MINEX Forum

Tag: Outokumpu

  • JENNMAR Partners with Outokumpu to Enhance Operations at Kemi Mine in Finland

    JENNMAR Partners with Outokumpu to Enhance Operations at Kemi Mine in Finland

    JENNMAR, a prominent services and infrastructure provider, has announced a significant long-term partnership with Outokumpu, a leading stainless steel manufacturer and miner, to supply ground control products for the Kemi Mine. This mine is not only the largest underground mine in Finland but also holds the distinction of being Europe’s only operational chrome mine. The collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline commercial transactions between JENNMAR and Outokumpu’s management teams.

    To facilitate this partnership, JENNMAR has established a new entity, Jennmar Finland, which is specifically designed to improve the efficiency of business dealings related to the Kemi Mine. This strategic move underscores JENNMAR’s commitment to supporting one of Europe’s most significant mining operations. Mike Petkovich, President of Jennmar Europe, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the Kemi Mine’s stature as an impressive mining operation and an excellent opportunity for JENNMAR to showcase its extensive range of products and technical capabilities in the region.

    The Kemi Mine, known for its rich chrome deposits, plays a crucial role in the European mining landscape. The partnership with JENNMAR is expected to bolster Outokumpu’s operational capabilities, ensuring that the mine continues to meet the growing demand for chrome in various industries. As the mining sector increasingly focuses on efficiency and sustainability, collaborations like this one are vital for driving innovation and enhancing productivity in the industry.

    Overall, this partnership marks a significant development in the Finnish mining sector, reflecting the ongoing evolution of mining operations in Europe and the importance of strategic alliances in achieving operational excellence. JENNMAR’s expertise in ground control products will be instrumental in supporting the Kemi Mine’s operations, paving the way for future advancements in mining technology and practices.

  • Outokumpu to Build $45 Million Pilot Plant in U.S. to Scale Up Sustainable Chromium Production

    Outokumpu to Build $45 Million Pilot Plant in U.S. to Scale Up Sustainable Chromium Production

    Finland’s Outokumpu, Europe’s largest stainless steel producer, announced plans to invest $45 million in a new pilot plant in New Hampshire, marking a major step toward industrial-scale production of low-carbon, high-purity chromium materials. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2027, the company said.

    The investment follows the establishment of a research laboratory near Boston in 2024, where Outokumpu developed and tested proprietary technology over the past four years. The company has successfully scaled production of enriched ferrochrome and chromium metal from laboratory scale (1 g) to pre-pilot scale (1 kg).

    The pilot plant will aim to prove the industrial feasibility and scalability of this process by increasing daily output from 1 kg to 1 ton. It will produce two high-value materials:

    • Enriched ferrochrome with 65% chromium content, and

    • Chromium metal with more than 90% chromium content.

    If successful, Outokumpu plans to follow up with the construction of a full-scale industrial plant capable of producing 10,000 tons per year between 2029 and 2030, unlocking the full commercial potential of its proprietary technology by 2030.

    The company’s new process promises a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional methods, while creating opportunities to supply premium-grade chromium materials for aerospace, defense, and energy sectors, where demand for sustainable, high-performance metals is growing rapidly.

    “Backed by years of research, we are leveraging proprietary technology targeting premium-priced, high-purity metals essential for demanding sectors,” said Stefan Erdmann, Outokumpu’s Chief Technology Officer. “With limited Western supply and growing demand, we see a significant market opportunity for sustainable, high-performance materials.”

  • Outokumpu Secures Long-Term Molybdenum Supply with Greenland Resources Deal

    Outokumpu Secures Long-Term Molybdenum Supply with Greenland Resources Deal

    In a move set to fortify its strategic raw material supply chain, Outokumpu Corporation, a global leader in sustainable stainless steel production, has announced a ten-year off-take agreement with Canadian mining company Greenland Resources Inc. The agreement, announced on 24 February 2025, underscores Outokumpu’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations and integrating a cost-competitive, sustainable value chain.

    Strategic Supply and Economic Impact

    Under the terms of the deal, Outokumpu will secure approximately 8 million pounds of molybdenum annually—a figure that represents nearly half of its total annual molybdenum requirements. With an estimated current market value of USD 160 million per year, this long-term commitment is expected to total around USD 1.6 billion over the decade. Molybdenum, a critical component in the production of specialty stainless steel, is vital not only for enhancing the durability of steel but also for supporting advanced materials applications across Europe.

    Outokumpu’s broader raw material procurement strategy is robust, with an annual spend of approximately EUR 3 billion, further highlighting the significance of this off-take agreement in securing a stable supply of essential inputs.

    The Malmbjerg Project and Sustainability Focus

    The molybdenum is sourced from Greenland Resources’ Malmbjerg project, a world-class primary deposit located in East Greenland. With a completed feasibility study and clear objectives for commercial production within the current decade, the Malmbjerg project is poised to become a cornerstone of Greenland Resources’ operational portfolio.

    The agreement is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Outokumpu’s strategy not only focuses on ensuring a secure supply of molybdenum but also on reducing its Scope 3 emissions through the procurement of low-emission raw materials. The contractual terms include a cap and floor pricing mechanism, thereby providing both price stability and cost competitiveness.

    Voices from the Industry

    “Europe is heavily reliant on imports for many critical raw materials and the dependence creates vulnerabilities due to geopolitical factors and supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, Europe is the second largest molybdenum user worldwide and has had no production of its own. The cooperation with Greenland Resources allows us to get access to low-emission molybdenum from Greenland, which strengthens our supply chain of critical raw materials and reduces our Scope 3 emissions at competitive prices, including a cap and a floor mechanism. This further strengthens our long-term raw material availability, complementing our own chrome mine in Finland, and our investment in a junior nickel mine project in Canada”, says Marc-Simon Schaar, Chief Financial Officer at Outokumpu.

    “We are delighted to partner with Outokumpu, with the long-term supply of molybdenum oxide which at current market prices would represent a value of approximately USD 1.6 billion over ten years. This constitutes a critical milestone for our company towards achieving commercial production. Our two companies share similar sustainability values and commitment to responsible mining. The high-quality molybdenum ore and low-emission processing at Malmbjerg are ideally suited to secure long-term supply for Outokumpu’s specialty steel products”, says Dr Ruben Shiffman, Greenland Resources Executive Chairman.

    Supporting Institutions and Future Outlook

    Greenland Resources Inc. is bolstered by the support of several key institutions, including the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), and Finnvera in Finland. This backing further reinforces the project’s viability and its alignment with broader European initiatives to secure and sustainably manage critical raw materials.

    Looking ahead, this strategic partnership not only promises to secure a stable base load of molybdenum for Outokumpu’s operations in Europe but also positions both companies as pivotal players in the transformation of raw material sourcing and sustainable industrial practices.