MINEX Forum

Tag: Finland

  • Kazakhstan and Finland Sign Cooperation Agreement on Nuclear Energy

    Kazakhstan and Finland Sign Cooperation Agreement on Nuclear Energy

    During Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s official visit to Astana, Kazakhstan and Finland signed an agreement establishing cooperation between the nuclear energy regulators of both countries. The document outlines plans for experience exchange, joint research, and potential uranium fuel supply deals. The Finnish government will also consider the possibility of regular imports of nuclear fuel raw materials from Kazakhstan.

    According to Almassadam Satkaliyev, head of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, the agreement creates a foundation for more detailed discussions on future volumes and conditions of uranium supplies to Finnish nuclear power plants. He emphasized that Finland holds a leading position in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, boasting significant achievements in operating nuclear technologies and conducting scientific and technical research.

    Finland’s legislation is among the strictest in the world when it comes to regulating the extraction, management, and operation of nuclear facilities. Kazakhstan plans to adopt Finland’s best practices and conduct a joint audit of its own regulatory framework to align national standards with global benchmarks, Satkaliyev added.

  • Avrupa Minerals Expands Exploration Holdings in Finland’s Vihanti-Pyhäsalmi VMS District

    Avrupa Minerals Expands Exploration Holdings in Finland’s Vihanti-Pyhäsalmi VMS District

    Vancouver, British Columbia – October 8, 2025 – Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: AVU) has expanded its footprint in the Vihanti-Pyhäsalmi volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) District of central Finland through its Finnish partnership Akkerman Finland Oy (AFOy). The company has secured a new exploration reservation, KKS (VA2025-0043), covering 18.6 km² and encompassing three historic VMS prospects — Kurpas, Kaskela, and Sirviö.

    With this acquisition, AFOy now holds seven copper-zinc exploration permits in the district at various stages of approval by the Finnish government, in addition to one gold exploration permit in the Oijärvi Greenstone Belt.

    According to records from the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), the area was intermittently explored between 1970 and 2001. Outokumpu Oy discovered shallow copper-zinc mineralization in 1986 at Kaskela and in 1989 at Kurpas, identifying VMS layers extending several hundred meters. The best results from limited shallow drilling included narrow but high-grade intercepts:

    Prospect Width (m) Cu (%) Zn (%)
    Kurpas 1.0 2.4 –
    2.0 1.2 –
    0.2–0.8 – 2–8
    Kaskela 5.1 – 6.1
    1.5 – 8.8
    0.7 2.4 –

    Subsequent follow-up exploration by Outokumpu Oy and Belvedere Resources Ltd. did not yield extensions to the mineralized zones, and both companies ceased work in the area by 2005. No exploration has been conducted over the past 20 years.

    AFOy now plans to evaluate the deeper potential (>200 meters) of the volcano-sedimentary sequence around KKS using advanced geophysical methods, including airborne deep electromagnetic (EM) surveys and detailed magnetics — a strategy inspired by the deeper success of the Pyhäsalmi Mine, located nearby.

    Paul W. Kuhn, President and CEO of Avrupa Minerals, commented:

    “We have acquired another area of massive sulfide mineralization close to the Pyhäsalmi Mine. Our VMS portfolio in the District now includes seven licenses covering highly prospective targets, including two permits located less than two kilometers from the Pyhäsalmi headframe.”

    Avrupa and its partner Akkerman Exploration are now seeking a joint venture partner to advance the VMS program. Representatives from both companies will attend the FEM2025 Conference in Levi, Finland (October 28–30), where they plan to meet with interested parties.

  • Boliden Warns of Investment Impact from Finnish Mining Tax Proposal

    Boliden Warns of Investment Impact from Finnish Mining Tax Proposal

    Boliden, the Swedish mining giant, has issued a stark warning to the Finnish government over its proposed tax reforms, which it claims will have far-reaching consequences for the EU’s critical metal supplies. The company, which owns the Kevitsa copper and nickel mine in Finland, estimates that the proposed tax hike will result in a 20-30 million euro annual increase in costs, the bulk of which is due to a quadrupling of the recently introduced Finnish mining tax.

    In a strongly worded submission to the Finnish government, Boliden argues that the proposed tax reforms are “inadequately prepared” and lack proper impact assessments, which could lead to “serious consequences” for the investment climate in Finland. The company also notes that the current proposals should be withdrawn in their entirety.

    The proposed tax hike has sparked concerns among EU policymakers, as both copper and nickel, as well as cobalt and PGMs (platinum group metals), are designated as strategic and/or critical metals by the EU. The Kevitsa mine is one of the largest producers of these metals in the EU, and any disruption to its operations could have significant implications for the bloc’s raw material supplies.

    “We understand the need for a balanced tax system, but this proposal is unacceptable,” said a Boliden spokesperson. “The increased tax burden will not only harm our business but also threaten the EU’s critical metal supplies. We urge the Finnish government to reconsider its proposal and engage in a more inclusive and evidence-based decision-making process.”

    The Finnish government is expected to make a final decision on the tax reforms in the coming weeks.

  • Anglo American’s Sakatti Copper Project Gains EU Strategic Status

    Anglo American’s Sakatti Copper Project Gains EU Strategic Status

    Anglo American’s Sakatti copper and polymetallic project, situated in Finnish Lapland, has received the distinguished designation of a ‘Strategic Project’ by the European Commission under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This landmark recognition underscores Sakatti’s pivotal role in bolstering the EU’s security of supply for critical raw materials and ensures an expedited permitting process and streamlined development timelines for the project.

    Alison Atkinson, Anglo American’s Projects & Development Director, expressed pride in the achievement, remarking, “We are delighted to be awarded Strategic Project status for Sakatti – an important milestone for this exceptional mineral deposit with a high concentration of future-enabling metals, including a primary product of copper. This aligns seamlessly with Finland’s and the EU’s critical raw materials priorities.”

    The Sakatti project is poised to make a significant contribution to the EU’s ambitions of reducing reliance on external sources for critical minerals. Currently, the EU produces approximately 4% of its critical minerals but aims to increase this to 10%. Sakatti is projected to deliver an annual production of approximately 100,000 tonnes of copper equivalent metal starting in the early 2030s, addressing the growing demand for metals essential to decarbonisation, advanced technologies, and sustainable energy systems.

    The Sakatti deposit was discovered in 2009, a milestone in Anglo American’s two-decade presence in Finland. Located 15 kilometres north of Sodankylä, the project is set to become one of Anglo American’s innovative FutureSmart mines—underground operations characterised by cutting-edge automation, low carbon emissions, and minimal environmental impact.

    Finland’s rich natural resources, advanced processing capabilities, and robust investment in the critical minerals value chain position the country as a cornerstone in Europe’s sustainable raw materials strategy. With Sakatti’s development, Anglo American aims to further cement Finland’s role as a reliable supplier of responsibly sourced materials vital to the green energy transition and a low-carbon future.

  • Sixteen Finnish Projects Apply for EU Strategic Status Under Critical Raw Materials Act

    Sixteen Finnish Projects Apply for EU Strategic Status Under Critical Raw Materials Act

    Sixteen projects in Finland have applied for strategic project status under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, aiming to strengthen Europe’s raw material production and reduce external dependencies. The European Commission will review the applications and decide on the strategic designation by March 2025.

    On January 23, 2025, the Finnish Government confirmed that it would not exercise its national right to object to any of the applications. While the European Commission consults with Member States before making its final decision, the Finnish authorities have chosen to support all submitted projects.

    The Critical Raw Materials Act is a key component of the EU’s strategy to secure essential resources for industries such as renewable energy, battery production, and advanced technologies. Strategic project status grants selected projects regulatory advantages, faster permitting, and potential financial support to accelerate development.

    Due to confidentiality rules under the Act on the Openness of Government Activities, specific details about the applicants remain undisclosed during the evaluation process. However, the final list of approved strategic projects is expected to be published following the Commission’s decision in March.

  • Kingsrose-BHP Alliance Uncovers High-Grade Copper and Precious Metals in European Exploration

    Kingsrose-BHP Alliance Uncovers High-Grade Copper and Precious Metals in European Exploration

    Kingsrose Mining Limited (ASX: KRM) has announced significant progress in its exploration alliances with global mining giant BHP, targeting critical minerals in Norway and Finland. The joint efforts, part of one of Europe’s largest generative exploration programs, have yielded high-grade copper, gold, silver, and platinum group elements (PGEs), signaling potential for major discoveries.

    In Norway’s Finnmark region, rockchip sampling revealed exceptional results, including 29.7% copper, 1.1 g/t gold, and 0.54 g/t palladium at the Porsanger target, and 4.4% copper with 1.8 g/t gold at Virdnechokka. These findings, hosted in sulphide veins, suggest proximity to deeper magmatic systems, akin to Anglo American’s Sakatti deposit in Finland. A 5,067-line km airborne gravity survey and 208 rockchip samples underpin the 2024 campaign, with helicopter-borne electromagnetic surveys slated for February 2025 to identify conductive bodies indicative of massive sulphides.

    In Central Finland, the alliance focused on the Kotalahti Nickel Belt, historically rich in nickel-copper deposits. Drone and ground magnetic surveys covering 4,980-line km identified new mineralized zones at the Rehula target, including a 0.46% copper and 110 ppm cobalt sample. The program aligns with Kingsrose’s strategy to discover new polymetallic “camps” through systematic geophysical and geochemical analysis.

    Managing Director Fabian Baker emphasized the success of advanced exploration techniques and stakeholder collaboration, stating, “These results underscore the prospective nature of these underexplored regions. Our commitment to environmental and social values ensures sustainable progress.” The company has engaged Indigenous communities and conducted biodiversity surveys to secure social licenses, particularly in Sami-inhabited areas of Norway.

    With 2.7millionofa5 million Year 1 budget spent, Kingsrose plans further fieldwork in 2025, leveraging BHP’s expertise to prioritize drill targets. The alliances highlight Europe’s growing role in supplying critical minerals amid global decarbonization efforts.

    Kingsrose, a ASX-listed explorer, holds 100% interests in the Finnmark and Central Finland projects, backed by BHP’s Xplor accelerator program. Forward-looking statements caution inherent risks, but the findings position the company as a key player in Europe’s mineral exploration frontier.

    For more details, visit www.kingsrose.com.

  • EU Project Reveals Delicate Balance Between Mining and Environmental Protection

    EU Project Reveals Delicate Balance Between Mining and Environmental Protection

    In a groundbreaking study addressing the complex intersection of extractive activities and environmental conservation, the European Union’s CIRAN project has uncovered critical insights into how mining can coexist with protected natural areas.

    Key Findings Highlight Significant Overlap

    Researchers from the Geological Survey of Finland discovered that approximately 85% of Critical Raw Material (CRM) deposits are located within 5 kilometers of environmental protected areas. The project analyzed 23,779 CRM occurrences across EU member states, revealing the intricate spatial challenges facing resource extraction.

    Surprising Discoveries

    Roughly 69% of active mines with reported CRMs are located close to protected areas – The study identified numerous examples of successful coexistence between mining operations and environmental preservation

    Good Practices Emerge

    The CIRAN project identified several key strategies for balancing industrial needs with environmental protection:

    1. **Governance Innovations**: Development of adaptable permitting processes that support circular economy principles

    2. **Corporate Responsibility**: Mining companies implementing extensive environmental impact assessments

    3. **Community Engagement**: Transparent communication and local community involvement

    4. **Technological Advancements**: Adoption of innovative, low-impact extraction techniques

    Looking Forward

    Project leaders emphasise that the research is not just about identifying challenges, but developing practical solutions. Upcoming publications will include comprehensive guidelines for mine closure and sustainable resource management.

    Get Involved

    Interested parties can follow the project’s progress through: – Project Website: [CIRAN Project Results](https://ciranproject.eu/results) – LinkedIn Discussion Forum: Sustainable Management in the Extractive Sector *The CIRAN project represents a crucial step in reconciling economic development with environmental conservation, offering hope for a more sustainable approach to resource extraction.*

    ### Project Writers – Nike Luodes – Nikolas Ovaskainen – Hannu Panttila – Toni Eerola – Martina Bertelli

  • Boliden Extends Kevitsa Mine Life to Ten Years with Resource Boost

    Boliden Extends Kevitsa Mine Life to Ten Years with Resource Boost

    January 10, 2025 – Boliden has announced updated estimates for mineral resources and reserves at the Kevitsa mine in Sodankylä, northern Finland. Following detailed mineralisation studies, the new estimates show an increase in tonnage for both categories compared to the previous year.

    Assuming a production pace aligned with the environmental permit of ten million tonnes (mt) per year, this increase has extended the mine life to ten years.

    Key Highlights:

    • The average grade for mineral reserves is projected to rise to 0.22% for nickel while remaining at 0.31% for copper.
    • Nickel and copper grade guidance for 2025 is estimated at 0.17% and 0.23%, respectively.
    • A comprehensive re-estimation of mineral resources in 2024 has led to a new mine plan and updated mineral reserves.
    • The decision on a potential stage five project has been delayed by several years.
    • In total, 25mt have been added to the mineral reserve.
    • During 2024, 9.85mt were milled, resulting in a net increase of 15mt (19%) in mineral reserves.

    Despite the conversion back to mineral reserves, mineral resources have increased by 15mt (9%), attributed to the 2024 re-estimation and new assumptions regarding costs, prices, and terms.

    Boliden Mines president Stefan Romedahl said: “We are happy to announce that we have been able to improve the overall mine plan for Kevitsa. As a result, we not only increase the mineral reserves and secure a prolongation of the mine life, we have also been able to optimise the production in a way that pushes the decision point for a possible Stage 5 project up to a couple of years forward.”

    Romedahl stressed the importance of decisive action by European policymakers to safeguard the internal nickel value chain from unfair and unsustainable competition.

    With the updated estimates and extended mine life, Boliden continues to solidify its position as a leading player in the mining industry, ensuring a sustainable future for the Kevitsa mine.

  • Metso Observes Growth in Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts

    Metso Observes Growth in Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts

    Metso reports a growing trend in performance-based maintenance contracts as it continues to establish itself as a reliable provider of customized solutions for mining and aggregates clients. In 2024, the company secured over 100 new Life Cycle Services (LCS) contracts with both global and regional mining companies, as well as large quarries and aggregate contractors.

    Customers are increasingly recognizing the value of having performance-based contracts, which offer technical expertise and support on-site. In 2023, Metso secured more than 110 new LCS contracts with global and regional mining companies and sizeable quarries and aggregate contractors.

    Metso’s Senior Vice President, Integrated Service Solutions, Miika Tirkkonen, stated that the company made progress in transforming its contract portfolio mix by adding more performance-based agreements in 2024. These agreements, which include mutually agreed targets with customers and commercial models that promote win-win partnerships, saw over 40% growth in 2024. Having Metso’s field service experts work alongside the customer’s personnel on-site also enhances their skills and promotes safer working methods.

    The LCS agreements signed in 2024 are part of a portfolio of more than 550 long-term LCS agreements globally, with an average duration of three years. The orders are booked on a phased basis, depending on the length and type of the agreement. The specific financial details of the signed agreements are not disclosed. More than two-thirds of the orders were booked in the Minerals segment and the remaining orders were booked in the Aggregates segment.

    Metso’s Life Cycle Services encompass the complete range of its aftermarket portfolio, including spares and wears, advanced maintenance, remote monitoring, and other expert services. The company has been offering innovative Life Cycle Services for over 15 years, assisting customers in enhancing safety and environmental standards, boosting reliability and production for greater resource efficiency, and optimizing the overall cost of ownership.

  • Karelian Diamond Resources Nears Discovery of Rare Green Diamond Source in Finland

    Karelian Diamond Resources Nears Discovery of Rare Green Diamond Source in Finland

    Karelian Diamond Resources (AIM: KDR), an Irish explorer, believes it is edging closer to identifying the source of a rare green diamond found in 2022. The company recently completed a series of follow-up excavations in Finland’s Kuhmo region and has collected 21 glacial till samples for analysis. Depending on the results of the mineral analysis, Karelian plans to initiate a drilling program during the winter to further investigate identified kimberlitic targets.

    According to Karelian, the thickness of the glacial till increases to the northwest, near a swampy area that is currently inaccessible until the ground freezes. The company has excavated as close as possible to this region, where it believes the source of the kimberlite minerals and the green diamond may be located. Six potential kimberlite sites, previously identified through geophysical methods, are in the same zone, with excavation pits strategically placed to follow the trail of indicator minerals.

    In parallel, the Dublin-based company is advancing other assets in Finland, including the Lahtojoki deposit, which could become the first diamond mine within the European Union. Karelian recently resolved legal disputes with local landowners and is now awaiting the Finnish National Land Survey’s decision to finalize the project boundaries. The company believes the Lahtojoki kimberlite pipe has the potential to become a profitable open-pit mine, containing valuable white diamonds, as well as pink and colored diamonds that could fetch prices up to 20 times higher than their colorless counterparts.