Europe must enhance its self-sufficiency in important minerals

Matti Hietanen, CEO of Finnish Minerals Group, attended a conference organised by the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance. The conference was held as part of the official program of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Several European business representatives and leading government officials were invited to attend the event to discuss plans to enhance the strategic autonomy of European industry. The opening speech was held by Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of the Economy and Finance.

The Finnish battery cluster represents an important initiative that is also considered an important project of common European interest. Moreover, the mining industry is the cornerstone of Europe’s industrial value chain.

“At the moment, there are not enough attractive mining projects in Europe. We can also see a decrease in investments as well as other uncertainties in the markets. Reinforcements must be made to attract private investments in projects, which are essential to enhancing the self-sufficiency of European important minerals supply,” Matti Hietanen noted in his speech.

The event included three roundtable discussions, which focused on the strategic vision of European industry and its vulnerabilities, the supply of critical materials in the EU, and the means and funding used to support Europe’s critical sectors. 

The mission of Finnish Minerals Group is to responsibly maximise the value of Finnish minerals. We manage the State’s mining industry shareholdings and strive to develop the Finnish value chain of lithium-ion batteries. In addition, we are engaged in long-term technology development of the mining and battery industry. Through our work, we contribute to Europe moving towards electric transport and a more sustainable future. www.mineralsgroup.fi