Enhancing Sustainable Raw Material Use: A Collaborative Approach to Developing the Mineral Sector in Eastern and Northern Finland

The global transition towards clean energy, electrification of transport, and sustainable development relies heavily on strategic and critical raw materials. In Europe, increasing self-sufficiency in raw material production has become crucial to securing the industrial foundation for the green transition. Eastern and Northern Finland have intensified collaboration among regional, national, and international actors to promote sustainable raw material use. At the regional level, Mining Hubs spearhead the development of the mineral industry, while Finland’s new mineral strategy is focusing on advancing the mineral and battery cluster, fostering a circular economy, and enabling clean and digital transitions. At the European level, the Critical Raw Materials Act seeks to ensure a secure, diversified, and sustainable supply chain while strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy. 

In this multi-level framework, research and innovation (R&I) and training organizations play a pivotal role in fostering cooperation. Key institutions in Eastern and Northern Finland, including the Geological Survey of Finland, the University of Oulu, and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, have united under the project “Development of the mining sector in Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Kainuu”. A two-year project, launched in September 2024, will promote competence development, R&I innovation, and corporate engagement to strengthen the regional mining sector and its contributions to sustainable development.  To achieve the project's objectives, various workshops will be held, and participation in conferences and events at both national and international levels has been and will be undertaken to develop networks and cooperation. Activities will include, among others, organizing a Super Cluster event to bring together actors and projects from mining sector, alongside the OECD Mining Regions and Cities event in June 2025 in Rovaniemi, Finland.

The project has been part-funded by the European Union Just Transition Fund (JTF) in collaboration with the participating organizations. Total budget is approximately 517 000€ and implementation period from September 2024 to August 2026.