Mining

Finland has a long history of mining activity, starting in 1500 century. The Finnish metallurgical technology and manufacturers of mining equipment are well known throughout the international mining community. The exploitation of copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc and lead ores as well as chromium, vanadium and iron deposits has provided the raw material base for the country's metal industry. Significant processing and refining of copper and nickel concentrates at Harjavalta; zinc at Kokkola; and chromium at Kemi by the Outokumpu Group, and of iron at Raahe by Rautaruukki Oy. The major industrial minerals mined in Finland are apatite and talc and, to a lesser extent, limestone. (Geological Survey of Finland, 2001). There are also findings of titanium, gold and diamonds in Finland.