Regional Report: Finland
Finland the world’s second most attractive location for global mining investments Finland is one of the most attractive locations for global mining investments. In the recent Fraser Institute’s 2019 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Finland came second, right behind Western Australia. Fraser Institute’s annual survey evaluates the attractiveness of different countries and locations for mining investments based on the mineral potential and political factors. Finishing 17th in last year’s survey, Finland returned to the top, being the most attractive country in Europe. In terms of the operating environment, Finland was the best in the world. This was due to Finland’s comprehensive geological datasets, high-quality infrastructure, straightforward laws, and the transparency of the Finnish social system. The geological data produced by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is among the best in the world. “Alongside our stable and good operating environment, comprehensive and continuously updated digital geological datasets have a significant impact on investment decisions”, Niina Ahtonen, head of Information Solutions at GTK, says. The survey shows that traditional mining countries and their most critical regions in terms of mining operations are the most attractive locations for investments. In addition to Finland, the top positions were held by significant mining locations in the USA and Australia.
Towards a diesel-free mine Agnico Eagle Finland’s’ Kittilä mine is strongly committed to zero emissions and the introduction of new technologies. The European Union-funded SIMS project and the related field tests of Epiroc’s battery-powered mining machines turned the eyes of the entire mining world to Kittilä. Now, the mine’s first own battery-powered rigs, two Boltec E Battery bolting units, have started in production. 12 Mining and Tunnelling Technology
It takes courage to be at the forefront of development, but the benefits to be achieved - an improved working environment and a reduced carbon footprint - are considered worthy at the Kittilä mine. “As a whole industry we should strive towards zero emissions, and we are doing a lot for this here in Kittilä,” Tommi Kankkunen, general manager of the Kittilä mine, says. “The benefits with the battery equipment are obvious. First, of course, the reduction of fossil fuels and the reduction of our carbon footprint. But also, the major advancements we have made on safety and health of employees.”
SIMS project Testing of Epiroc’s new generation battery-powered mining equipment in a real mining environment was a part of the European Union-funded SIMS project. The project took place between 2017 and 2020, with the objective of creating smart and environmentally friendly systems for the mining industry. The project involved several mining companies, equipment, and system manufacturers, as well as universities. The test environment for Epiroc’s battery-operated mining equipment was provided by Agnico Eagle Finland’s Kittilä mine. “SIMS was great” André Van Wageningen, manager of technology & development at the Kittilä mine, adds. “It helped us to collaborate with universities and other companies in the mining industry to expand our knowledge and develop new technologies.” Battery-driven rock bolting rigs After the tests, the mine has now purchased its first battery-powered rigs. According to the investment plan, Boltec E rock bolting rigs were selected as the first batterypowered units. The important drivers behind the decision were sustainability of the rigs and the opportunity to create a better work environment. The first bolting rig arrived at the Kittilä mine early November. Another similar bolting unit joined the club a couple of weeks later. According to Jari Kolehmainen, production
