Outokumpu starts circular economy project to utilize mining side streams

Outokumpu is launching a data-driven circular economy ecosystem at its Kemi mine in Finland, aiming to turn mining side streams into valuable raw materials and establish a scalable model for industrial reuse across Europe.

The initiative is being developed in cooperation with the EU-funded Lapland Mining Hub project and Digipolis in Kemi, under the coordination of the Regional Council of Lapland. The project focuses on converting waste streams such as tailings and waste rock into usable materials, reducing reliance on virgin resources and creating new industrial applications.

According to Outokumpu, the Kemi mine generates around 3 million tonnes of side streams annually. While some waste rock is already utilized, the project aims to unlock further applications, including use in construction materials, low-carbon cement alternatives, carbon sequestration, thermal energy storage and mineral recovery.

“The utilization of side streams is no longer just an environmental issue, but a question of competitiveness and supply security,” said Martti Sassi, President for Business Area Ferrochrome at Outokumpu. He highlighted the strategic role of the Kemi mine as the EU’s only chromium mine, supporting critical raw material supply and low-emission value chains.

A key element of the initiative is the creation of a transparent data platform, providing detailed information on the volume, composition and potential uses of mining side streams. The project is supported by research partners including the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

The Kemi site will serve as a pilot, with the aim of replicating the model across other mining operations in Lapland and, in the longer term, across Europe. The project seeks to establish a long-term collaboration framework involving mining companies, technology providers, research institutions and public stakeholders.

The ecosystem is expected to attract both domestic and international partners, particularly in areas such as material processing and industrial applications. A formal partner call is scheduled to open in April 2026, alongside a project kick-off event for interested companies.

Source and Photo: Outokumpu