Discussions about critical materials, including minerals and rare earth elements, are at the forefront of global economic security debates. These CRMs have been identified as a place of strategic leverage amid accelerating geoeconomic competition and demand needs driven by the energy transition, digitalization, and ramping-up of the defense sector. Countries are scrambling to secure reliable access to minerals and refining capacity, yet supply chains remain highly concentrated and exposed to pressure. At the same time, rising expectations for environmental stewardship, transparency, and community rights are reshaping expectations around sustainable mineral production and global responsibility. In the European and Finnish context, Finland’s geological endowment, research capabilities, and high environmental and governance standards make it an important leader for Europe’s efforts to secure sustainable access to CRMs.
This FIIA event, part of the Geoeconomic Research Initiative (GERI) project funded by the Academy of Finland, brings together leading experts to examine how states, including Finland, can balance the expansion of mineral production with robust governance, anti-corruption safeguards, environmental needs, and resilience.
Opening Remarks:
Mikael Wigell, Principal Investigator, Geoeconomics Research Initiative & Visiting Senior Fellow, FIIA
Framing Reflections:
Saleem Ali, Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment, University of Delaware
Panel Discussion:
Juhani Grossman, Director, Green Corruption, Basel Institute on Governance
Saku Vuori, Director of Science and Innovations, Geological Survey of Finland
Jarkko Vesa, Chief Specialist in Minerals Policy, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland
Helmi Räisänen, Postdoctoral Fellow, FIIA
Moderator:
Cordelia Buchanan Ponczek, Research Fellow, FIIA