The New Facilities of GTK Mintec Boost Circular Economy

The new laboratory and office building is part of the broader development of GTK Mintec, which will renew its operations and premises. The reforms promote clean transition and the circular economy.

GTK Mintec studies and tests the beneficiation of minerals and mineral-based materials, as well as the recyclability of side streams. The aim is to recover valuable materials from raw materials more efficiently, as well as to reduce the amount of materials difficult to utilise.

The new premises have been developed by Senate Properties. The premises were opened for use by Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman, on 11 June 2024 in Outokumpu.

“The global demand for minerals is unprecedented. In recent years, we have also become aware of the vulnerability of global supply chains. Investing in our own mineral expertise is extremely important from the national perspective. GTK Mintec represents the world’s absolute top in its field,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman.

The modern facilities include three laboratories, chemistry automation, laboratory crushing station and new high-tech research equipment. In addition, the office premises have been renovated. The management of tailings will be improved with a smart field-testing platform and concept to be introduced.

As a further step in the reforms that have now been carried out, GTK is planning the modernisation of the GTK Mintec pilot plant, as well as the expansion of research and development capacity. The recent regulation on critical raw materials further strengthens the significance of GTK Mintec.

“The need for raw material research, processing, beneficiation and recyclability is growing. GTK Mintec offers expertise and premises for this. It would be important to enable the reformation of the pilot plant by ensuring the required investment funding,” says Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director General, GTK.

GTK Mintec’s customers are companies around the world, and it has an extensive partner network. One of the partners is Metso Corporation.

“For Metso, it is important that together with GTK Mintec, we can provide our customers around the world with unbiased research information on integrated solutions for minerals processing and metals refining,” says Markku Teräsvasara, President, Minerals and Deputy CEO, Metso Corporation

GTK Mintec plays a key role in the Outokumpu Mining Hub and is active in the North Karelia scientific community.

GTK Mintec in short

• Outokumpu-based research infrastructure for the mineral and circular economy sector
• A unique laboratory of mineralogy and beneficiation technology in Europe and a pilot-scale pilot plant for mineral processing
• Approximately 50 employees

Further information

Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director General
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
kimmo.tiilikainen@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 2200

Media contacts:
Kati Kiviniemi,
Communications Manager
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
kati.kiviniemi@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 0077