Finland has become the first country in Europe to run a complete lithium production cycle, from open-pit mine to refinery, the Geological Survey of Finland said.
The Syväjärvi mine in Kaustinen will supply ore to a nearby processing plant and then a refinery, producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide used in electric vehicles and electronics. Once fully running, the refinery is expected to produce around 15,000 tonnes a year — about 10% of Europe’s current demand.
The €783 million project is operated by Keliber Oy. South African mining company Sibanye-Stillwater holds 80% of the firm, with the Finnish state holding the remaining 20%. The European Investment Bank contributed €150 million in financing.
Keliber CEO Hannu Hautala told Euronews the project would cut Europe’s reliance on lithium imports from Asia and Australia. The mine is expected to be fully operational within two years and employ around 300 people.
In Kaustinen, a town of just over 4,000 people, local music teacher Pilvi Järvelä told Euronews the project had brought jobs but that residents remained worried about its environmental impact.
China currently dominates global lithium supply. Once operational, the site will cover more than 500 square kilometres and include six further mining locations in the area.
Source: Euronews / AFP
