Outokumpu has launched a circular economy initiative at its Kemi mine aimed at utilizing mining side streams and reducing reliance on virgin raw materials, the company said.
The project, developed in cooperation with the EU-funded Lapland Mining Hub and Digipolis, will focus on converting mining by-products such as waste rock and tailings into usable materials for industrial applications.
The Kemi mine generates around 3 mln tons of side streams annually, with potential applications including construction materials, cement substitutes and mineral recovery.
The initiative will use data-driven analysis to assess the quality and usability of side streams, with support from the Geological Survey of Finland and VTT Technical Research Centre.
The project will initially be implemented at the Kemi mine, with plans to expand the model to other mining operations in Finland and Europe.
Outokumpu’s Kemi mine is the only chromium mine in the EU and plays a key role in securing raw material supply for stainless steel production.
Outokumpu, a global leader in sustainable stainless steel, operates the Tornio plant with an annual melting and hot-rolling capacity of 1.65 mln tons and cold-rolling capacity of 1.2 mln tons. The company also runs an extensive network of production facilities across Europe and the Americas.
