Construction of GTK Mintec’s New Pilot Plant Progresses – GTK Mintec Development Update
Geological Survey of Finland’s GTK Mintec is a unique service platform covering the entire mineral value chain – from ore deposits to mine closure and material reuse. Its development continues to meet the growing challenges of the circular economy and the availability of critical raw materials. At present, a new pilot plant is in planning phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Located in Outokumpu, Finland, GTK Mintec comprises mineral research laboratories, an industrial-scale pilot plant, a test platform for the long-term behaviour of extractive waste, and a tailings area.
GTK Mintec’s mission is to improve the recovery of valuable materials from raw materials and reduce the amount of material that is difficult to utilise. Its research infrastructure has been intensively developed for around a decade. Demand for these services is increasing, driven by the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and a changing geopolitical landscape.
New pilot plant underway – existing pilot plant operations continue
The development project is progressing with the design and construction of a new pilot plant, alongside an expansion of research equipment and capacity. Current operations will remain uninterrupted, as the existing pilot plant will stay in use until the new facility is commissioned.
The new pilot plant will be built on the site of the former office and laboratory building, which was demolished in autumn 2025. Construction is set to begin in autumn 2026 following the design phase, with full completion expected by the end of 2028.
“The design of the new pilot plant draws on GTK’s decades of experience in operating pilot-scale environments. One of the key starting points has been mapping customer needs and using these insights to guide plans for research equipment and capacity expansion,” says Jouko Nieminen, Director of Development, GTK Mintec.
“Capacity will increase significantly, as the new pilot plant will feature two processing lines for research. The larger line will match the current capacity, while the smaller line is specifically designed for smaller-scale continuous test runs,” says Marja Lehtonen, Head of Unit, GTK.
A major upgrade will also include enhanced capabilities for process water research. Modern facilities will enable safer handling of research materials. Additional mineral processing equipment will be introduced for crushing, grinding, and flotation studies.
Funding for the new pilot plant was secured in the 2024 government budget session, with €55 million allocated for research equipment procurement. By the time the new facility is completed, total investment in GTK Mintec’s research infrastructure during the development project will amount to approximately €110 million.
Senate Properties, responsible for state-owned premises, acts as the developer. GTK is supported in this extensive and complex project by Sweco. Metso is responsible for the extended basic design of the process lines for reserach, layout planning, and electrical and automation design in collaboration with GTK experts.
New laboratory and office facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology
In 2024, new laboratory and office facilities were completed. The laboratory complex includes three specialised laboratories: mineral processing, beneficiation mineralogy, and chemical analytics. All laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art research instruments.
With ERDF funding, a multi-stage water treatment laboratory is being built within the mineral processing laboratory, providing a vital addition for monitoring process water, identifying harmful substances, and optimising processes. The smaller process line for research in the new pilot plant will also utilise the laboratory’s equipment for process water studies.
Since early 2025, chemical analytics have been carried out primarily in-house. This is a significant step in developing comprehensive research service concepts.
Field testing for side streams and extractive waste is up and running
Last year, the construction of GTK SMARTTEST – a circular economy field-testing platform for studying the long-term behaviour and utilisation of side streams and extractive waste was completed. The project was funded by ERDF and the Regional Council of North Karelia. Testing provides reliable data for developing circular economy solutions and responsible extractive waste management in mining.
GTK Mintec also includes a dedicated tailings area. In 2024, its embankments were raised with JTF funding. At the same time, the basin was transformed into a “smart basin” by installing sensors and other monitoring devices to track conditions and the long-term behaviour of dam structures. GTK’s new smart basin concept generates valuable research data that can be used in designing similar structures.
Further information
Jouko Nieminen, Director, GTK Mintec Development
Geological Survey of Finland
jouko.nieminen@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 2180
Marja Lehtonen, Head of Unit, Circular Economy Solutions
Geological Survey of Finland
marja.lehtonen@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 2183
