Finland is strengthening its role as a key bridge between Australia and Europe in securing sustainable and resilient critical mineral supply chains. At the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), Finnish representatives will showcase how Finland can serve as Europe’s strategic hub for Australian critical minerals vital to the global energy transition and the race to achieve net-zero emissions.
This collaboration gains momentum following the implementation of the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which aims to reduce the bloc’s overreliance on single-country imports. Under the CRMA, by 2030 no more than 65% of the EU’s annual consumption of strategic raw materials can originate from a single non-EU country. Combined with the 2024 EU–Australia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on critical and strategic minerals, these policies are paving the way for new and transformative partnerships.
“The MoU and the CRMA are great news for Australian miners,” said Dr. Jarkko Vesa, Chief Specialist in Minerals Policy at Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
“In just four years, Europe must shift 35% of its critical minerals supply to new, diversified sources. Finland is fully committed to building a sustainable and secure future for critical minerals. Together with Australia, we can drive innovation, fortify supply chains, and power the global clean transition.”
Finland already plays a pivotal role in Europe’s battery ecosystem, producing raw materials for electric vehicles, advancing circular economy solutions, and manufacturing cutting-edge electric machinery. Backed by a highly skilled workforce and robust infrastructure, the country offers solutions across the entire battery value chain—from raw material extraction to recycling.
Notably, around 80% of the world’s underground mining technology originates from Finland and neighboring Sweden, highlighting the region’s leadership in sustainable and circular mining practices.
“Finland and Australia are exploring deeper cooperation across the critical minerals sector,” added Dr. Vesa. “We share common goals in mineral recycling, mining technology, research collaboration, and supply chain traceability. By working together, our nations can set the global standard for a sustainable and resilient minerals industry. Both recognize the urgency of securing minerals essential for clean technologies, digital innovation, and defense systems.”
Finland’s updated National Mineral Strategy further underscores this vision. It focuses on expanding the mineral cluster, promoting responsible operations, enhancing supply security, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy through international collaboration and skill development.
According to Finland’s Ambassador, Arto Haapea, “Australia is Finland’s fourth-largest export market outside Europe, and a key priority in our government’s program. Finnish companies already play an active role across Australia’s minerals value chain, reinforcing our shared sustainability goals.”
Birgit Tegethoff, Senior Advisor for Business Finland Australia, echoed this optimism:
“Finland and Australia are natural partners in building a secure, sustainable critical minerals and metals sector. The expertise and diversity of speakers at our IMARC 2025 sideline event reflect the depth of opportunity for both nations. We are eager to strengthen this partnership and seize the many emerging prospects ahead.”
As the world moves toward decarbonisation and technological independence, Finland is positioning itself as Europe’s key gateway to Australian critical minerals, driving innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the global raw materials landscape.
