In a significant move that could redefine the future of battery technology and sustainable mining, Anglo American and the Finnish Minerals Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively explore opportunities within Finland’s burgeoning battery strategy. This strategic alliance aims to harness Finland’s rich mineral resources and innovative prowess to further strengthen the global battery value chain, marking a milestone in the pursuit of greener, more sustainable energy solutions.
Alison Atkinson, Projects & Development Director at Anglo American, emphasized Finland’s appeal as an investment destination, lauding its strong heritage in mining and innovation. The collaboration with Finnish Minerals Group, known for its commitment to maximizing the value of Finnish minerals responsibly, is expected to unlock numerous opportunities aligned with both entities’ sustainable and technological ambitions.
Anglo American’s Sakatti project, a polymetallic orebody, stands as a testament to this partnership’s potential, embodying the next generation of FutureSmart Miningâ„¢. This project aims to minimize environmental impact through a minimal surface footprint, leveraging technology and innovation to achieve better environmental and social outcomes while producing critical raw materials essential for the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
Finland’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, with its stable and secure source of metals and minerals critical for global decarbonization efforts. The country is uniquely positioned to contribute to the sustainable access to responsibly sourced critical raw materials, supported by an extensive investment in the entire battery value chain—from mineral extraction to recycling. This comprehensive approach places Finland at the forefront of supporting the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.
Jani Kiuru, Senior Vice President, Raw Materials at Finnish Minerals Group, highlights the synergy between the two organizations, praising Anglo American’s longstanding commitment to sustainable mining practices. This collaboration is poised to leverage both local and global expertise in sustainability and technological innovation, maximizing the responsible use of Finnish minerals. The partnership is underpinned by a shared vision of the critical role Finnish minerals play in the green transition, offering vast possibilities for the future.
As a Finnish state-owned entity, Finnish Minerals Group is strategically positioned to support Anglo American’s endeavors in Finland. With significant investments in key projects such as Terrafame, which produces nickel and cobalt sulphates; Sokli, known for its phosphate and rare earths deposits; and Keliber, a battery-grade lithium project set to commence production in 2025, Finnish Minerals Group is at the heart of Finland’s contribution to the battery value chain. These projects, coupled with ongoing greenfield investments downstream, illustrate the depth of Finland’s commitment to fostering a robust, sustainable battery industry.
This partnership between Anglo American and Finnish Minerals Group not only signifies a leap forward in sustainable mining and battery technology but also underscores the pivotal role of collaboration in achieving the global green transition. By combining their strengths, these entities are setting new standards for responsible mineral extraction and processing, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable energy solutions. As they embark on this journey, their efforts are set to accelerate the availability of critical raw materials, essential for powering a greener future.