shale extracted is used for the production of electrical and heat energy. More than 90% of electricity in Estonia is produced by the use of oil shale. In addition, oil shale is used for the production of fuel oil, oil coke, pitch, bitumen, etc. Only large piece oil shale rock with high calorific value can be used in oil factories.
Peat is another mineral resource with energetic value extracted in Estonia. Mainly high decomposition peat is used as fuel. Peat is also used in horticulture and agriculture depending on its level of decomposition. Mining has been fluctuating by years depending on the amount of rain. Peat mining is the highest in Pärnu County (33%), followed by Tartu County (17%), Ida-Viru County (15%) and Harju County (8%). The proportion of other counties in peat mining is about five percent or less.
Natural building materials (mineral resources used in construction industry) are the most diverse class of mineral resources. The extraction of construction mineral resources has increased considerably since 2002 due to road construction and the building boom. Extraction of mineral resources used in construction industry is the highest in Harju County (50%), followed by Jõgeva County (10%) and Lääne-Viru County (9%). The proportion of other counties is about five percent or less.
The development and implementation of the policy for the sustainable use of mineral resources is lead and coordinated by the Environmental Management and Technology Department of the Ministry of the Environment.
Mineral resources extraction permits An extraction permit in a mineral deposit of national importance, in a transboundary water body, on the territorial sea or in inland maritime waters and an exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Estonia shall be issued by the Ministry of the Environment. In a mineral deposit of local importance, an extraction permit shall be issued by the Environmental Board.
Commission of Estonian Mineral Resources is a commission in the area of government of the Ministry of the Environment formed of experts of geology, extractive industry, environmental protection and other specialities, the main function of which is advising the Ministry of the Environment on the issues of the exploration and use of the earth’s crust, keeping records of mineral resources and approval, qualification, writing-off and protection of mineral reserves. |
