Growing Interest Drives Mineral Exploration Boom in Finland

Growing interest in mineral exploration is driving the development and implementation of environmentally friendly search methods. Some of these techniques enhance established methods using advanced analytical technologies, such as pintageochemical research techniques.

Currently, 59 companies are actively searching for minerals in Finland, investing a total of 94 million euros—17 percent more than in 2022. The primary focus of mineral exploration remains in Lapland, although it has gained momentum recently in Northern Ostrobothnia, where 31 permits have been granted this year, compared to just six in 2021.

Pertti Sarala, a professor of applied geochemistry at the University of Oulu, points out that the increasing mineral exploration activity is partly due to concerns over the availability of critical metals needed for the green transition. He emphasizes the need for local production to secure Europe’s industrial requirements.

Drones are currently the fastest-growing technology in early-stage research, capable of detecting geological anomalies up to hundreds of meters deep. Various measurement devices, such as gravimeters and magnetometers, can be attached to drones to provide data about subsurface geology. This method can be employed throughout the year, minimizing environmental disruption.

Pintageochemical techniques involve detecting ion traces from mineral deposits through oxidation and bacterial activity, while samples can even be collected from snow during winter, capturing gas-borne ions. These methods leave no traces on the land, making them suitable for sensitive ecological areas.

Advances in portable analyzers have significantly reduced the time and cost of laboratory analysis. These devices enable rapid, on-site sample analysis, which is crucial for streamlining exploration processes and reducing unnecessary drilling.