The mineral resources in Kemi mine, Finland maybe more than first thought.
According to a seismic research report by the Geological Survey of Finland in late 2009, the intrusion including Kemi chrome ore extends to a depth of 2-3km.
The report also indicates the possibility that the chromitite layer extends to at least 2-2.5km or even deeper.
The proven ore reserves of Kemi mine are 37Mt. The amount of mineral resources is 87Mt, estimated down to 1km depth. Earlier it was estimated that with present mining volumes the ore reserves and mineral resources together would last for 70-80 years.
Based on the new information it is possible that there are enough resources for mining for hundreds of years even with doubled annual production volumes.
Kemi mine is the only chromium mine in the EU area. The chrome deposit was found in 1959 and production started in 1968. The mine produces chromite concentrates to be used as raw-material in Outokumpu’s ferrochrome smelter in Tornio, close to the mine. The current annual production of Kemi mine is about 1.3Mt of ore.
