Advancing Geoscientific Capability Geological Survey of Finland
GTK in brief The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) is one of the largest European centres of excellence in assessment, research and the sustainable use of earth resources. Our research programmes focus on the creation of innovative technology and applications. We actively participate in international cooperation, including joint research and capacity building projects with our partners. GTK is an agency of Finland s Ministry of Employment and the Economy. Linking our mission and vision to core elements Vision: To create solutions that embrace new technologies, advance business areas and promote suistainable growth. Our goal is to achieve trust, local ownership and commitment. Meeting traditional and emerging challenges GTK is well respected internationally for its excellence and reliability. Our expertise in geo-scientific research and applications is constantly developing. Our core geological skills range from traditional geological field surveys to ore potential assessment and environmental geology. For over a decade, we have engaged in modern geological applications, including high-tech mineral enrichment, green mining, urban geology and risk management. Our new frontiers of opportunity address the digital world, cleantech, better built environments and sustainable mineral economy. We support interdisciplinary research projects, and in finding solutions with our partners, we seek close cooperation with stakeholders and decision makers. Public sector GTK has an excellent record in building institutional geoscience capacity. As a neutral agent, we have experience ranging from local to transnational cooperation. We improve institutional efficiency and the investment climate, and we endorse good governance policies and communication on geoscientific issues. Public-private cooperation World-class geological expertise Right skills-sets for generating added value from geological information Agile, strategy-based approaches A shared vision of industrial policy is necessary for long-term economic stability and growth, where public private cooperation generates added value. It is well understood that industries supported by public research and geo-information services endorse sustainable socio-economic development. Private sector Mission: To provide geological expertise that helps our stakeholders succeed. GTK works as a confidential partner to the industry in developing ecoefficient solutions that both reduce environmental impacts and enhance profitability. Joint research projects support the private sector in developing the results into business models.
GTK continously develops geological applications to address socioeconomic trends and demands. Digital world Geophysics Food security Climate change adaptation Urban geology Cleantech EMERGING CONCEPTS Sustainable mineral economy Mineral potential CORE GEOLOGICAL SERVICES Mineral processing MODERN APPLICATIONS developed into modern applications Green mining striving towards emerging areas. Better built environments Our project areas are based on core geology Mapping
Our areas of expertise DIGITAL WORLD The potential and systemic advantages of digital technology should be realised in all our processes to allow for innovative operating models, the steady accumulation of data capital and solutions that adapt seamlessly to specific client needs. Data management and services GTK has over 35 years of experience in digital data management, data architecture, GIS, analysis, visualization and information delivery. We support partners seeking to streamline their workflows and geoscientific information management. Mapping Maps provide the basis for geoscientific assessments such as mineral, groundwater and energy resources, soils and geohazards. GTK s cartographic skills and techniques range from traditional mapping to the interdisciplinary and dynamic use of digital information. Geophysics and geochemistry We provide experienced teams to coordinate and supervise different ground and airborne surveys. Our interpretation skills use state of the art techniques and have been successfully employed in a wide range of projects from ore exploration to environmental impact assessment and monitoring. SUSTAINABLE MINERAL ECONOMY We play a key role in advancing mineral-based economies to secure greater diversity and sophistication of Finnish products and services. Minerals for development (M4D) Mineral resources can be a critical driver in reducing poverty and increasing employment. The M4D initiative aims at providing mineral-endowed countries with a path to increased economic diversity and societal development. Good governance helps in building strong public institutions and creates a business environment attractive to foreign investors. Mineral processing GTK Mintec, Europe s leading test facility for ore beneficiation research and mineral processing studies for the mining industry, conducts comprehensive custom research from mineralogical studies to continuous process testing at the pilot scale. Mineral potential GTK expertise in this area is highly valued internationally. Our projects cover a wide spectrum from novel mapping approaches and new concepts in mineral exploration to eco-efficient processing of ores. Mining and environment GTK s expertise covers the entire project life cycle, from baseline studies and environmental impact assessments to post-closure impacts employing geological, geochemical, hydrogeological, mineralogical and geophysical methods. Small-scale mining While the artisanal and small-scale mining sector provides work for tens of millions of people around the world, it has a poor environmental track record. GTK works with local governments and communities in applying practices that reduce environmental impacts and improve productivity. Natural stones and aggregates Natural stone products and construction aggregates are the foundations of modern infrastructure. GTK offers services that include regional assessments, fine-tuning of quarrying processes and environmental compliance, as well as testing and quality estimation. BETTER BUILT ENVIRONMENTS We generate geological information critical to urban development, land-use planning, construction, infrastructure and associated environmental issues. Climate change adaptation and risk management GTK has over 10 years of experience in developing and implementing climate change adaptation and natural hazard mitigation measures in close cooperation with local stakeholders and decision makers. The holistic approach of our projects focuses on understanding and addressing vulnerability patterns to reduce risks. Food security Population growth, the erosion of agricultural land and rising food prices demand the protection of soils and biodiversity, as well as increasing crop yields. GTK has long experience in the agro-mineral resources and the improvement of agricultural soils. Groundwater Groundwater is one of mankind s most essential, yet most threatened resources. GTK s experience in securing groundwater resources extends from the modelling of resources to the implementation of sustainable water management policies. Energy GTK expertise includes bioenergy, shallow geothermal energy exploration and geological issues associated with radioactive waste disposal, as well as exploration for hitech metals. Coastal marine geology The world s oceans face eutrophication, chemical pollution and seafloor hypoxia. GTK has been active in sediment studies on past environmental changes, aiming to identify the factors affecting these long-term changes, as a part of multinational efforts to reverse the Baltic Sea s decline. CLEANTECH We are well positioned to advance processes and services that reduce waste, increase recyclability and protect our natural endowments. Material efficiency We support industrial production services in developing cleaner and more energy efficient product chains. Energy efficiency The potential of geo-energy assesses energy storage, as well as heating and cooling capacities.
Rovaniemi Kokkola Kuopio Outokumpu Loppi Espoo HELSINKI Geological Survey of Finland www.gtk.fi Tel. +358 29 503 0000