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Circular EconomyRaw Materials

GTK Develops a Software Tool to Accelerate the Identification of Critical Raw Materials for the Clean Energy Transition

The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is developing specialised software tool to identify and visualise critical raw materials in mineral processing waste. The tool supports Europe’s clean energy transition goals by accelerating the identification and characterisation of the needed critical raw materials.

A person operates a laboratory device next to two computer monitors displaying analysis results.

The European Union has set ambitious goals for a clean energy transition that requires significant quantities of critical raw materials (CRMs). These materials are essential components in, for example, renewable energy technologies and energy storage solutions.

GTK is developing a specialised software tool for identifying and characterising critical raw materials. The tool was conceptualised and prototyped in the MinerAll project, funded by the Regional Council of North Karelia, and now the work continues in the Clean Energy System Transition project (REPower-CEST), funded by NextGenerationEU. The current development focuses on providing a comprehensive analysis to assess the potential for clean energy technologies.

Software combines multiple data sources to deliver a detailed characterisation of mineral samples:

  • Automated mineralogy datasets and their metadata
  • Embedded database of mineral properties
  • Theoretical processing possibilities
  • Chemical assay data

The tool enables faster and more accurate identification of critical raw materials

This tool will accelerate the identification and characterisation of critical raw materials essential for clean energy technologies. It provides a systematic approach to analysing mineral samples and their properties. This will help to:

  • Identify and quantify CRMs
  • Help evaluate their specific properties relevant to clean energy applications
  • Assess processing requirements and economic potential
  • Support strategic decision-making for securing CRM supply chains

By enabling faster and more accurate identification of these essential resources, the software directly supports the assessment of raw materials for the EU’s clean energy goals. Figure 1 illustrates how the software is applied in the project.

Diagram showing photos of mines on the left, a laboratory equipment photo in the center with the text "Mineralogical and chemical analyses", and on the right three sections of software processes: identification of critical raw materials, assessment of processability and harmful properties, and identification of potential uses with preliminary economic evaluation.
Figure 1. A general use case of the software showing data inputs and potential analysis outputs.

Current Development Progress

During the first three months of development, efforts have focused primarily on expanding the existing mineralogical database with comprehensive information on CRM minerals and their potential sources. Information about the potential use of these minerals in clean energy applications is also being added alongside their other existing uses, such as high-tech applications.

Further information

Minna Markkanen, Research Scientist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
minna.markkanen@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 0137

Dandara Salvador, Research Scientist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
dandara.salvador@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 5815

Rita Kallio, Researcher
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
rita.kallio@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 0172

Mohammad Jooshaki, Research Scientist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
mohammad.jooshaki@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 0065

General Specification of the Software | GTK

REPower-CEST Project website

Designing and Testing the Beneficiation Process Is the Most Crucial Step for the Comprehensive Utilisation of Ores and the Safe Management of Tailings | GTK