Betolar Oyj Announces Strategic Collaboration to Recover Metals from Epanko Mine Tailings

Betolar Oyj, the Finnish industrial technology company listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki exchange, today confirmed the launch of a partnership with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and Australian resource‑processing firm EcoGraf Limited. The collaboration aims to transform the tailings of the Epanko mine in southern Finland by applying Betolar’s proprietary metal‑extraction technology, with the goal of recovering a wide range of valuable metals and reducing the environmental footprint of the mine.

Scope of the Agreement

  • Participants: Betolar Oyj (Finland), GTK (Finland), EcoGraf Limited (Australia).
  • Project Focus: Application of Betolar’s metal‑extraction platform to the Epanko mine tailings, a by‑product of the region’s long‑standing mining operations.
  • Technical Approach: Betolar will provide its extraction technology, while EcoGraf will supply complementary processing equipment and operational expertise. GTK will contribute geological data, site access and regulatory liaison.
  • Funding and Support: The joint venture intends to pursue shared financing opportunities, including European and Nordic green‑energy and circular‑economy grants, to support the development and scale‑up of the recovery plant.

Expected Outcomes

  1. High‑Recovery Metal Extraction – Preliminary studies suggest that the technology can achieve recovery rates approaching 99 % for certain metals, positioning the project as a benchmark for future mine‑tailings initiatives.
  2. Environmental Benefits – By converting tailings into a resource, the partnership will reduce the volume of hazardous waste stored on site and lower the environmental impact of the Epanko mine.
  3. Economic Viability – The recovered metals will provide a new revenue stream for the mine’s operators and contribute to the local economy, while creating a model for similar operations across Finland and beyond.

Strategic Significance

The collaboration represents a significant step for Betolar Oyj’s expansion into the circular‑economy sector. By partnering with GTK and EcoGraf, Betolar gains access to a mature mine site, proven geological data, and international processing expertise. The alliance also underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable resource recovery, aligning with growing investor and regulatory expectations for environmental stewardship in the industrial sector.

Next Steps

  • Technical Feasibility Study: The parties will conduct a detailed assessment of the tailings’ composition and the integration of Betolar’s extraction system with EcoGraf’s processing line.
  • Funding Applications: Joint applications for EU and Nordic green‑technology grants will be submitted in the coming weeks.
  • Pilot Implementation: A pilot unit is scheduled to commence testing in the latter half of 2026, with full‑scale deployment planned for 2028, contingent on regulatory approvals and commercial viability.

Betolar Oyj’s entry into this partnership marks a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, demonstrating its ability to combine cutting‑edge technology with strategic collaborations to unlock value from mining by‑products and advance Finland’s role in the global transition to a more sustainable resource economy.