Finland has officially opened its first lithium mine, marking a milestone in Europe’s push to secure domestic battery raw materials and reduce reliance on imports.
Mining company Keliber has begun lithium extraction in western Finland, initiating what is described as Europe’s first integrated battery-grade lithium production chain. According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, the project is designed not only to mine lithium ore but also to process it into battery-grade lithium chemicals within Europe.
CEO Hannu Hautala said the operation gives Europe a strategic advantage by shortening supply routes compared to shipments from China. The company expects that local production will strengthen Europe’s battery manufacturing ecosystem, particularly as electric vehicle demand continues to grow.
The project spans three municipalities — Kaustinen, Kokkola and Kronoby — forming a regional industrial cluster that links mining operations with processing facilities. The lithium concentrate will be refined into battery-grade material at a dedicated plant in Kokkola.
The launch comes amid intensifying efforts across the European Union to develop domestic sources of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. By establishing a local lithium supply chain, Finland aims to position itself as a key contributor to Europe’s broader energy transition and industrial resilience strategy.
