AFRY to lead pre-feasibility study for Anglo American’s Sakatti mine in Finland supporting Europe’s critical raw materials strategy

AFRY to lead pre-feasibility study for Anglo American’s Sakatti mine in Finland supporting Europe’s critical raw materials strategy

(IN BRIEF) AFRY has been contracted to lead the pre-feasibility study for Anglo American’s Sakatti mining project in Finland, a development designed as a highly automated, low-carbon underground mine with minimal surface footprint. The study, due for completion by the end of 2026, will refine technical and economic details to prepare for the feasibility phase. The Sakatti project is intended to provide critical raw materials for Europe’s green transition and has already secured strategic project status under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. Anglo American has completed environmental and Natura assessments and submitted its mining permit application to Finland’s mining authority, Tukes. Operations are expected to start in the early 2030s. AFRY executives emphasized the company’s expertise in sustainable mining engineering, while Anglo American highlighted Sakatti as one of its next-generation FutureSmart mines.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 5-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — AFRY has been awarded the contract to lead the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for Anglo American’s Sakatti project in Finland, a next-generation underground mining operation designed to be highly automated, low-carbon, and with minimal surface footprint. The mine is expected to play a vital role in supplying critical raw materials to support Europe’s green transition.

The pre-feasibility study will refine project details, providing precise technical and economic assessments that will establish the foundation for the project’s next development stage. Once completed, the study will guide Anglo American into the full feasibility phase with a clear framework for implementation.

“We are proud to have been selected to lead the Sakatti pre-feasibility study,” said Nicholas Oksanen, EVP Global Division Industry, AFRY. “This opportunity highlights AFRY’s expertise in sustainable mining engineering and demonstrates our commitment to responsibly supporting Europe’s green transition.”

Pertti Lamberg, CEO of Anglo American in Finland, commented: “We are pleased to be working with AFRY to advance the pre-feasibility stage at Sakatti. This phase marks an important milestone in the project’s development and reflects our vision for Sakatti as one of Anglo American’s FutureSmart mines – a highly automated, low-carbon underground operation with minimal surface impact.”

Anglo American is targeting the early 2030s to commence mining operations at Sakatti. The company has already finalized the project’s environmental impact assessment and Natura assessment, and has submitted its mining permit application to Finland’s mining authority, Tukes. Earlier this year, Sakatti was granted strategic project status under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), underscoring its significance for Europe’s supply of essential resources.

The pre-feasibility study, led by AFRY, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

AFRY provides engineering, design, digital and advisory services to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society.

We are 18,000 devoted experts in industry, energy and infrastructure sectors, creating impact for generations to come. AFRY has Nordic roots with a global reach, net sales of 27 BSEK and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

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Media Contacts:

Nicholas Oksanen, EVP Global Industry Division, AFRY
nicholas.oksanen@afry.com

Virginia Ferrari, Head of Communications, Global Division Industry, AFRY
virginia.ferrari@afry.com

SOURCE: AFRY