A Value Network for Intelligent Side Stream Management to be Created in Outokumpu
The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) has the ambitious objective turning its reach and test facility GTK Mintec into the world’s best digital mineral processing pilot plant. In this regard, GTK commissioned a value network study on smart management of waste rock, tailings, and the related improvement of water treatment. The value network involved companies operating in mining and circular economy participating in GTK Mintec’s development program.
The study was conducted by Korkia Consulting Oy, together with Business Joensuu and the Outokumpu Industrial Park. In addition to market research other key areas were cooperative activity development and needs assessment together with the target group. During the survey, 12 large companies were interviewed, five of which progressed to an in-depth workshop phase. The end result was a framework combining the expertise of three different large companies with GTK Mintec, responding to the challenges that have arisen in the study.
There is a great need for more efficient utilisation of side streams and more efficient water treatment and recycling. However, companies in the sector are both willing and able to take up the issue. Alongside the green transition, the development of tailings management methods and their test platforms is topical. This was also found in a preliminary study published by the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment July. It identified factors related to the recovery of extractive waste.
The broader scope of the value network project is to create new business opportunities in the Outokumpu Industrial Park and the Joensuu region – either through an entire new company or by or an operating business planning to expand its operations. GTK’s role is to develop the vision of the value network, to provide basic infrastructure and to provide scientific research and certain services in the extractive industries.
“We took a deep dive into the technology and service challenges of the target group, as well as the readiness to network with key players, such as SME. We also took a look at the value networks that will emerge around these challenges,” says GTK’s Business Development Manager Asse Marjasvaara who participated in the project.
In addition to large companies, about ten potential SMEs were identified for the value network. They are able to provide services and solutions for the management of waste rock and tailings. Alongside larger companies, the identified SMEs and the services they provide will be a key part of the value network’s future operations.
Additional information
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Asse Marjasvaara
Business Development Manager, Geological Survey of Finland
asse.marjasvaara@gtk.fi
tel. +358 29 503 5801
