VISION 2050
Finland is a global leader in the sustainable utilisation of mineral resources
and the minerals sector is one of the key foundations of the Finnish national economy.
The significance of minerals
“Material well-being requires the use of minerals – anything you can’t grow,
you have to dig from the ground.”
Minerals sector technologies and services
“Regardless of the location of an underground mine, 70–90% of the technology
required by the mine originates from Finland and Sweden.”
Global challenges
“Population growth, higher living standards and technology
development
require more extensive and diverse mining activity.”
Natural stone industry
“Raw materials extracted in Finland are also refined in Finland.”
The Finnish minerals sector
“Diversity in the minerals sector offers competitive advantage for Finland.”
The minerals sector as an opportunity for Finland
“Changes in the global raw material sector represent a major opportunity
for Finland.”
Action proposals
Suomen mineraalialan kehittämiseksi suositellut toimenpideehdotukset perustuvat taustaselvityksiin ja strategiaprosessissa asiantuntijoiden esille nostamiin tärkeimpiin kehittämistarpeisiin. Suosituksen yhteyteen on listattu keskeiset vastuutahot.
Strengthening minerals policy
1. The significance, growth potential and risks pertaining to the minerals sector should be recognized by the Finnish government and actively included within government policy programmes and parliamentary policy agenda. Minerals policy objectives are to be clearly defined and a stable, competitive operating environment is to be secured for the sector. The Ministry of Employment and the Economy strengthens its role as a key facilitator for the minerals sector. An expert working group is appointed to develop policy alternatives and to monitor implementation of the objectives. (TEM)
2. Finland assumes a visible role in implementing the objectives of the EU’s Raw Material Initiative and in establishing a minerals policy in cooperation with Sweden and other mining countries in the EU area. Priority is placed on the utilisation of mineral resources within the EU area. An additional focus is on promoting good governance and infrastructure related to the utilisation of the mineral resources of developing countries. (TEM, UM, YM, GTK)
3. Improve the minerals sector’s financing opportunities and increase Finnish ownership. Institutional investors and the government have a key role in this area by through continuing public support for infrastructure investments and through lending and loan guarantees for mine investments. (TEM, Finnvera plc, Finnish Industry Investment Ltd, investors, financing institutions)
4. Investigate the potential of using tax incentives to promote exploration for natural resources and for efficient use of resources. Establish whether state ownership is appropriate and beneficial with respect to sustainable and efficient utilisation of mineral resources. (VNK, VM, TEM)
Securing the supply of raw materials
5. Compilation, interpretation and distribution of diverse geoscientific and environmental data are further enhanced, in order to promote sustainable utilisation of mineral resources and maintain their supply security. (TEM, YM, GTK)
6. Permit processing times are significantly reduced and permitting procedures are refined. This is to be achieved in part by improved cooperation between different authorities and by arranging joint hearings in the event of appeals being lodged against applications. (TEM, YM, Tukes, AVI, municipalities, businesses)
7. The supply and sustainable utilisation of mineral resources are regarded as integral to land use planning. Ensuring the adequate supply of aggregates to expanding urban centres should be a priority area in regional and local government land use planning processes. Impediments to the recycling of aggregates are eliminated by developing incentives for recycling and re-use, and through logistic solutions relating to management of stockpiles, rates of consumption data and designation of intermediate storage sites serving multiple municipalities. (YM, regional councils, ELY, GTK, VTT, SYKE)
Reducing the environment impact of the minerals sector and increasing its productivity
8. The material and energy efficiency of machinery, equipment and processing technologies within the minerals sector are further improved. Incentives are created for the recycling and re-use of stockpiled waste materials, tailings, mineral products and earth materials associated with construction industries. Encourage the presentation of an annual award for excellence and achievement in resource efficiency. (YM, TEM, Tekes, companies, VTT, GTK, Motiva Oy)
9. Green economy business is promoted through cooperation between the SME sector and research institutes by combining expertise from throughout the entire minerals sector, with skills in risk management, land use planning and good governance. (TEM, YM, companies, universities, Tekes, VTT, GTK, SYKE, Motiva Oy)
10. Establish mechanisms that promote cooperation between local residents, companies and the regulatory authorities to ensure sustainable well-being of individuals and communities throughout the entire life-cycle of mining activity. (TEM, YM, companies, ELY, AVI, municipalities, civic organisations)
Strengthening R&D operations and expertise
11. Establish a research programme under the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), aimed at developing innovative solutions, products and services in all areas of the mineral utilisation chain. (TEM, YM, Tekes, Finnish Minerals Cluster, GTK, VTT, universities)
12. Account for the minerals sector in the education administration’s long-term planning, and the significance of metals, minerals and rock materials in everyday life is emphasised as part of environmental education at different educational levels. Teaching resources are reinforced in university training and research funding is ensured for leading research at the international level in selected fields. Specialized training programmes at universities of applied sciences, and technical trade schools are structured to meet future needs. (OKM, SA, universities, research institutes, schools, companies)
The organizations and agencies relevant to implementing recommendations are: AVI= Regional State Administrative Agencies, ELY= Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, GTK=Geological Survey of Finland, OKM= Ministry of Education and Culture, SA= Academy of Finland, Syke= Finnish Environment Institute, Tekes=Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, TEM= Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Tukes= Safety Technology Authority, UM= Ministry for Foreign Affairs, VM= Ministry of Finance, VNK= Prime Minister’s Office, VTT= Technical Research Centre of Finland, YM= Ministry of the Environment.
