Hannukainen Mining Explores the Beneficiation Potential of Cobalt and Rare Earth Elements

By Elina Friman, Hannukainen Mining

Hannukainen Mining participates in the OPTIMINER project, which aims to explore the beneficiation potential of cobalt and rare earth elements (REEs) from IOCG-type ore. The project as a whole plays a key role in developing innovative methods for recovering critical raw materials essential to Europe’s industrial and technological resilience.

During the current phase of OPTIMINER, the focus has been on preparing for pilot beneficiation and test mining.

This stage involves a comprehensive review of existing mineralogical data on cobalt and REEs, alongside the exploration of theoretical beneficiation possibilities for these elements. In addition, samples have been provided to OPTIMINER consortium partners for further studies.

A major aspect of the project centers on optimizing water circulation and minimizing waste, with particular attention to tailings management. By optimizing the beneficiation process, the goal is to improve overall process efficiency and reduce the generation of waste streams.

Hannukainen Mining is currently in the permitting phase for the Kolari Mine project in northern Finland.

The operation aims to produce iron concentrate as well as copper-gold concentrate — contributing to Europe’s supply of critical and strategic raw materials.

The potential recovery of cobalt and REEs adds a valuable dimension to this goal, further advancing the region’s self-sufficiency in critical resources and contributing to the responsible development of the European mining sector.

Learn more about the use cases of the OPTIMINER project by visiting the dedicated project page.