Results in a Demanding Operating Environment: GTK’s Year 2025

In 2025, the demand for GTK’s expertise and services increased in a situation where geopolitical uncertainty, intensifying funding competition and growing expectations to support security of supply, clean transition and sustainable growth were further emphasised. The objectives of the strategy period 2024–2027 showed to be on track: GTK’s operations strongly support the strategic needs of Finland and Europe.

GTK’s international operations were strengthened. Long-term cooperation with the EU and African and Central Asian countries continued to be fruitful. GTK coordinated the country window projects in Zambia and Tanzania launched under the EU Partnership Programme and participated in projects in Uganda, Namibia and South Africa. In Central Asia, GTK led an extensive cooperation package with five countries. GTK launched a pillar assessment process with the European Commission, which, when completed, will open new opportunities for GTK and Finland to cooperate both in the EU and its partner countries.

In 2025, GTK’s scientific activities clearly exceeded the target level with 152 completed peer-reviewed publications. The promotion of open science was in focus, and GTK signed the Declaration on Open Science and Research for 2025–2030.

The technical renewal of the geoscience information system was completed, and the focus shifted to the development of data content and data distribution. GTK’s geospatial data resources and services are internationally top-notch and support investments, research and decision-making extensively.

GTK’s customer operations developed. The customer satisfaction index rose to 85 and the willingness to recommend (NPS) to 60. Income from chargeable activities increased from the previous year, and income financing exceeded the level of EUR 20 million for the third consecutive year.

The development of GTK Mintec’s research infrastructure progressed actively. The planning of the new pilot plant has begun, and the confirmed funding will enable the project to proceed on schedule. Construction is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026, and the new pilot plant is expected to be operational in 2029.

The financial result exceeded the previous year, which is a significant achievement considering the challenges of the operating environment. Improving productivity will continue to be the main focus in order to compensate for the declining state budget funding and to implement a significant investment package.

GTK has played a key role in the implementation of the National Minerals Strategy of Finland. During the year, a national exploration programme in accordance with the EU Regulation on Critical Raw Materials was completed, which strengthened GTK’s position as an expert in mineral raw materials.  If implemented, the exploration programme will be a significant factor in securing investments and the availability of raw materials. The full implementation of the exploration programme requires a clear investment in funding, which will again be sought from the second supplementary budget for 2026.

In addition to the availability of raw materials, energy, water and environmental issues were highlighted in 2025. The information needs for clean energy production and storage increased, even though the uncertain operating environment restrained investments. At the same time, the need for sustainable water management solutions in the mining industry and the circular economy increased.

The results are based on skilled and committed personnel. As the competition for experts intensified, GTK invested in well-being at work, occupational safety and opportunities to carry out high-quality research and expert work. The work culture was developed in a goal-oriented manner: in 2025, investments were specially made in competence development, career paths and support for supervisory work. GTK also continued to renew its work environments and operating methods to ensure that work supports smooth everyday life, cooperation and human-focused working life in a changing operating environment.

“GTK is well positioned to meet the challenges of the coming years,” says Samu Valpola, GTK’s Director of Finance and Operating Systems.

“Increasing international competition, security of supply requirements and the need for a clean transition further emphasise GTK’s role. Success will continue to require high-quality research, competence development and stability in the operating environment,” Valpola says.

Lisätiedot

Geological Survey of Finland’s Financial Statement (in Finnish, pdf)

Samu Valpola, Director, Finance and Operating System
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
samu.valpola@gtk.fi