Xplorer Conference

Xplorer goes to Oulu!

The next Xplorer Conference: Redesign Mining will be hosted by the University of Oulu, June 9–11, 2026.

This year we are exploring how the mining industry can shift toward truly circular practices. Is a mine without waste possible?

June 9 is a family day, offering engaging activities and information about the role of metals and minerals in everyday life.

June 10–11 are dedicated to scientific presentations, knowledge sharing, and open discussions, designed for professionals, researchers, and decision-makers across sectors.

Mining is for everyone.
Save the date and find more information here Save the date: Xplorer 2026 Oulu - Redesign Mining | University of Oulu

Oulu will serve as the European Capital of Culture in 2026, and the Xplorer Conference is part of the official program.

Past events

Geopolitics and energy transition are changing the mining and minerals sector profoundly, and implications for security of supply are at the fore. We expect the circular economy to be the path forward, yet how realistic are plans for secondary resources? A changing world order and unpredictability also impact the pipe-line of future experts, so there is a need to also address mining education.

At Xplorer Conference 2024 we had an opportunity to discuss and address options and a way-forward for a mineral-centered way of living. Xplorer Conference is multidisciplinary, and topics were discussed from varying perspectives across technology, business, and society. Expert presentations were by invitation, whereby poster sessions were available via an application.

Program

DAY 1: Tuesday, June 11

DAY 1	Tuesday, June 11
09.00	Registration
10.00	Opening remarks Sami Virolainen, Head - Department of Separation Science, LUT University

	Session 1: Geopolitics and energy transition’s impact on the mining sector For the energy transition to be successful many metals and minerals are needed. Considering geopolitics are profoundly changing the supply-chains, what does it mean for the mining sector from the perspective of security? Chair: Prof. Saija Luukkanen Abstracts and bios
10.15–10.55	Keynote: Critical Minerals Strategy in Finland and the EU Pekka Suomela, Executive Officer - Finnish Mining Association
10.55–11.15	Supply-chain Resilience - Recent Research Findings Professor Veli Matti Virolainen, LUT University
11.15–11.35	Ensuring Mineral Security in a Digital Society Juha Ilkka, Chief Preparedness Specialist and Program Director, Digital Security 2030, National Emergency Supply Agency, Finland
11.35–12.30	Lunch
	Session 1 continues:
12.30–13.00	Requirements of the CRM Act and How to Tackle Future Talent Challenges Toni Rönnberg, Regional Director - EIT Raw Materials, Baltic Sea & North
	Exploring global perspectives: Security of Supply beyond Europe
13.00–13.20	Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy: Jeanette Stovel, Ambassador of Canada to Finland
13.20–13.40	Lithium in Latin America: Bolivia’s approach, America Quinteros Condoretty, Junior Researcher, LUT Business School
13.40–14.00	Critical Minerals Sustainable Production in Chile: A Window of Opportunity to Drive a Transition Towards a Smart, Green and Inclusive economy: Dr. Osvaldo Urzúa, Karungen
14.00–14.15	Discussion
14.15–14.45	Break
	Session 2: Environmental law, society and sustainability transition Sustainability transition challenges all sectors of life. What are the challenges from the perspective of law and society when talking about mining and the mineral sector? Chair: Assoc. Prof. Hanna-Mari Husu Abstracts and bios
14.45–15.25	Keynote: Critical Raw Materials for the Sustainability Transformation: Promise and Pitfalls in the Context of Legal Systems, Professor Seita Vesa, UEF
15.25–15.45	Socially Sustainable Sourcing of Critical Raw Materials for the Green Transition: Acceptance and the Role of Citizens' Knowledge and Awareness Tuija Jartti, Postdoctoral Researcher, UEF
15.45–16.05	EU and Recycling of Critical Raw Materials: Stuck in Legal Limbo Topi Turunen, Senior Research Scientist, Syke, Finnish Environment Institute
16.05–16.25	The Green Transition – a Right Way to Safeguard our Planetary Future? Hanna Halmeenpää, Chair of the Board, The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation
16.25–16.45	Discussion and closing
	Social program:
19.00–22.00	Dinner cruise on Lake Saimaa On Tuesday night, our conference will set sail on Lake Saimaa. Come aboard the M/S Camilla for a dinner cruise and experience the magic of the Nordic White Nights in the archipelago of the largest lake in Finland. Your conference fee includes a three-course meal and beverages. The three-hour cruise departs at 7 pm from the Lappeenranta city harbour, conveniently located within walking distance from the hotels. We look forward to welcoming you onboard!

DAY 2: Wednesday, June 12

DAY 2	Wednesday, June 12
	Session 3: Circular economy – A Reality Check Circular economy is essential to the sustainability transition. How well are we doing with minerals and metals? Chair: Prof. Juan Maria Menéndez Aguado Abstracts and bios
09.00–09.40	Keynote: Circularity and the Implications of the New Critical Raw Materials Act, David Peck, Associate Professor, Delft University
09.40–10.10	Towards Value Added Sustainable Mining, Docent Jutta Nuortila-Jokinen, LUT
10.10-10.25	Break
10.25–10.45	Circularity in Policy Implementation Laura Kainiemi, Postdoctoral Researcher, LUT
10.45–11.05	Opportunities of Increased Recovery – an SME Perspective, Riina Salmimies, CEO, Sofi Filtration
11.05–11.30	Poster pitching: Working Towards the Circular Economy
11.30–12.30	Lunch
	Session 4: Poster session. See abstracts
12.30–13.00	Visit posters, Working Towards the Circular Economy
	Session 5: Education in transition – the future is now! Mining sector professionals are at the core of the sustainability transition. But how do we effectively train these experts? What specific expertise will be crucial for the mining and battery industry in the future? And how can we address the persistent skills shortage in this sector? Chair: Dr. Katja Lahikainen Abstracts and bios
13.00–13.30	Keynote: Criticality Aspects in Education for the European Raw Materials Value Chain, Professor Juan Maria Menéndez Aguado, University of Oviedo
13.30–13.50	Industry’s perspective, Asko Saastamoinen, Head of HR, Sibanye-Stillwater
13.50–14.05	Bridging Studies to Practice, Vilma Laitinen, Sustainability expert, Nordkalk
14.05–14.35	Coffee break
14.35–14.50	Academia-Industry Cooperation for Advancing Business Goals, Salla Pyhäjärvi, Partnership Coordinator, RDI Specialist, Lapland University of Applied Sciences
14.50–15.05	Exploring Possibilities in Vocational Mining Education and Training Veli Pyhtilä, Lecturer, Educational Consortium OSAO Taivalkoski
15.05–15.20	Strengthening Education through Cooperation in Joint Programs Ritva Tuunila, Associate Professor, LUT University
15.20–15.40	Value Chain Perspectives in Mining Education Professor Saija Luukkanen, Oulu University
15.40–16.00	Discussion & Closing remarks