On Tuesday, the EU Commission announced a strategically significant project for 47 Europe, six of which are located in Finland.
The projects include mines, refineries and recycling plants that produce rare raw materials needed in batteries, semiconductable energy projects and the defense industry.
There were a total of 170 proposals to the Commission, 49 from outside Europe.
Three mining projects from the Commission’s strategic projects from Finland; Terrafame Sotkamo Talvivaara, Keliber lithium mine in Kaustinen and Sakatin mining project in Sodankylä.
In addition, the selected in Harjavalta has been selected Fortum recycled plant and Kokkola are located Jervois cobalting plant and Hycamites Hydrogen and graphite plant.
According to the Commission, these projects serve the entire EU, reduce addictions and are quickly launched.
According to the schedule set by the Commission, the permits needed for the projects should be approved for mining projects for a maximum of 27 months and in other projects within 15 months.
“We believe that these projects will be implemented before 2030,” said the Vice -President of the Commission’s Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné At a news conference on Tuesday.
The position of the EU strategic project guarantees priority in permission processing and facilitates access to EU funding.
Reduction of China-dependence
The Commission’s proposal is based on the legislation of EU critical raw materials last year, which aims to reduce particular China dependence and the risks of supply chains by decentralizing and promoting the production of critical raw materials in Europe.
The aim is that 10 % of critical raw materials be mined in Europe.
“This also means opening new mines,” said Séjourné, Vice -President of the Commission.
According to the Commissioner, the race for raw materials is about to begin, but Europe is moving quickly.
“We already have a legal foundation and strategy,” Séjourné said.
Facts
Strategic project position for these projects:
- Sakatti, Sodankylä. Anglo American, Mine and Breeding Project
- Kolmisoppamo, Sotkamo. Terrafame, extension of the mining project
- Keliber, Kokkola, Mine and Breeding Project
- Hycamite, Kokkola, Breeding Project
- Jervois, Kokkola, Breeding Project
- Fortum, Harjavalta, Recycling Project
Repair 25.3.2025 at 5:27 pm: Corrected title: “Commission: Three mining projects could be implemented quickly in Finland”. The previous title was: “Commission: Three mining projects are quickly implemented in Finland”. The title has been corrected because the implementation of the projects is not yet fully certain.