Although these alloying agents are recycled as part of the stainless steel cycle, there is not enough scrap containing nickel and chromium on the market to satisfy the demand for production of new stainless steel. Virgin ore is thus invested in the future steel cycle.

In Tornio the integrated production chain from the chromium mine to the stainless steel plant ensures levels of efficiency unmatched by any other producer in the world. Energy is saved thanks both to the short transport distance from the Kemi mine to the ferrochrome plant in Tornio and since the ferrochrome plant supplies ferrochrome in the liquid form to the adjacent stainless steel mill.