NIKO LAAKSONLAITA
Geophysics & Environmental Monitoring

Data-driven insight for projects in demanding environments.

I work with geophysics, environmental monitoring and risk management in northern and operationally challenging settings. The aim is to reduce uncertainty and provide a clear foundation for decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

Based in Northern Norway • Available for projects in Norway and internationally

Services

I provide advisory services in six main domains. A structured approach to data, risk and decisions is common to all of them.

Environment & Sustainability

Environmental monitoring based on groundwater measurements, noise and vibration data and air and water quality. Structured documentation of impacts and compliance.

Construction

Measurement data and assessments supporting planning and execution of construction work, with emphasis on ground conditions, environmental parameters and operational risk.

Geohazard

Analysis of landslides, unstable ground and terrain-related risks. Use of geophysics and measurements to identify and manage vulnerable areas.

Mineral & Mining

Exploration support for mining, critical minerals, rare earth minerals and base metals, from early-stage assessments to targeted data acquisition. Integrated geophysical and environmental evaluations that reduce uncertainty and improve decisions.

Space

Experience with operational procedures, safety, HSE and environmental assessments in technically demanding and regulated environments.

Unknown Terrain

Forthcoming format highlighting risk culture in technology, nature and exploration. Developed as a podcast and discussion series.

Methods

Methods are selected based on the problem, not the tool. Geophysics, measurement technology and data integration are combined into one coherent basis for assessment.

Geophysics

ERT, GPR, EM, IP, MT, magnetics and gravity. Used to characterise the subsurface and define the framework for further investigations and decisions, from mineral exploration and critical minerals to groundwater studies and geohazard assessments.

Measurement technology

Monitoring of noise, vibration, shockwaves and air and water quality. Suitable for following up construction work, operations and impacts over time.

Data & modelling

GIS, data integration and 3D modelling. Common Earth Modelling where geology, geophysics and environmental data are handled in a unified structure.

Risk

My work is based on technical accuracy, clear data and structured risk management. The aim is reduced uncertainty and more robust project outcomes.

Exploration risk

Geological uncertainty, data quality and early-stage decisions. Focus on improving the odds of making the right choices.

Operational risk

Field execution, HSE, logistics and environmental conditions. Systematic handling of practical risks in operations and fieldwork.

Decision and environmental risk

Data integration, model uncertainty, environmental impact and regulatory requirements. Support for documentation, dialogue and selection of measures.

Projects

Content to follow. This section will be opened when projects can be published. The portfolio is being developed in dialogue with clients.

Project examples will be added later.

About me

I am based in Northern Norway and have nearly ten years of experience in mineral exploration, environmental monitoring and operational, risk-oriented work. My background includes projects across Northern Scandinavia and environmental consulting in Switzerland and Norway, covering groundwater monitoring, noise and vibration measurements and multi-parameter environmental data. I also have experience from the space industry, working with operational procedures, safety, HSE and environmental evaluations.

My work is grounded in a systematic approach to risk. I support clients in reducing exploration risk, operational risk and decision risk, providing a clear and evidence-based foundation for project planning and execution. This perspective also underpins Unknown Terrain, an upcoming format exploring risk culture in exploration, technology and the natural environment.

Outside of work I spend time at sea and in the mountains. These environments, with rapid changes in weather and terrain, reinforce a basic principle: risk must be understood and managed, not ignored.

Interested in solving your challenges with Niko?

Describe your context, timeline and what kind of support you are looking for. I will provide an honest assessment of whether, and how, I can help.