Mining giant plans to increase production

Finland has accurate geological databases, world-class infrastructure, progressive mining laws and readily available exploration services to support its mining industry. 

Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Talvivaara Mining Company, has developed into an internationally significant base metals producer focused primarily on nickel and zinc.

The company's main asset is the 6,000-hectare Talvivaara nickel mine in Sotkamo, Finland, one of the largest known nickel-sulphide resources in Europe.

Some 1,000 hectares of the property has been set aside for mining operations. The ore body is well suited for open-pit mining due to its thin over-burden, favorable resource geometry and low waste-to-ore ratio.

Production at the mine started in October 2008, and its planned annual nickel production is 50,000 tons.

The mine is also expected to produce a steady flow of byproducts, such as 90,000 tons of zinc, 15,000 tons of copper and 1,800 tons of cobalt per year.

"We have taken positive steps to secure the future of Talvivaara by entering into long-term agreements with Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta Oy and Nyrstar NV," said Chief Executive Officer Harri Natunen. "The spirit and motivation of our team reflects the confidence we have in our goal to become a world-class metal producer."

Talvivaara utilizes "bioheap leaching" to extract metals from ore. This environmentally friendly technology also facilitates cost effective development and operations.

By nature, bioleaching is triggered by microorganisms, but when applied commercially, it is possible to accelerate this natural process.

The leaching process also generates heat and is therefore suitable for the sub-arctic climatic conditions of Eastern Finland.

"We are confident about the future and have implemented plans to ramp up to full-scale production while minimizing the environmental impact of our work," Natunen said.

"We expect further growth through the exploration of additional resources in Finland, and we are also open to working with foreign investment partners.

"China is important for Talvivaara as the Chinese economy is the biggest driver of nickel demand due to the production of stainless steel. We fully expect Talvivaara to play an increasingly important role in the global production of nickel and become a recognized Finnish mining leader."

www.talvivaara.com

China Daily