2020 Better. More efficient. More advanced. More discerning.
Keminmaa Central Workshop, Finland
Contents Greetings from management
3
Tapojärvi in short
4
Operational activities
5
Research and development
6
Continuous improvement
8
Safety 10 Finances 14 Informed leadership
17
Staff 18 Sales and development
21
Hannukainen Mining Oy
22
Interest group collaboration and social responsibility
24
Our work is made significant by our responsibility for quality, the environment and the future.
the best results are achieved together 2020 has been quite the year: our 65th anniversary and the coronavirus pandemic in one package. Slag transport operations in Terni launched in February 2020 – just as the coronavirus pandemic broke out in Italy. In April, as the worst of the pandemic was hitting Finland and Sweden, we opened new worksites in Gällivare and Kevitsa.
celebrate our 65th anniversary, but the pandemic limited us to a live-streamed innovation competition in which students from the University of Oulu pitted their future slag product applications against
hard to keep operations going in such a
each other for a €10,000 first-place prize.
a constantly changing pandemic. Great work, everyone!
CEO (acting), Tapojärvi Oy CEO, Tapojärvi Sverige Ab CEO, Hannukainen Mining Oy
We had hoped to put on a larger event to
It must be said that we have had to work difficult situation that has been rocked by
MARI PILVENTÖ
years with great interest.
Based on the feedback of the panel of judges and the large audience who watched the stream, the event proved
If anything proves that we genuinely care
successful enough that we intend to
about each other, it’s this. I am extremely
repeat it this year and hopefully include
proud of our responsible staff.
other universities as well.
My humblest thanks go out to all of you,
Innovation has become a prerequisite for
as well as to our customers and partners
us. The planet needs our contribution,
who share our values and vision of corpo-
which means that bringing different side
rate responsibility.
streams, types of slag and industries
Speaking of responsibility, we are currently in the process of reducing Tapojärvi’s
together and searching for comprehensive ways to utilise them is important.
carbon footprint. Environmental respon-
At Tapojärvi, we strive for continuous
sibility is important and, these days, it is a
improvement in everyone’s work and
basic responsibility for a company of our
also put great emphasis on caring for the
size.
environment. These two things walk hand
I will be following our results and the new
in hand towards the same goal.
objectives we set in this area for coming
65
years
our anniversary year and the pandemic will be remembered 3
Our services are based on our experience, expertise and values.
Tapojärvi companies Tapojärvi is an international specialist in mining and plant services and a developer of circular economies. We work in the industry so that we can produce services and raw materials for the needs of modern society. Our process saves natural resources because it does not produce landfill and significantly reduces the need to produce aggregates from virgin materials. We respond to the challenges of industry with innovative and cost-effective solutions that are always designed on a customer-by-customer basis. The Tapojärvi company’s core competencies are mining and
We are known as a forerunner in the field of industrial circu-
plant services, as well as circular economy solutions. Seven
lar economies whose services reduce strain on the environ-
companies are included, of which Tapojärvi Oy, Tapojärvi
ment and preserve natural resources.
Italia S.r.l, Tapojärvi Sverige Ab and Hannukainen Mining Oy
We are a family business from Northern Finland that is al-
are part of the Group.
ready being manned by the family’s third generation.
Mining services
industrial circular economies
technology
We have decades of experience in delivering mining services, both underground and in open-pit mines. We operate as an integral part of production at several mines. We carry out continuous research and development to advance the fields of mining and industry. We are currently applying for permission to establish a multi-metal mine in Kolari, Finland.
Tapojärvi offers solutions for recycling industrial by-products and materials that would otherwise be dumped. Our wideranging production expertise is also evident in our plant services, material processing and industrial and transport services. We are part of the production process in steel mills.
We use modern, efficient and cost-effective technology. When equipment and machinery is in good condition, employees also have a more comfortable, clean and ergonomic work experience. Our maintenance organisation is located close to our customers at all our production locations.
4
Tapojärvi produces mining services in
€3–5 million in research and development
Finland at Outokumpu’s Kemi mine, the
in the sector.
Kevitsa mine in Sodankylä, Sotkamo Silver’s mine in Kainuu and Agnico Eagle’s gold mine in Kittilä and is organising an alliance set to begin in 2022 with Yara Siilinjärvi’s mining services. Spring 2020 also saw the beginning of a multi-year service contract at LKAB’s Malmberget mine in Sweden. MARTTI KAIKKONEN COO, Tapojärvi Oy COO, Tapojärvi Sverige Ab CEO, Tapojärvi Italia S.r.l
Last year, Tapojärvi launched the Eco Innovation Research Center (EIRC) project, which develops new ways of reducing natural resource consumption and slowing climate change. The purpose of the EIRC is to conduct continuous development work to prevent useable industrial side streams from
In addition to mining services, Tapojärvi
becoming landfill and allowing for them
operates at steel mills in Raahe and Tornio
to be processed further and valorised into
and at Acciai Speciali Terni’s factory in
commercial products.
Italy. The company has ferrochrome and refined steel valorisation plants in Tornio. Our third valorisation plant was completed in Italy in autumn 2021. Tapojärvi has a number of ongoing development projects in cooperation with our customers. Our strategic goals include circular economy solutions and their development. Each year, Tapojärvi invests
Tapojärvi also owns Hannukainen Mining, which is planning to recommence mining operations in Kolari. Open collaboration, concentration of expertise and striving for the best possible quality can always be seen in the result – in the customer’s and Tapojärvi’s shared goals.
Tapojärvi’s excellent reputation comes from how we work.
values: safety
competence
Our operations are well planned, forwardlooking and safe.
All functions are performed on time and without errors. We keep our promises.
efficiency
profitability
A new breed of innovation is a major contributor to our efficiency.
Our profitability only improves with the profitability of our customers.
5
The development of mining technology and circular economies are at the centre of the production of our services
We create new solutions for sustainable living
Sales and development Tapojärvi has its own research and development team that responds to our partners’ development needs, creates new products and services, considers sustainable and efficient operating modes and generates cost savings for our customers. New circular economy solutions reduce strain on the environment and save natural resources.
towards new business Sustainable production and recycling are a major contributor to our efficiency. In addition to day-to-day production, Tapojärvi also conducts continuous research and development in order to create new kinds of mining and circular economy innovations to benefit society and the environment.
ECO INNOVATION RESEARCH CENTER The EIRC enables us to carry out laboratory and pilot-scale testing and experimentation for industrial applications.
The EIRC is Tapojärvi’s planned innovation and research body that will utilise international expertise to develop new ways of saving natural resources, utilizing industrial side streams and slowing climate change.
Publicly funded research and development projects • Project plan for fully evaluating the feasibility of a pre-commercial plant investment for the processing of waste
WEEE recovery plant Our new waste electrical and electronic equipment recovery plant removes harmful chemicals and collects critical materials.
electrical and electronic equipment,
Tapojärvi, Alva and Elker have developed a new innova-
Business Finland, 1 August 2020 – 31
tion that improves the recycling of materials and helps
December 2021
counter climate change. The WEEE recovery plant has low
• Closurematic, Hannukainen Mining, European Institute of Innovation & Technology, 1 January 2018 – 31 December 2021 • Eco Innovation Research Center, Finnish
energy consumption and a small carbon footprint. The processing capacity of the commercial recovery plant will be one fifth of all PCB waste in Europe. The plant’s potential annual turnover is estimated at €700 million.
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, 15 October 2020 – 30 June 2022
GEOPOLYMERS
• Dig_IT, Horizon, 1 May 2020 – 30 April 2024
We have patented a geopolymer compound that allows us to construct compact, reliable and durable sealing structures in mines’ waste areas.
• Mineco, ERAMIN-2, 27 October 2020 – 26
The product is currently being tested at various mines.
January 2023
The geopolymer structure layer has worked well. No
• High-Value Slag-Based Hydrometallurgical Modular pilot plant, Business Finland, 10 September 2018 – 30 September 2022
weathering or deformations, such as cracks or shrinkage, have occurred in the structure. Geopolymers have proven to be a functional solution that is well-suited to arctic conditions in comparison to more traditional structures.
Tapojärvi is constantly developing new ways of saving natural resources. Our circular economy solutions can also be applied to new industries.
€3 M
During 2020, 2.9% of our turnover was spent on research and development projects
Keminmaa Central Workshop, Finland. Photograph taken in laboratory conditions before the COVID-19 pandemic.
7
constantly improving In 2020, the focus of development work was on things like production systems and their different functions, as well as on clarifying organisational matters, processes and job specifications. The greatest factor driving us to find
tightens and technology develops
new operating modes, however, has
further, continuous improvement is vital
been avoiding the spread of COVID-19,
for every company. When everyone else
which everyone has experienced at least
is moving forward, staying still means
through wearing masks, washing their
being left behind. This means we need
hands frequently and maintaining social
to keep ourselves moving and polish
distancing. For its own part, working
our operating models bit-by-bit to make
remotely has sped up the adoption of
them safer, more efficient and, conse-
new tools and operating modes, and we
quently, more profitable. The same wis-
will likely be taking home some positive
dom applies on both the organisational
lessons from the experience.
and individual levels.
We should hope so; as competition
At Tapojärvi, continuous improvement is
AKI PEKURI Operations Development Manager
broadly structured into two different types of activity: day-to-day improvement
outcomes safety, efficiency, profitability setting the direction
project-based improvement
day-to-day management
competence 8
day-to-day improvement
day-to-day improvement happens naturally in all the company’s functions and locations and is usually most marked in individual operating modes, working methods and their fine tuning. Day-to-day improvement is fuelled by good ideas, reports, detected deviations and the actions taken in response to them.
SSAB's Raahe steel mill, Finland
everyday management and an attitude that is open to development are the motors driving day-to-day improvement. Without an open attitude and open management, our wheels will not turn.
project-based improvement is focused on broader issues that the company feels are important to emphasise. These issues are identified and selected each year through the company’s management process.
Outokumpu, Tornio plants, refined steel valorisation plant, Finland
setting the direction refers to the company’s management process, which defined about ten development projects for 2021 related to facets such as safety, maintenance, informed leadership, work efficiency and the development of competences.
and project-based improvement. The objective of 2021 is to take a clear step forward towards operational excellence by carrying out specified development projects as planned and adopting new practices to promote day-to-day improvement and make our operations more efficient. The only way to stay competitive and profitable is to never stop improving.
9
A good reputation isn’t built on inaction.
we operate locally, we think globally
safety is our most important value Our operations at Tapojärvi are guided by a welldeveloped safety culture.
for them and develops safety on a daily basis. We develop safety together. It is based on effective
In addition to occupational safety, our safety cul-
orientation, systematic anticipation of risks and
ture includes operational modes that ensure that
careful adherence to safety instructions.
every one of us can return home in good health at the end of the day. Safety culture also includes the way in which the work community understands the risks associated with their field, knows how to plan
10
The Group is guided by the parent company’s values and strategy. Our operating modes and the systems we use are unified across all our companies.
foresight and action In spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world. In response, Tapojärvi established a COVID-19 working group that has met on a weekly basis and planned operational activities in accordance with restrictions and instructions. Through regular communication, foresight and consistent practices, the company has been able to avoid the virus spreading among staff, and it has been possible to continue operational activities despite the pandemic.
everyone has the right and responsibility to look after their own safety and that of others.
11
IS OUR SAFETY VALUE
adopting proactive practices occupational safety has been improved with the help of safety reports When it comes to safety, every action is a message.
Our primary safety meter for recent years has been our Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF). We have successfully reduced the annual number of injuries from over twenty to less than ten. Going forward, reducing injuries further requires everyone to pay even closer attention to safety and take personal responsibility for it. We go over every incident carefully. The injuries suffered in 2020 were preventable. In 2021, we will shift the focus of safety work more and more towards prevention. We will set clear targets for reporting and the measures taken on the basis of those reports. The quality of fifteenminute safety briefings and safety inspections will be improved, and safety measures and reporting will be tracked on the company level on a site-by-site basis. This requires everyone to examine their own attitude towards safety and emphasise it. These factors will also be reported on systematically as we go forward.
pre-start checks are always performed at the start of a new shift Outokumpu’s Kemi mine, Finland
12
TRIF
LTI
LTIF
0 0
1 0,92
1 1,26
2 1,81
5
4 3,75
6
5,87
7,57
10 9,07
19 17,83
20 18,35
Tapaturmat
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
TRI Total Recordable Injuries (TRI=LTI + MTI + RWI/RWI2) LTI Lost Time Injury (min. 1 day lost) MTI Medical Treatment Injury, FAI First Aid Injury RWI Restricted Work Injury
1
fifteen-minute safety briefing Work sites’ fifteen-minute safety briefings cover situations and events that have occurred. After the briefing, staff sign off to indicate they understand the seriousness of the situation and the measures to be taken to prevent such a situation from arising again. The briefings also inform staff about changes and deviations and introduce them to the occupational safety team’s theme of the month. Fifteen-minute safety briefings are mandatory at every site.
2
SAFETY FLASH bulletins An initial notice and investigation notice will be published for every serious safety incident, FAI and occupational accident. The purpose of Safety Flash bulletins is to explain what happened, how follow-up measures are progressing and what kind of corrective measures need to be taken to prevent a similar situation for occurring again.
3
occupational safety coordinator activities Every plant has occupational safety coordinators who are responsible for communication regarding safety matters. Their duties also include promoting and ensuring the function of the plant’s preventative safety work.
4
monitoring Plants’ safety measures are monitored on a monthly basis. The meters we use for monitoring are TRIF, reports, safety inspections, safety briefings and other safety measures, as well as the SAF frequency, which describes the number of these.
the company has solid financial and material resources
2020 – the year of internationalisation EIJA KANGAS Group Accounting Manager Tapojärvi companies
The development of the company’s business activities continued according to the 2020 strategy. The Group’s turnover totalled €103.5 million. The growth in our turnover came mostly from abroad. From a financial perspective, the year has been one of internationalisation for us. Slag transport activities in Italy were launched in February 2020, which means that some of the planned business activities are already up and running. Investments in Italy continue, as the valorisation plant under construction is set to become operatio-
Tapojärvi Oy
Tapojarvi Italia S.r.l
Tapojärvi Sverige Ab
Hannukainen Mining Oy
nal in autumn 2021. In Sweden, operations at the Gällivare mine began in April 2020, and work at Kevitsa in Sodankylä commenced around the same time. The Kylylahti mine, on the other hand, closed its doors towards
progressed, though not to the schedule the company had hoped.
the end of the year.
2020 and 2021 are shaping up to be the years in which the
Although the growth in our turnover has been
company makes its largest investments to date. The Group’s total
significant, that alone is not enough to guarantee
investments in 2020 were €34.6 million.
profitable business activities – we need to ensure
For the coming year, we expect investments to grow to nearly
our profitability every day.
twice that. Some of these investments will be replacement
Hannukainen Mining Oy’s gold, copper and iron
investments as current work continues. The largest single
mining project in Kolari was actively prepared for
investment will be in Yara’s Siilinjärvi plant launching in January
and developed throughout the financial period.
2022.
Key permit applications, environmental permits
From a financial perspective, Tapojärvi is ready to meet the chal-
and the process of mapping the mine area have
lenges of investments and internationalisation.
SSAB’s steel mill, Raahe, Finland
€84.1 M
The company’s business development continued in good health over the course of the past financial period. The market and demand for mining services, factory services and industrial circular economy services grew both domestically and abroad. The Group's turnover was €103.5 million, profit adjusted for non-recurring items was €5.6 million and equity ratio was 47.5 %.
€103.5 M
turnover €100 M €90 M €80 M €70 M €60 M €50 M €40 M €30 M €20 M
group’s profit adjusted for nonrecurring items was €5.6 million.
equity ratio The company's business prospects are stable. The market trends in our business areas are positive, and as a result, we see opportunities for our business to grow. Our work is contractbased, and we have a steady long-term portfolio of contracts.
€10 M 2019
47.5% 56.1%
53.4%
2019
2018
INVESTMENTS
The investments made during the financial period were normal replacement investments and reinvestments. In total, the Group’s investments totalled €34.6 million.
€35 M
€30 M
€25 M
2020
€34.6 M
€20 M
€15 M
€10 M
€5 M
€0
The slag treatment plant under construction in Italy is expected to be completed in autumn 2021.
Tapojärvi pays, collects, accounts for and reports taxes it is directly or indirectly responsible for to the correct amount, at the correct time and in the correct place – where the income-generating economic activity, appreciation and work take place. Tapojärvi's operations are managed on the basis of business criteria that are not dependent on taxation.
5,006,491
taxes paid 6,000,000
2,000,000 1,000,000
parent company's tax footprint
Corporation tax
The company’s tax footprint is the tax income and related income society gains from its operations.
68,177
4,000,000 3,000,000
12,979
5,000,000 1,530,083
Property tax
Employer’s contributions
Vehicle tax
taxes collected 9,000,000 8,000,000
Ethical financial principles:
7,000,000 6,000,000
8,836,399
10,000,000 8,261,270
5,000,000
Committing to responsible activities is a central pillar of Tapojärvi’s day-to-day operations. Our work is guided by Tapojärvi’s strategy and values, the national laws of the countries we operate in, as well as regulations and recommendations. Our practical work is also guided by human rights principles, anti-corruption policy, personnel policy and environmental policy.
4,000,000 3,000,000
371,456
€17.5 M
responsible tax policy
2,000,000 1,000,000 Value-added tax
We strive to surpass all requirements set by the law, regulations and practices in our business activities.
Turnover FORECAST
Tax withheld in advance, tax at the source
Health insurance contributions
modern solutions, sustainable innovations Responsible production processes
€103.5 M
Responsible work community Responsible BUSINESS ACTIVITIES values and operating principles 2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
Turnover is expected to rise as AST Terni and Yara Siilinjärvi’s production spin up to full output alongside contracts that are already generating revenue. By creating new technology, business activities and services for industry, we ensure our long-term profitability. Our profitability only improves with the profitability of our customers.
16
Monitoring tools support decision-making
informed leadership supporting business activities In November 2020, we started the Informed Leadership development project, the purpose of which is to combine available data and analytics to support decision-making. Every company is constantly collecting
sions. Monitoring might display informa-
research, and this also holds true when
an enormous amount of data through
tion about safety, finances, efficiency,
it comes to a company’s operational
various means. Quickly structuring
staff and, for example, equipment
activities and management, as current,
collected information into a readable
maintenance.
correct and sufficient information cre-
format and effectively utilising it in the company’s decision making is a vital factor in the company’s efficiency and profitability.
Towards the end of 2020, we were able to specify the project’s scope, schedule,
ates a solid basis for decision-making within a company.
resources, targets and outputs and define user requirements relating to safety.
In November 2020, we launched the
Safety was a natural choice to focus on
Informed Leadership development proj-
for the first part of the project. The com-
ect aimed at putting together financial,
pleted safety monitoring instruments for
production, safety and other information
different interest groups were adopted
by producing clear and easily usable
in March 2021. After this, the project
monitoring tools for different interest
focused on defining user requirements
groups throughout the organisation.
for the purposes of maintenance.
In practice, staff groups are given a
In Finland, 2021 is the Year of Research-
digital desktop tailored to their roles on
Based Knowledge – a theme that fits
JARNO MÄKINEN
which they can find all the monitoring
excellently with our ongoing project. It
information they need to make deci-
is said that there is always demand for
Business Developer Tapojärvi companies
17
Outokumpu’s Tornio plants, Finland
A place for experts in the field, attracting the best talent there is.
our staff ensure competence “We want to ensure our staff are motivated and committed. Safety, customer and solution-orientedness, a culture of action and constant development of expertise are central to what we do.”
+31% increase in the number of staff employed by the Group in 2020
JANNE ALATALO CAO Tapojärvi companies
To succeed, profitable operations
is challenging given our contracts
require a sufficiently large and
are fixed term and we often need
skilled staff. Human resources need
to react to changing staff numbers
to develop in tandem with the rest
quite quickly.
of the organisation. To ensure the
€31.2 M paid wages, salaries and bonuses
best possible service and knowhow, expertise must be developed systematically and continuously to meet the operating environment’s requirements and adapt to changes in it.
fierce, which means a good personnel policy, employer image and proactive collaboration with interest groups play an important role in ensuring the required workforce is always available. We offer staff
Tapojärvi’s staff is all its own – we
long careers with opportunities to
want to ensure we have the best ex-
advance and develop their skillsets.
pertise available. Recruitment must be efficient and forward-looking. The sort of expertise we need is determined well in advance in cooperation with the worksite.
Tapojärvi is open to remote working and e-working. Remote working is only available to clerical staff, as other roles require employees to be physically present at the worksite.
Competition for skilled employees is
A good work community and atmosphere are extremely important. Improving the overall expertise of the organisation requires our staff to work well together towards a com-
Varied operations involving mining
mon goal. This means staff members
and industrial processes offer roles
learn from each other and expertise
for professionals from a range of dif-
is shared openly. This is the kind of
ferent fields. We strive to anticipate
work environment in which people
our future personnel requirements
feel like they can ask questions and
as accurately as possible, which
get help when they need it.
the group already employs
646 staff
Employees by company and occupational group TAPOJÄRVI OY
TAPOJÄRVI SVERIGE AB
TAPOJÄRVI ITALIA S.R.L
HANNUKAINEN MINING OY
TOTAL
3
20*
5
79
MANAGEMENT
17
CLERICAL STAFF
64
3
7
SUPERVISORS
40
2
6
48
OTHER EMPLOYEES
424
35
43
502
TOTAL
545
40
56
8
649*
*Three managers are included in two different categories.
average age
37 years
form of employment
employment duration
86%
Less than 1 year
permanently employed
1–5 years
19%
43%
38%
5–10 years
14%
over 10 years
gender distribution
equality
A clear majority of the Group's employees are men. The overwhelming male majority is largely explained by the nature of the sector and the work, which leads to significantly more men seeking careers in it than women.
At Tapojärvi, equality means that people are judged based on their actions. How employees conduct themselves in their work and how they treat others is important.
93% 7%
19
AST’s steel mill, Terni, Italy
In spring 2020, COO Martti Kaikkonen held a safety briefing for the employees in Terni, Italy, in which each employee was given a briefing card. The pocket-sized instructional card summarised the most important preventative safety instructions.
safety means returning home healthy at the end of the day During 2020, safety briefing cards were adopted at all of Tapojärvi’s sites.
We are constantly working to ensure we are an open and encouraging workplace that appreciates the work of all its personnel and a place where people can make a difference.
Many of our staff also come together in their free time to enjoy a number of different team sports. Tapojärvi’s ice hockey team won the light-hearted Koo Cup tournament in 2021.
working ability Each employee’s ability to work is supported according to the action plans of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and occupational health care, as well as the early support model. These include principles governing things like monitoring occupational health checks, absences due to illness and working conditions. The goal of occupational health care is to promote the health and working ability of employees, as well as the safety and health conditions of workplaces. Tapojärvi supports its employees in independently maintaining their ability to work and function in day-to-day life by, for example, providing various exercise services. Training is provided to support employees in their ability to cope and maintain their professional skills. The special needs of employees of different ages are taken into account in order to ensure sufficient human resources and professional expertise. The goal is to develop practices that can ensure that employees of all ages have the energy they need to do their work and that enable us to make the best use of the different work and life experiences, knowledge and skills that employees of different ages have. In the case of older employees, particular emphasis may be placed on health checks that let us know what their current ability to work is. Where necessary, the frequency of health checks can be increased.
training The competence and development of staff are central to
in January 2020. The training package included seven
achieving the company’s goals. We start evaluating the
classroom days, and the target group was centred
competence and training needs of employees as early as the
around new managers/supervisors. The goal was to
recruitment stage and put particular focus on those needs
develop the participants’ managerial preparedness
during orientation and instruction in the early stages of the
and skills in accordance with Tapojärvi’s objectives.
employment relationship. Competency and training needs are also kept in mind throughout the whole duration of the employment relationship, particularly when the employee’s work location or role changes or when working procedures are changed.
When the pandemic situation allowed, staff also took part in various training events supporting professional skills organised by third parties, as well as training events organised by customers.
In December 2020, we launched a workplace training
Training/course
programme in which loading and transport staff had the
Occupational safety card training
69
opportunity to receive mining training and qualify as mining
Hot work licence training
56
professionals and fitters. The training was related to mining
Talent Tapojärvi training
13
Apprenticeships
19
On-the-job training
8
service cooperation negotiations that concluded in October. The Talent Tapojärvi manager training programme launched
Employees
21
Old Rautavaara mine area, Kolari, Finland
sustainable The Hannukainen metal deposit will be exploited sustainably. In 2020, we looked for better solutions to minimise the effect of mining activities on bodies of water.
rich bedrock:
fe, cu, au
The Hannukainen mine enable industrial raw materials and
Over the course of 2020, we have further improved water treatment and reduced strain on the environment. In addition to improving our water treatment process, we have modified our water management plan. The improved plans also take into account the combined effects of mines on the Muonio river. The quality of our low-sulphur tailings
the construction of the new pools, the
These go into the clean water storage
has been improved by moving part of
Hannukainen mine will have two pools
pool and, from there, into a balancing
the tailings from sulphur extraction to
for water that needs to be treated and
basin to be either drained into the
a high-sulphur tailings pond. Addition-
one for clean water. This will increase
Muonio river or used as raw water for the
ally, sediment formed during water
the pool capacity at the mine by one mil-
valorisation plant. The aqueous fractions
treatment is deposited in high-sulphur
lion cubic metres, making it 50% greater
are separated and drained into either the
tailings ponds, as these ponds have the
than the previous capacity.
treatment or clean water pools, depend-
appropriate structures for depositing the waste in question. This method allows us to reduce the environmental impact of low-sulphur tailings ponds.
Water that requires treatment comes
ing on their quality.
from acid-producing gangue areas and
According to the assessments per-
the open-pit mine. It is drained into the
formed, the effects of operations at the
pools allocated to water that requires
Hannukainen mine during the length
New water treatment pools have been
treatment and, from there, it is trans-
of its operation are not expected to
built at the Hannukainen mine. The pur-
ported to Rautuvaara for treatment.
weaken the ecological state of the water
pose is to separate the water produced at the mine into clean water and water that requires treatment in order to optimise the water treatment process. With
Some of the aqueous fractions that form in the area, on the other hand, are very
bodies into which water from the mine is drained.
similar to natural water in composition.
We want to create the world’s cleanest metal mine. everything will be done to minimise environmental impacts.
22
mining project results of the interest group survey and regional economic assessment conducted in 2020:
64%
€9,644 M 1,175
of Kolari residents support the mine
total turnover
new jobs throughout the value chain
es Finland to be self-sufficient when it comes to d strengthens European security of supply.
local business, deeply rooted in Lapland The purpose of the mine that is being reopened is to create full-time permanent jobs and diversify economic support services in Lapland for at least the next twenty years.
Effects on water after the mine’s closure are being modelled
mining patent under reconsideration
Clarification of environmental and water permit application
On 1 April 2020, the Administrative Court
Hannukainen Mining decided to rewrite
Models of the mine’s effects after mining
of Northern Finland overturned the
the environmental and water permit
operations have ceased were created
mining patent granted by the Finnish
application so that interested parties
in 2013 but are now insufficient and do
Safety and Chemicals Agency and placed
and authorities will have a clearer case
not reflect current plans. For example,
it under reconsideration due to factors
to process. Outdated information and
no assessment of ecological effects was
such as shortcomings in the hearing of
documents are being removed from the
carried out. The post-closure effects
interested parties and for the purpose of
application, which will be resubmitted.
of the Hannukainen mine on water
supplementing the permits.
bodies and groundwater are currently being assessed. Some parts of the plans for the Hannukainen mine have been changed, such as capping structures. An assessment of the comprehensive environmental effects of these measures is underway.
The overall schedule of the Hannukainen
Due to the transitional provisions of the
mine project is not expected to change
new Mining Act, the permit matter under
significantly due to the court’s decision.
reconsideration will be processed and
According to estimates, construction
settled entirely as a mining permit under
work at the mine will commence in 2023.
the new act and the provisions of current mining legislation.
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We are responsible for the whole value chain Corporate responsibility activities in Tapojärvi's operations cover the entire value chain: safe working conditions, responsible supply chains, wellbeing of employees and society, working with interest groups and minimising environmental impacts.
Total of €82,000 for the wellbeing of children and young people Every year, Tapojärvi supports sports and hobby activities for children and young people in the areas it operates in. For example, during Christmas, we donated €10,000 to the procurement of sports and hobby equipment for children and young people in Sodankylä and Jällivaara. Additionally, our support has also gone out to local junior sports teams, individual athletes, associations and sports clubs. Tapojärvi values genuine cooperation to protect the local environment, promote safety and help people. Pictured are young people from Sodankylä, whose hobby space has just received new heaters so that activities can continue – even on the coldest of winter days.
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