Finland’s mineral sector is entering a new phase of research, innovation and collaboration. The More than a Mine leading company project, built around the Sokli mineral deposit in Savukoski and co-funded by Business Finland, aims to strengthen Finland’s mineral value chain while creating new opportunities for companies, research organisations and technology providers.
Running until 2030, the initiative brings together critical raw materials research and technology development, with the broader goal of increasing the value created from Finland’s mineral resources and strengthening European security of supply.
Building an ecosystem around Sokli
Sokli’s mineral resources are globally distinctive, but the impact of the project is intended to reach well beyond the development of a single mine.
Through More than a Mine, Sokli is building an ecosystem involving companies of different sizes, universities, research institutes and international partners. The programme creates a framework for research, piloting and technology development that would not typically be possible within a conventional mining investment project.
The total programme is approximately EUR 75 million, with Business Finland expected to finance around half of the overall R&D activities. Participating partners are also expected to contribute their own funding alongside Business Finland.
The ambition is to develop new processes, increase the availability and value of raw materials, strengthen expertise and advance more sustainable approaches to mining and mineral processing.
New opportunities for Finnish companies and research organisations
A key element of the programme is collaboration across the mineral value chain.
Companies participating in the ecosystem can gain access to new domestic and international networks, research knowledge and opportunities for cooperation. Public R&D funding can also help share some of the risks associated with developing and testing new technologies and encourage companies to invest in innovation.
One example is Mining Finland member CRS Laboratories, which contributes analytical expertise to the ecosystem. The company analyses geological samples used in beneficiation testing and evaluates the suitability of minerals for further processing. According to CRS Laboratories CEO Ville Anttila, the network also enables knowledge to be shared more openly than would otherwise be possible without a common project.
From R&D to sustainable growth and exports
The significance of initiatives such as More than a Mine extends across Finland’s wider mining and minerals ecosystem.
According to Business Finland, Finland has more than 40 mines, dozens of exploration companies and several hundred companies working in mineral processing and production. The mining industry generates approximately EUR 2–3 billion in annual turnover, while metals processing accounts for approximately EUR 10–15 billion annually.
Research and innovation can create a pathway from Finland’s mineral resources to higher-value products, technologies and services. More than a Mine also aims to advance sustainability through solutions such as improved utilisation of side streams, better water management and low-carbon technologies. Successful R&D can ultimately translate into new investments, exports and jobs throughout the value chain.
In 2025, Business Finland developed its strategy towards 2030, identifying a number of strategic thematic priorities. Critical raw materials and minerals are one of these key focus areas, with ecosystem development playing an important role in advancing collaboration, innovation and growth within the sector.
Collaboration as a competitive advantage
For the Finnish mining ecosystem, More than a Mine demonstrates how mineral resources, research expertise and technology companies can be brought together to create value beyond an individual mining project.
Strengthening cooperation between mining companies, technology providers, research organisations and international partners can support both the sustainable development of Finland’s mineral resources and the international growth of Finnish expertise.
For Mining Finland and its members, initiatives like this are particularly relevant: they create new environments where Finnish mining technology, research and specialised expertise can be developed, demonstrated and ultimately taken to international markets.
This article is based on information published by Business Finland on 17 September 2026.