Sibelco Nordic Oy Ab is part of the international Sibelco Group. Sibelco is a multinational material solutions company founded in 1872, operating in over 30 countries and with extensive multi-mineral reserves.
The Sibelco Group focuses on the processing and sale of quartz sand and the recycling of ceramic clays, feldspar minerals, olivine and glass. Sustainable development, including a relentless focus on safety and reducing carbon emissions, is an essential part of the company’s vision.
Sibelco Nordic Oy Ab has operations in three different locations (Kemiönsaari, Nilsiä and Karvia). There are quarries in two locations, Kemiönsaari and Nilsiä. As the company also has operations other than those governed by the Mining Act, reporting financial indicators is challenging.
Pegmatite is mined in three open pits on Kemiönsaari, and quartz sand from Belgium and anorthosite imported from Lapinlahti are also processed there. In addition to quarries, the Kemiönsaari site has a refinery and operations for drying, further processing and packaging. The products are feldspar, quartz, anorthosite and foundry sand. The main applications for the products are the sanitary ceramics, glass fibre industries and foundries.
Quartz is mined in two open pits in Nilsiä. The operations consist of the extraction, crushing, enrichment, drying and further processing of quartzite mineral. The main applications for the products are refractory masses, filter sands, sports sands and the glass industry.
Sibelco Nordic Oy Ab did not conduct mineral exploration in 2024.
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Location in a nature reserve* | ||
| Environmental Management System ** | ||
| Environmental impact assessment required (in accordance with the EIA Act) * | ||
| Measurements for dust | ||
| Measurements for noise | ||
| Measurements for vibration | ||
| Environmental risk assessment carried out | ||
| Deviations from environmental permits *** | ||
| Closure plan for the mine | ||
| Plan for the controlled shutdown of the mine in unexpected situations |
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff initiative system | ||
| Performance appraisals concerning the entire personnel | ||
| Staff training plan | ||
| Equality plan | ||
| Employee representation in company administration | ||
| Occupational health and safety management system* | ||
| Occupational safety card for everyone working in the area | ||
| Own rescue unit |
The activities employ both directly and indirectly local people and local businesses. As a result of the company’s operations, the coverage and condition of local forest roads, especially in Kemiö, has significantly improved, making it easier for land and forest owners to operate in the area.
In Nilsiä, Sibelco has been involved in financing the Kauppinen Lake restoration project, the purpose of which was to improve the condition of the lake and its recreational use. An oxidizer has also been installed in the Kauppinen Lake to prevent salt stratification. In both Kemiö and Nilsiä, the company pays an annual fisheries fee specified in the environmental permit to compensate for any harm the operations may cause to the receiving watercourse.
The company’s operations have not, according to the company’s own assessment, had any adverse effects on the recreational use of the surrounding area. Access to the operating areas is prohibited for safety reasons and this may restrict movement in the surrounding areas. Operating hours are specified in the environmental permit, taking into account settlements and recreational use. For example, in Kemiö, operations are limited during the summer season to minimize harm to recreational houses.
A landscaping plan has been prepared for all areas as part of the closure plans for the sites. Landscaping will be carried out continuously during operations, where possible, and landscape values will be taken into account, for example, when planning storage.
The company has conducted a stakeholder analysis and an action plan for cooperation and communication with stakeholders.
The company has ongoing research and collaboration projects on the utilization of by-products and/or waste streams, as well as other projects supporting the promotion of the circular economy. The company is also participating in a longer-term research project on the commercialization and utilization of tailings sand.
