The Mechanical Engineering and Metals Industry Standardization in Finland (METSTA) organized a hybrid event titled Rare Earth Elements and Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities in the Mining Industry on 29 January 2025.
The event began with a keynote by Enrico Borella from CECE Mining, focusing on EU regulatory initiatives specific to mining and the goals of implementing the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). CECE Mining, established in 2024 with a dedicated team in Brussels, monitors EU regulations concerning mining and equipment, with particular interest in CRMA, which entered into force on 23 May 2024. CECE is also involved in raw materials diplomacy and collaborates with DG INTRA and DG GROW.
Later in the day, Merie Kannampuzha from CLIC Innovation introduced the EU Horizon-funded project REMHub – Rare Earth and Magnets Hub for a Resilient Europe. The discussion centered on the innovations needed to strengthen resilience in the EU’s rare earth elements (REE) sector, and the REMHub project’s strategic approach.
In addition to REMHub, several other perspectives were presented:
- Michael Haschke (DMT) discussed radium extraction from phosphate gypsum waste and the market potential for REE magnet recycling.
- Timo Sarvijärvi (METSO) highlighted METSO’s role in the REE value chain, especially in supporting mining operations and recovering valuable metals from side streams.
- Julia Listinghaus (German Institute for Standardisation, DIN) presented work related to developing standards for CEN/TC 472, emphasizing the importance of standardization in the mining industry.
- Juha Erkkilä (Outokumpu) showcased Outokumpu’s commitment to sustainability and underlined the role of recycling in responsible metals production.
Sari Tasa from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland introduced the National Mineral Strategy, outlining Finland’s approach to mineral resource management.
Speakers from the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) also shared ongoing projects and initiatives related to mining and mineral exploration:
- Patric Friedrichs presented EURARE and insights into critical mineral deposits in the Nordics.
- Quentin Dehaine spoke about geochemical fingerprinting for REE supply chain traceability, a line of work that will continue under the REMHub project.
- Tuuli Kalliosala outlined upcoming developments at GTK Mintec, the mineral processing pilot plant in Outokumpu, which offers research and testing services across the entire mining value chain—from ore deposits to mine closure and material reuse.
Samuli Nikula (Finnish Minerals Group) gave a presentation on the Sokli rare earth deposits, offering an interactive overview of the site and stakeholder engagement activities in Savukoski, Finland.
Finally, Hanna Halmeenpää from the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) addressed the relationship between nature conservation and mining, stressing the importance of environmental sustainability.
In summary, the event featured a wide range of EU experts who shared valuable insights into mining, materials, and the rare earth elements sector across Europe.
CLIC Innovation is actively involved in the coordination of the REMHub project, an EU Horizon-funded initiative aimed at strengthening the rare earth and magnets value chain for a more resilient Europe.
