Reformation of GTK Mintec to improve the recycling rate of mining waste
GTK Mintec by the Geological Survey of Finland studies and tests the beneficiation and recyclability of mineral-based materials. The budget proposal for 2025 contains a proposal authorising for the reformation of the GTK Mintec pilot plant.
GTK Mintec in Outokumpu is one of the world’s leading research platforms in mineral processing and circular economy.
‘We are very pleased that we can reform the entire pilot plant. This will give Finland an advantage in achieving necessary objectives related to circular economy,’ says Director General of the Geological Survey of Finland Kimmo Tiilikainen.
Waste, such as slag, waste rock and tailings, is generated in industry and mining. They form a significant part of all waste. According to the latest waste statistics, mineral waste in Finland accounted for approximately 93%, or 102.7 million tonnes, of total waste.
The recycling rate of mining waste is still relatively low but it is increasingly important as part of the objectives of sustainable development and the circular economy. The EU’s goal is to cover at least 25% of the consumption of critical raw materials through recycling by 2030.
‘GTK Mintec has become an even more important player as a result of the recent circular economy objectives set out in the European Critical Raw Materials Act. The aim is to recover valuable materials more efficiently and reduce the amount of material that is difficult to utilise,’ explains Director of Mintec Jouko Nieminen.
GTK Mintec has recently introduced and is introducing state-of-the-art technology.
‘The laboratory which underwent renovations this summer has introduced the chemical analytics automation MintecRobo, and next year, the plan is to build process water research equipment for a water pilot,’ Nieminen continues.
The modern GTK Mintec enables more efficient research into new materials and water recycling. Mintec is currently launching a smart tailings research area SMARTTEST which will enable research into the long-term behaviour of various side streams of industry. It can be utilised by mining companies and companies whose processes generate mineral-based side streams as well as companies that develop products based on side streams.
GTK Mintec’s new laboratory and office facilities were opened earlier this year. The renovation of the pilot plant is the next step in the determined development of the globally unique GTK Mintec and complements the developing research infrastructure. The value of the pilot plant investment is estimated to total EUR 55 million in 2025–2028.
Further information
Jouko Nieminen, Director
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
jouko.nieminen@gtk.fi
tel. 029 503 2180
Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director General
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
kimmo.tiilikainen@gtk.fi
tel. 029 503 2200
