Mining sustainability

Because of our history in various metals, Outokumpu has operated mines both in Finland and elsewhere. Currently, we only have one mine – the Kemi chrome mine, which is a part of our stainless steel production.
Page last updated: 15.04.2024

In the beginning of 2000s, Outokumpu decided to focus in stainless steel. Prior to that, the company operated in several areas, including mining, production of other metals and technology. Because of this history, Outokumpu still has old mining areas especially in Finland.

Outokumpu continues to monitor its old mine sites, both those where the company still has obligations and those where they have ended. those where they have ended. In Finland, work continued for instance a the mines in Orivesi, working with the current owner to empty one pit of waste, and Enonkoski. In Enonkoski, we investigated the current situation to know it thoroughly enough for us to be able to apply for an environmental permit for complementary restoration measures in the area.

Outokumpu has environmental permits at a few old mines. In 2023, there was one minor environmental permit breach in Kotalahti where leachate water is treated in a limestone-based treatment system and biological ponds: the annual average of iron concentration in leachate water released did not meet the environmental permits' requirements. The incident is reported as part of Outokumpu’s environmental incidents.

Read more about old mines in Finland (in Finnish).

 

Sustainable mining

Due to e.g. gravity based separation, environmental impacts of Kemi are minimal.

Outokumpu is a stainless steel producer with one mine, our chrome mine in Kemi. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, and our target is to minimize our impact on the environment and biodiversity. Outokumpu's operations are guided by our Code of Conduct. We are committed to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Kemi mine is located near our operations in Tornio in Northern Finland, and it is the only chrome mine in the European Union. Outokumpu is a member of the Sustainable Mining network in Finland and committed the Finnish Sustainable Mining standard. 

Environmental impacts from Kemi Mine are minimal due to chromium oxide ore, with low leachability and gravity based separation methods with no chemicals and process water recycling.

 

Contact us

Outokumpu Mining Oy

Kirsi-Marja Fyhr
Environmental Counsel
kirsi-marja.fyhr(at)outokumpu.com

 

Media enquiries

Outokumpu media desk
Tel. +358 40 351 9840
media(at)outokumpu.com

Read more

Outokumpu's history 
Kemi Mine, Finland
Making of chrome ore amidst 70 bird species