Opening remarks came from Mr. Jüri Seilenthal, Director General for Foreign Trade Policy and International Economic Organisations, Department at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Sirli Sipp-Kulli, Director of Geological Survey Estonia.
A presentation entitled “Unique rare earth elements competence and supply chain in Europe” was given by Mr. Rahim Suleman, the CEO of Neo Performance Materials. This was followed by Mr. Margus Raha, Advisor on Mineral Resources at the Estonian Ministry of Climate who spoke on “The potential of Estonia's critical minerals resources and future plans related to EU critical minerals strategy (phosphorite, metals)”.
The audience heard industry presentations from:
-Zero Terrain (Vesta Kaljuste)
-MARU / MDSC Systems (Marek Press)
-BiotaTec (Priit Jõers)
-Trisector (Arnout Lugtmeijer)
-Limestone Factories of Estonia (Kuldar Õunapuu).
Kalev Ruberg moderated a panel on innovative technologies and the reuse of various waste, like oil shale ash and semi-coke. On the panel were Mr. Veiko Karu, Senior Project Manager for EIT Research and Development Projects at the Tallinn Technical University, and Mr. Allan Niidu, Advisory Board Member of Eesti Energia.
Presenters emphasized that Estonia is relatively rich in rare earth elements, including the largest phosphorite deposits in Europe. Rare earth materials are vital components of the magnets that are required for electric vehicles. Estonian innovation is also involved with recycling the rare minerals from mining waste and from items such as smartphones. Speakers pointed out that most of Estonia's mineral riches are in the northeast section of the country.
The event concluded with a vigorous networking opportunity for convention attendees and the visiting Estonians.
Text and photos by Peeter Põldre
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