Business Finland has selected the More than a Mine proposal of Sokli Oy and its owner, Finnish Minerals Group, as a Veturi programme for leading companies. The goal of the programme, led by Sokli, is to create an extensive industrial ecosystem in Finland focusing on processing and valorising critical and strategic raw materials. Spinverse supported Sokli in their successful funding application process and is now facilitating the implementation of programme activities.
Business Finland’s funding for leading company Sokli Oy is up to €10 million and the funding of €20 million will be awarded for ecosystem members. Overall, the estimated cost of the programme is €75 million with Sokli’s share of the overall funding package being €25 million.
Developing next-generation mining and processing technologies
Led by Sokli, the More than a Mine aims to develop and pilot next-generation mining and processing technologies that enable the refining of raw materials in Finland. The intention is to extend the value chain beyond traditional mining, for example, into chemicals needed for electric car batteries and permanent magnets.
The vision of the programme is to turn the unique mineral deposit at Sokli, located in Savukoski, into a research, development and demonstration platform for critical raw materials such as phosphate, rare earth elements, and niobium that are critical to Europe's food production, clean energy, and low-carbon mobility. In practice, the aim is to develop and pilot next-generation sustainable mining and processing technologies that enable the refining of those raw materials in Finland.
Welcoming dozens of companies, research institutions and startups to join the ecosystem
According to Pasi Heino, acting Managing Director at Sokli, the company is looking forward to building an open Nordic ecosystem with plans to extend to Norway and Sweden. The ecosystem aims to create new technology and expertise in Finland and invites other companies and research institutions to partner with Sokli in building future solutions, sustainable industry and creating high-level jobs.
Spinverse supported Sokli during their Veturi planning phase
Spinverse supported Sokli in the planning and funding application phase of the the More than a Mine Veturi programme. Olli Salmi, Senior Advisor at Finnish Minerals Group, worked with Spinverse during the whole process and comments on the collaboration as follows:
Spinverse provided very active and professional support throughout the preparation stage and played a key role in the successful application of the Sokli More than a Mine Veturi.
Now as the programme is starting, Spinverse was chosen as a partner to support the management and implementation of the More than a Mine programme. Building on Spinverse’s extensive experience in supporting leading companies in the planning, set-up and running of Veturi programmes, Spinverse provides strong hands-on support in ecosystem coordination, project governance, communications and follow-up reporting, helping ensure effective execution and long-term impact.
The public launch event of the MTAM programme will be arranged on September 17 2026, in Espoo, Finland. Follow Sokli's web page for more information.
More information: Sokli to start building an industrial ecosystem around its mining project.
The mission of Business Finland projects for
leading companies is to solve significant future challenges and increase
Finland's competitiveness. A condition for the funding is that the company
commits to increasing its research and development activities in Finland and
creating new jobs.
Are you planning to look into Business Finland's Veturi funding for leading companies? Get in touch with our experts so we can discuss!
Janne Kaukojärvi
Senior Sales Manager, Business Development,
M. Sc. (Eng.)
janne.kaukojärvi@spinverse.com
+358 50 5286197