June 12, 2026

Mining is temporary, regions are not

EUL Chair Highlights the Afterlife of Mines at Xplorer 2026 in Oulu

The Xplorer 2026 Oulu – Redesign Mining, held at the University of Oulu, Finland, from 9 to 11 June 2026 brought together researchers, companies, policy actors and the public to discuss how mining and raw-material value chains can develop in a more sustainable and circular direction. Topics ranged from critical raw materials and new technologies to biodiversity, circular economy, digitalisation, education and policy.

During the scientific conference, EUL Chair Jari Joutsenvaara gave a presentation entitled “The Afterlife of Mines: Creating Value Beyond Extraction.” The presentation focused on what happens when extraction ends and how former mines and underground spaces can continue to create value through new functions.

Mine closure is often discussed mainly as an environmental and technical challenge. However, underground infrastructure may also represent a long-term regional asset. Depending on local conditions, former mines can support research infrastructures, technology testing, education and training, geo-energy applications, storage, monitoring, tourism and other new activities.

A central message of the presentation was that mine planning should increasingly consider this longer lifecycle from the beginning. The value of underground infrastructure does not necessarily disappear when mineral extraction stops. Early consideration of potential future uses can improve opportunities for reuse and help connect mine closure with regional development and innovation.

As Joutsenvaara summarised during the conference:

“Mining is temporary, regions are not.”

The discussion is closely connected with the work of EUL. Many underground laboratories and research environments across Europe demonstrate how existing underground infrastructure can be adapted for scientific research, technology development and new forms of cooperation between academia, industry and regions.

Xplorer 2026 provided an important forum for connecting these perspectives with wider discussions on sustainable mining and the transition of mining regions.