The overall picture of the mineral potential of Fennoscandia is supplemented

A metallogenic map of Fennoscandia shows that Finland and its neighbours are potential areas for mining operations related to base and noble metals. In the area, there occurs also many rare high-tech metals necessary for modern technology.

More information on Fennoscandia’s mining potential is accrued all the time. A metallogenic map, Metallic Mineral Deposit Map of Fennoscandia 1:2 million¸ including the most recent information, will be published in December 2009. The map will supplement the already published numeric database and map related to the area’s ore deposits, both of which have been compiled in a joint effort by the respective geological surveys of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

The metallogenic map will further deepen the information provided in Fennoscandia’s geological map, and the ore deposit map (metallic minerals) published at the beginning of 2008. It will indicate the zones with mineral potential, using known deposits and other ore indicators as an aid. Moreover, it will indicate the areas identified by means of geology and geophysics, which, due to the similarity of the bedrock, may result in finding deposits.

A uniform ore deposit database (FODD) for the entire Fennoscandia and the database’s explanation book, both published previously, are related to the maps. The content of the database can be viewed from a map server which is available online. Compiling the material has been the most labour-intensive stage of the project, due, for example, to the different procedures of the four countries. The database will be updated annually.

A map for more than just geologgeologists

At a European as well as a global level, Fennoscandia has a substantial ore potential. A profitable utilisation of ores will be possible as a result of, for example, increased prices on the global market and new technology. On the other hand, it will also be likely that not all occurrences or their extent are yet known.

According to the deposit map and the database, Norway has the best exploration and mining opportunities for iron, titanium, zinc and copper, whereas Sweden has the best resources and potential for iron, gold, zinc, and copper. The potential deposits of Russia are platinum metals, nickel, copper, iron, titanium, vanadium, chrome and gold. Perhaps rather surprisingly, in regard to the number of mines or deposits in the FODD database, the number of Finnish mines or deposits is the highest, the most important being platinum metals, nickel, copper, iron, titanium, vanadium, chrome, gold, copper and zinc.

Metallogenic maps, just like the ore deposit database and map, are basic tools for mineral explorers, and they are utilised well. In 2008, the number of global exploration companies operating in Fennoscandia was the highest ever. Moreover, the database and deposit maps are used by scientific communities and researchers. In the social sense, they provide means for area planning and decision-making related to financial operations.

TEXT Susanna Heikkinen