Sokli mining project applies strategic status under the Critical Raw Materials Act
Sokli could help secure Europe’s raw material self-sufficiency, particularly in rare earth elements (REE).
16. January 2026
Finnish Minerals Group’s subsidiary Sokli Oy is applying to the European Commission for strategic status for its mining project in Savukoski under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).
The Sokli deposit contains several raw materials classified by the EU as critical and strategic, such as phosphate and rare earth elements (REE). The deposit also contains niobium, which is essential, for example, in speciality steels used by the defence industry. Phosphate, in turn, is indispensable for fertiliser production and thus for food security.
Through the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU aims to strengthen European raw material production and reduce dependence on suppliers outside the EU. The regulation covers more than 30 raw materials, 17 of which are also strategic. Strategic raw materials are vital for the clean transition, digital development and defence industry. They are used, for example, in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies and high-tech components.
Sokli’s raw material production would strengthen the EU’s clean transition objectives at the very start of the supply chain. Achieving CRMA status would open up further opportunities to enhance European cooperation and create new industrial value chains within Europe. Securing this status would also improve predictability in the project’s timelines and support its advancement to the next phase.
More information
Jani Kiuru, SVP, Raw Materials, Finnish Minerals Group
firstname.lastname(at)mineralsgroup.fi, +358 40 823 8471
Pasi Heino, Project Director, Sokli Oy
firstname.lastname(at)mineralsgroup.fi, +358 50 553 5032
Sokli Oy is advancing the Sokli mining project in Savukoski, Eastern Lapland. The Sokli deposit is globally significant and, in addition to phosphate and iron, contains rare earth elements as well as manganese, vermiculite, niobium and copper. Utilising these resources would strengthen Finland’s and Europe’s self-sufficiency in raw materials. Sokli Oy is part of Finnish Minerals Group, whose core mission is to responsibly maximise the value of Finland’s minerals.