GTK’s Year of 2024: the New Strategy Period Started Strong

2024 was the first year of the new GTK strategy period 2024–2027. Despite the unstable global situation and the challenges posed by government finances, the strategy was launched successfully. Through measures in line with its strategy, GTK was able to anticipate rapidly changing circumstances and expand its operations both in Finland and internationally.

In the field of research and innovation, GTK succeeded in increasing the share of external research funding, and especially funding received through Horizon Europe and the Academy of Finland increased significantly. The key figures for open science and the impact of scientific publications continued to develop.

GTK played a key role in the preparation of the new National Mineral Strategy, and the role of the Geological Survey in the implementation of the European Critical Raw Materials Act was strengthened. GTK joined the PanAfGeo+ project, funded by European Comission, which aims to improve the expertise of African geological survey organisations to promote the sustainable exploitation of minerals. In this package, GTK was assigned the important task of coordinating raw material cooperation of Zambia and Tanzania with the European Union.

GTK’s geoscience information system was reformed. The new system fulfills the needs of customers and geoscientific research better than before and also supports the utilisation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the management of geoscientific datasets.

Investments were made in the well-being of GTK employees and the development of working environments. Office space projects progressed, and special attention was paid to improving the safety culture. The expansion of the Loppi national drill core archive was completed, improving the opportunities for Finnish and international actors to make good use of the research data.

GTK Mintec’s new office and laboratory facilities were completed and opened at the beginning of the year. During the year, a unique research field dedicated to the side streams of the extractive industry was also built in GTK Mintec, and the tailings pond integrated in the infrastructure was elevated and equipped with smart instruments. The planning of a new mineral processing pilot plant began. The reforms will improve GTK Mintec’s status as an internationally unique research entity in the fields of mineral processing and circular economy.

“Despite the exceptionally challenging global and economic situation, GTK continues its strategy period on a strong foundation,” says Samu Valpola, Finance and Management System Director at GTK, and adds:

“Our work is needed more than ever, but at the same time, the government’s financial situation sets hard limits for the development of our operations. We are actively expanding our financial base and aiming to the top of geoscientific research in both Finnish and international operating environments.”

More information
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