Leadership and Customer Engagement at GTK Mintec

Emmi Heikkilä works as a Laboratory Manager at GTK Mintec, where she is responsible for three laboratories within the unique pilot plant and laboratory complex: the Mineral Processing Laboratory, the Chemical Analytics Laboratory, and the Mineralogy Laboratory.

“We conduct mineral processing tests at laboratory scale. The aim is to separate commercially valuable minerals from ore samples, such as gold-, copper-, or nickel-bearing materials,” Emmi explains.

“The Chemical Analytics and Mineralogy Laboratories provide analytical results that support the mineral processing tests. On the pilot plant side, we can carry out continuous large-scale processing trials.”

GTK Mintec’s clients include mining companies, mineral exploration companies, and businesses developing mining and circular economy technologies.

“Depending on the project, our test work can help clients determine how a mineral processing circuit should be designed or modified.”

In addition to customer projects, GTK Mintec conducts scientific research, including research funded through EU projects. The laboratories are involved in studies that promote the circular economy.

“For example, we investigate mine tailings and slags from the metal industry. This work is important because it helps identify new ways to utilize materials that would otherwise go to waste,” says Emmi.

Emmi’s role combines people management, customer meetings, proposal preparation, and occupational safety responsibilities. She describes working at GTK as both diverse and international.

“No two days are ever the same, and that’s something I really enjoy. We have a great team spirit at GTK Mintec, and we are always ready to help one another,” she says.

Emmi also values the strong support services and comfortable working environment provided by GTK.

One of the highlights of her career has been helping to design GTK Mintec’s new office and laboratory facilities together with her colleagues.

“We put a tremendous amount of work into the planning process. Now we have an excellent new facility that serves both GTK employees and our clients better than ever,” Emmi says proudly.