Finnish Minerals Group congratulates Sokli on achieving strategic project status
The European Commission has selected our wholly owned Sokli mining project as a strategic project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
09. October 2026
Sokli’s mineral resources in Savukoski are unique on a global scale, and the project is one of Europe’s most significant phosphate and polymetallic deposits. In addition to phosphate, the deposit contains rare earth elements (REE), niobium, iron and vermiculite among others.
The Sokli mining project is being advanced by Sokli Oy, a subsidiary of Finnish Minerals Group, which has today been granted EU’s strategic project status. The selection is linked to the recovery of REE. The designated projects must make a significant contribution to the security of supply of strategic raw materials in the EU, be technically feasible within a reasonable timeframe, and meet sustainability requirements.
“We congratulate Sokli on this excellent achievement. Europe needs a stronger raw material base of its own. Sokli’s selection as a strategic project demonstrates that Finland’s mineral resources have an important role to play in strengthening Europe’s security of supply and competitiveness,” says Matti Hietanen, CEO of Finnish Minerals Group.
In practice, strategic project status can streamline and accelerate the project’s administrative procedures and support the exploration of financing opportunities. However, it does not replace national permitting or environmental procedures.
Sokli Oy is currently preparing trial operations for the project, and the environmental impact assessment procedure for the actual mining operations is due to begin this year.
Further information:
Pasi Heino, Managing Director, Sokli Oy
+358 50 553 5032, firstname.lastname(at)mineralsgroup.fi
Interested in knowing more about Sokli? Click to their website
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. Through our work, we contribute to Europe moving towards electric transport and a more sustainable future. www.mineralsgroup.fi