Kaunis Iron 2.0 

Based on the data we use in our mining planning, including so-called block models, we know that in 2025, waste rock and ore will be mined at the same rate. However, towards the end, in the final years, only ore will remain from Tapuli as all the waste rock will have been removed.

What has made it possible to extend the lifespan of Tapuli by two years?
A new mine design has been developed, and the new permit allows us to mine deeper into Tapuli. Our previous permit only covered operations up to 2025.

The plan is to open the Sahavaara open pit during 2026/2027; the exact date has not yet been determined.

The ore in Sahavaara is projected to last 8–10 years based on the current mining plan and optimization. There may be potential for a longer lifespan if conditions change.

We are acquiring around twenty developed properties in the western part of the village. Nine of these are used for permanent residences, along with several forest properties. Kaunis Iron is acquiring these properties due to their close proximity to the new open pit.

During the preparations, there will be some passenger cars, transport of drilling rigs, etc., passing through the village. However, all ore transport will use the new truck road.

The truck road we plan to build will run east of the lake Ruutijärvi, from the current industrial area to Sahavaara. Therefore, we will not pass through the villages of Kaunisvaara or Sahavaara with these machines, as we will utilize this new road.

No, we will not be starting Line 2. We intend to maintain the same production rate and therefore will not open Line 2. However, since the iron content in Sahavaara is higher than in Tapuli, we will produce a greater amount of iron ore concentrate from the same quantity of input material.

Approximately one hundred people, with the majority being truck drivers, as production will increase with the addition of Sahavaara ore.

We plan to open Palotieva at the end of the mining period in Sahavaara, which is approximately 8–10 years after its opening according to the current mining plan.

Sahavaara is located south of Tapuli. Palotieva is situated north of Tapuli. See more details on the map above. 

The biggest change for the operation is the installation of the new flotation process. This involves significant efforts in training and skill development for the personnel who operate the new process in the concentrator plant.

The new process includes handling larger quantities and new types of chemicals on-site. Risk assessments for the handling and storage of these chemicals have been conducted, and emergency preparedness has been updated in consultation with, among others, the emergency services.

Before we begin using new land, we will also implement a proposed action program to protect species and habitats affected by the expanded operations. These measures, referred to as habitat enhancement measures, include the restoration of wetlands and conservation actions in forest areas. Since these measures must be completed before we expand operations, they are already underway.

All conditions of the new permit apply from the time the permit is activated. This includes restrictions on discharge (water emissions) into the Muonio River. The new conditions mean that we have adjusted to a new approach for discharge, which simplifies to more evenly distribute emissions throughout the year. For example, water discharge during winter will also occur, albeit at a low flow rate. In the short term, this results in relatively minor practical changes, but when Sahavaara opens, significantly larger amounts of water will be managed overall.

A weather protection system over the tailings pile has been established. This system is designed to protect the product from external factors (rain, snow, etc.) and to minimize potential dust emissions from the area.

The measurements and controls we perform on our operations (self-monitoring) have been expanded and adjusted as new processes and facilities have been introduced. Our self-monitoring has always been very ambitious, providing a solid foundation for further development. This has been done in close contact with the regulatory authority, and an updated control program has been submitted before the new permit was activated.

We activated the new permit on December 27, 2023. The flotation process was commissioned in January 2024.