Guidelines for Removing the Waste Status and Productising Tailings Finalised
The SETELIT project has gathered guidelines that clarify the process of removing the waste status of tailings and promote their productisation. The aim is to increase the responsible utilisation of mining side streams and support national circular economy objectives.
Mining waste constitutes Finland’s largest waste stream. At the same time, Finland is a key player in the production of critical and strategic raw materials within the EU. This creates pressure to reconcile the goals of circular economy with the growing demand for producing raw materials.
The new guidelines bring together practices related to the classification of mining waste, decision-making, and assessment of material properties, while highlighting the need for improvements in legislation and statistical reporting.
The possibilities for utilising tailings depend on their individual characteristics, and economic feasibility is a prerequisite for suitable applications. The examples presented in the guidelines demonstrate the mining sector’s growing interest in exploiting side streams and finding uses both within and beyond mining areas.
The work also considers changes in the operating environment. The new Finnish Supervisory Agency, starting in early 2026, and the forthcoming Circular Economy Act aim to streamline processes and enable efficient material utilisation.
The guidelines were prepared as part of the EU co-funded SETELIT project, which developed methods for adding value and productising secondary industrial streams. The project was implemented by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and Savonia University of Applied Sciences. Industry partners included Agnico Eagle Finland Oy, Yara Suomi Oy, LKAB Minerals Oy, Alva Oy, Sika Finland Oy, Fatec Oy, Fescon Oy and Sibelco Nordic Oy.
The project was funded by the implementers, industry partners, and the EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo.
Further Information
EAKR SETELIT – End-of-waste: Guidelines for Productising Tailings report (in Finnish)
From Tailings to Tabletop – Progress in Developing a Low-Carbon, Concrete-Like Product
Heli Kivisaari, Geologist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
Tel. +358 29 503 0189
heli.kivisaari@gtkfi
Rita Kallio, Researcher
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
Tel. +358 29 503 0172
rita.kallio@gtk.fi
