GTK participates in implementing the National Mineral Strategy of Finland

The National Mineral Strategy of Finland, published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in December 2024, has been prepared to meet the growing need for minerals and to secure the supply of raw materials for industry. The strategy aims to promote sustainable exploitation of mineral resources, which supports the Finnish economy and regionally balanced development as well as offers solutions to European and global challenges. The vision is for Finland to be a global pioneer, partner and developer in the sustainable and responsible exploitation of minerals. The objective is a mineral cluster that will increase its value added resource efficiently, securing the availability of strategically important minerals.

The Mineral Strategy lists several measures related to sustainability, mineral policy, competence development, exports, the Critical Raw Materials Act and raw material supply. Almost half of these measures involve the Geological Survey of Finland.

“The tasks assigned to GTK in the Strategy can be divided into three groups: the management and sharing of mineral information, international cooperation and influence, and the development of sustainability and competence,” says Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director General of GTK who chaired the steering group for strategy preparation.

GTK produces and shares comprehensive information on Finland’s mineral resources, their exploitation potential and the environmental impacts and risks of mining. The strategy entrusted GTK with scenario planning for future technologies and raw material needs to anticipate and prepare for future challenges.

“We have a Mineral Intelligence team of mineral research specialists and a project with the same name is currently under way. The aim is to compile reliable information on the entire mineral sector and its international value chains, trends and relevant technologies,” Tiilikainen says.

“By analysing and evaluating data, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the future of the mineral sector to support decision-making.”

To exert influence internationally, GTK cooperates with key partner countries to promote exports and attract investments and implements EU’s raw material partnerships in Central Asia and Africa. GTK also actively participates in the discussion in key international forums and cooperates with advanced raw materials partners such as Canada, Australia, Norway and Chile.

When it comes to sustainability, GTK promotes the exploitation and recyclability of minerals, more efficient recycling of mining water and the reduction of emissions and waste in mining environments. The technologies and solutions developed by GTK support the clean transition and sustainable raw material management.

Competence is also needed to promote a sustainable mineral sector. This is why the strategy includes establishing a researcher training network in the mineral sector. GTK intends to be closely involved in the future network.

Tiilikainen hopes that the Government’s mid-term policy review session allocates funding for the actions assigned to different parties responsible for the mineral strategy.

“Implementing the Critical Raw Materials Act requires all European countries to invest in the mapping of mineral resources and promoting the use of raw materials derived from extractive waste. Reducing the environmental load is an important consideration in all these,” Tiilikainen states.

Read more about the Mineral Strategy on the website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.