Hannu Lahtinen appointed Director of Raw Materials Availability and Jouko Nieminen Development Director for GTK Mintec
The new four-year strategy period of the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) will start at the beginning of 2024. The new strategy will strengthen the management of operations by dividing them into two areas of responsibility: the availability of raw materials and the sustainable use of the environment. The development of GTK Mintec is one of the biggest investments in GTK’s history.
Hannu Lahtinen, M.Sc. has been appointed Director of Raw Materials Availability and a member of the Management Team. Hannu Lahtinen has 20 years of experience in the industry. He has been working at the Geological Survey of Finland for over ten years, most recently as Head of Unit, Energy and Construction Solutions. He previously worked in the mining industry, among others.
“There are challenges in the availability of raw materials, which also require the EU to prepare for domestic production, increase recycling rates and secure international supplies. The importance of critical raw materials will continue to grow as we pursue the goals of international climate agreements,” says Hannu Lahtinen.
Hannu Lahtinen will also be responsible for the management of the units in his area. Olli Breilin, M.Sc. will continue as Director, Operative Units.
Jouko Nieminen, M.Sc. has been appointed Development Director for GTK Mintec. Jouko Nieminen has extensive experience in the industry and in management and sales roles. At the Geological Survey of Finland, he has been working as Head of Unit, Circular Economy Solutions since 2018.
Jouko Nieminen will be responsible for the GTK Mintec development project and for strengthening its global market position. GTK Mintec’s new laboratory- and office building will be completed in early 2024. Moreover, GTK plans to modernise the pilot plant and expand research and development capacity.
“GTK Mintec will be developed into Europe’s leading pilot plant for circular economy and mineral processing. Clean energy requires raw materials that are produced as cleanly as possible. By investing in GTK Mintec, we are responding to the needs of society and the future,” says Jouko Nieminen.
Both will take up their duties on 1 January 2024 and will report to Director General Kimmo Tiilikainen.
Further information:
Director General Kimmo Tiilikainen, kimmo.tiilikainen@gtk.fi
interview requests via Eija Laukkanen, Personal Assistant to the Director General, tel. +358 29 503 2201
Geological Survey of Finland: Solutions to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral world
The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) produces impartial and objective research data and services in support of decision-making in industry, academia, and wider society to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral world. GTK employs more than 400 experts specializing in the mineral economy, circular economy, solutions related to energy, water and the environment, as well as digital solutions. GTK is a research institution governed by the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy, operating in Finland and globally.
