GTK Published Best Practices for Assessing the Raw Material Potential of Extractive Waste
The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) has released a report compiling best practices and procedures for assessing the raw material potential of extractive waste facilities. The guidance supports Finland’s and the European Union’s efforts to strengthen the availability of critical raw materials and promote the circular economy in a situation where the need for sustainable use of non-renewable natural resources is growing.
The guidance is based on GTK’s extensive experience over the past decade in investigating closed extractive waste sites. The methodology supports the requirements of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), particularly Article 27, which obliges Member States to assess the occurrence and recovery potential of critical raw materials from extractive waste.
Stepwise procedure for assessing extractive waste sites
The guidance introduces a stepwise approach for evaluating the resource potential of extractive waste and aims to support knowledge sharing and harmonisation of practices. The procedure includes, among other things:
A comprehensive review of existing data, forming the basis for understanding the geological, geochemical and technical background of the waste site.
Surface and depth sampling to assess the three-dimensional structure of the extractive waste, element concentrations, and particle size and density distributions.
- Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures to ensure the reliability of sampling and analysis.
- Analytical methods and beneficiation tests to determine both the concentrations of valuable elements and their processability.
- Preliminary environmental risk assessment, considering factors such as the mobility of harmful substances and potential environmental impacts and benefits of reprocessing.
- Resource potential modelling and application of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC), providing a consistent and transparent way to present the project stage.
The guidance strengthens strategic preparedness in the EU and Finland
GTK’s guidance aims to harmonise research practices for extractive waste sites, particularly in Finland.
The report can also be utilised elsewhere in Europe, and its recommendations support Member States in implementing the national database of closed extractive waste sites required by the CRMA.
In Finland, this task is served by GTK’s RAKKA database, which will be opened for public use in 2026.
The guidance helps identify extractive waste sites with economically viable raw material potential and directs research in a way that meets and partly exceeds the minimum requirements of the CRMA.
The report was prepared as part of the European Union’s NextGenerationEU-funded project Clean Energy System Transition (REPower-CEST).
Further Information
Clean Energy System Transition (REPower-CEST) Project
Mari Kivinen, Senior Researcher
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
mari.kivinen@gtk.fi
Tel: +358 29 503 2414
Janne Hokka, Senior Specialist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
janne.hokka@gtk.fi
Tel: +358 29 503 3009
Teemu Karlsson, Senior Researcher
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
teemu.karlsson@gtk.fi
Tel: +358 29 503 3999
