Mine of the future

Anglo American’s goal is sustainable mining operations. The company attaches great importance to a healthy environment, and thriving communities, and strives to be a leading and reliable player in the mining industry worldwide. The company develops its operations towards carbon neutrality, has set a net positive biodiversity impact and minimises the use of water in its mining operations.

At Sakatti, the starting point for planning was the early minimisation of negative environmental impacts and the net positive impact (NPI) of the combined impacts of mining activities. Our goal is to achieve a carbon-neutral mine, a minimal water footprint, and the smallest ecological footprint in the industry.

How will the underground mine be implemented at Sakatti?

Sakatti ore is mainly located at a depth of more than 500 metres in the corner of the Viiankiaapa Natura 2000 site. In the project, the starting point for planning was the early minimisation of negative environmental impacts and the net positive impact (NPI) of combined impacts.

After careful assessment, the solution for implementation was chosen, where the concentration plant is located outside the protected area on hard ground in a commercial forest and access to the underground mine is arranged by a group of tunnels covering a total distance of more than five kilometres. Read more

Technology used to reduce environmental impacts

Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining™ operating model combines data, artificial intelligence and robotics with mining, and builds a digital ecosystem in its mines.

By combining data, artificial intelligence and robotics, we minimise the quantity of mineral waste generated by mining in Sakatti and increase its reuse, minimise water use and maximise its efficient recycling, and improve occupational safety.

Artificial intelligence can be used to optimise mineral processing, which results in significantly more minerals from each ore load. In this way, the quantities of energy and water used in excavations are reduced.

Metals are used to combat climate change

The green transition and the fight against climate change requires a growing quantity of metals – that is why our goal is to produce critical raw materials that Europe and Finland for advanced global technologies.

As our modern way of life and industry electrify, the demand for metals will increase considerably in the future. For example, building an electric car requires a lot more metals than a regular car powered by an internal combustion engine. Similarly, for example, the amount of copper required in the next 20 years will be as much as the total amount of copper extracted throughout history.

The Finnish mining sector is known for its strong technological expertise. Mining sector operators and public authorities in Finland have excellent competence and expertise to advance sustainable mining activities.