Interview: Normet

Regional Report: Finland

Finland the world’s second most attractive location for global mining investments

Finland is one of the most attractive locations for global mining investments. In the recent Fraser Institute’s 2019 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Finland came second, right behind Western Australia.

Fraser Institute’s annual survey evaluates the attractiveness of different countries and locations for mining investments based on the mineral potential and political factors. Finishing 17th in last year’s survey, Finland returned to the top, being the most attractive country in Europe. In terms of the operating environment, Finland was the best in the world. This was due to Finland’s comprehensive geological datasets, high-quality infrastructure, straightforward laws, and the transparency of the Finnish social system. The geological data produced by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is among the best in the world. “Alongside our stable and good operating environment, comprehensive and continuously updated digital geological datasets have a significant impact on investment decisions”, Niina Ahtonen, head of Information Solutions at GTK, says. The survey shows that traditional mining countries and their most critical regions in terms of mining operations are the most attractive locations for investments. In addition to Finland, the top positions were held by significant mining locations in the USA and Australia.

Towards a diesel-free mine

Agnico Eagle Finland’s’ Kittilä mine is strongly committed to zero emissions and the introduction of new technologies. The European Union-funded SIMS project and the related field tests of Epiroc’s battery-powered mining machines turned the eyes of the entire mining world to Kittilä. Now, the mine’s first own battery-powered rigs, two Boltec E Battery bolting units, have started in production. It takes courage to be at the forefront of development, but the benefits to be achieved - an improved working environment and a reduced carbon footprint - are considered worthy at the Kittilä mine. “As a whole industry we should strive towards zero emissions, and we are doing a lot for this here in Kittilä,” Tommi Kankkunen, general manager of the Kittilä mine, says. “The benefits with the battery equipment are obvious. First, of course, the reduction of fossil fuels and the reduction of our carbon footprint. But also, the major advancements we have made on safety and health of employees.”

SIMS project

Testing of Epiroc’s new generation battery-powered mining equipment in a real mining environment was a part of the European Union-funded SIMS project. The project took place between 2017 and 2020, with the objective of creating smart and environmentally friendly systems for the mining industry. The project involved several mining companies, equipment, and system manufacturers, as well as universities. The test environment for Epiroc’s battery-operated mining equipment was provided by Agnico Eagle Finland’s Kittilä mine. “SIMS was great” André Van Wageningen, manager of technology & development at the Kittilä mine, adds. “It helped us to collaborate with universities and other companies in the mining industry to expand our knowledge and develop new technologies.” Battery-driven rock bolting rigs After the tests, the mine has now purchased its first battery-powered rigs. According to the investment plan, Boltec E rock bolting rigs were selected as the first batterypowered units. The important drivers behind the decision were sustainability of the rigs and the opportunity to create a better work environment. The first bolting rig arrived at the Kittilä mine early November. Another similar bolting unit joined the club a couple of weeks later. According to Jari Kolehmainen, production

Regional Report: Finland

manager, the first messages are incredibly positive. “The performance of the machines is at least at the same level as that of diesel machines,” he explains. “Productivity has improved with the development of equipment.” Battery-powered machines have many advantages The entire staff of the Kittilä mine is looking forward to taking the new technology forward. Operators’ well-being at work has clearly improved as exhaust fumes, heat, vibration, and noise have decreased. For example, a rock bolting rig is moved several times during a shift, and in the past, it has always meant starting diesel engines and blowing up an exhaust cloud. In terms of maintenance, the equipment lacks a large component (diesel engine), and as a result, oil and filter changes are omitted. Also, for fire safety, battery-powered machines mark a step forward in the absence of hot surfaces of the diesel engine and moving oils. Air quality improves piece by piece when diesel engine equipment is replaced by battery-powered equipment. “Especially on the loading and haulage side, the change in air quality is clear,” Kolehmainen continues. “In the future, we want to reduce our carbon footprint and move towards zeroemission technology, as well as move forward in well-being at work. The SIMS project showed that battery technology has made great leaps forward”. According to Kolehmainen, a diesel-free mine sounds very possible even in the near future. Changes to mine infrastructure Kolehmainen is satisfied with the air quality of the battery-powered equipment The mine’s infrastructure has been affected by battery-powered equipment in such a way that the design of its electricity network takes the electrification of the entire equipment into account. Battery-powered machines also require a battery replacement location. Preparing for battery-powered machines is simple and besides above, no other special requirements were needed. Kittilä mine wants to profile itself also towards the introduction of other new technologies in addition to battery-powered equipment. A remote-control room has been completed for the mining office, from which several machines are controlled simultaneously. Since the beginning of October, it has been a permanent turn for two people to operate mining machines remotely. The mine passionately believes that investing in new technologies will bring long-term benefits. The Kittilä mine has also aroused great interest internationally, and a long list of requests for visits awaits a post-pandemic period. The Kittilä mine is positive about the collaboration and is open about its experiences. The introduction of new technologies requires transparency and cooperation. “The mining industry needs pioneers like Agnico Eagle to help drive improvements that will benefit the industry globally,” Peter Bray, global product manager at Epiroc’s Underground division. concludes.