{"id":565,"date":"2024-11-11T14:53:18","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T12:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slts.fi\/our-mission\/mineraalitalous\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T11:17:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T08:17:15","slug":"mineral-economy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.slts.fi\/en\/mineral-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Mineral economy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mineral-based<\/strong>\u00a0materials, products and structures are used, either directly or indirectly, in practically all areas of life.<\/strong>\u00a0Urbanization, new technologies and environmental challenges have resulted in a more diversified and growing demand for mineral raw materials. The construction sector and other infrastructure are dependent on the large-scale utilization of minerals. Production plants, machinery, equipment, vehicles and ICT technologies are also based on the application of mineral materials. Within food production, mineral-based fertilizers, machinery and equipment play an essential role.<\/p>\n

In addition to the growing demand for basic metals, we are more and more dependent on various hi-tech metals. They are used in circuit boards, semiconductors, coatings, magnets, smart devices and consumer electronics, and the new energy technologies would not be possible without the multi-faceted use of minerals.<\/p>\n

While individual mining companies are exploiting non-renewable natural resources, the increasingly efficient recycling efforts as well as higher resource-efficiency throughout the entire production chain are creating opportunities for a more economical use of raw materials.<\/p>\n

Finland has significant and diversified mineral reserves as well as advanced knowledge and competence in mining technologies, mineral refining and material recycling.<\/p>\n

Professor of Metallurgy Mari Lundstr\u00f6m from Aalto University talks about mineral economy.<\/p>\n