MRIWA WEBINARS: Critical Minerals & Tailings Valorisation Webinar

Join us for the next instalment of the Critical Minerals & Tailings Webinar series – Mining Beyond Waste: Unlocking Full Value

How can the mining sector move beyond waste management and unlock greater value from the resources it already produces?

In this webinar, Professor Päivi Kinnunen from VTT will explore how circular economy principles are transforming mining into a more sustainable, resource-efficient and value-driven industry. The presentation will demonstrate how circular solutions can reduce waste, recover critical raw materials and create new business opportunities from mining side streams.

Drawing lessons from commercial tailings reprocessing projects and emerging examples of tailings reuse and mineral residue upcycling, professor Päivi Kinnunen will highlight practical pathways maximising resource recovery and extending the value of mined materials. A featured case will examine the extraction of critical raw materials from tailings, showcasing the potential for previously discarded materials to become valuable resources for future supply chains.

Attendees will gain insights into technologies, opportunities and challenges associated with advancing circularity in the mining sector, and learn how innovative approaches can contribute to both environmental and sustainability and economic resilience.

This webinar will be of interest to researchers, industry professionals, government representatives and students interested in the future of sustainable mining, critical minerals and circular economy innovation.

SPEAKER

Professor Päivi Kinnunen is a Research Professor at VTT, Finland’s Technical Research Centre. Her research focuses on the industrial circular economy, valorisation of mining side streams, process development and closing water loops. She holds a Doctor of Science in Technology and a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, and is a member of the Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development.

DETAILS:

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Time: 3pm – 4pm AWST

Register here