Agnico Eagle Finland Oy is taking part in the fundraising initiative of Lapland University of Applied Sciences (UAS) with a EUR 20,000 donation. The deed of gift was handed over to the institution on December 19.

The extractive industry is one of the most significant business sectors in Lapland, and it is also among the priority areas for research, development, and innovation activities at Lapland UAS. The research and services provided in connection with it are related to study on material technology, measurement techniques, mineralogy, maintenance, circular economy, the well-being and safety of mining communities, and particularly to expertise on Arctic conditions.

By applying findings from these research, development, and innovation activities, companies can advance their operations, products, and services, and develop new business models. In addition, Lapland UAS organizes higher education for the mining industry.

According to Kaisa Saarijärvi, Agnico Eagle’s senior HR manager for Europe, cooperation with Lapland University of Applied Sciences and other educational institutions in Northern Finland is extremely important for the Kittilä mine.

“In addition to mining-industry experts, we need skilled staff members for other duties, such as business administration and various types of engineering jobs. We want to do our part to support opportunities for young people to study here in Lapland and to maintain the vitality of Northern Finland.”

Rector of Lapland UAS Riitta Rissanen says that the local mining industry and Agnico Eagle are valuable partners for the institution in the development of training and research focused on the extractive industry. Development of expertise in the mining industry is extremely important for Lapland.

“New skills are needed, particularly in circular economy and responsibility. We are delighted to cooperate with Agnico Eagle in this work, also by making the mining industry more attractive to young people,” says Hannu Kähkölä, Director of the School of Industry and Natural Resources at UAS.

For further information, please contact:

Senior HR Manager Kaisa Saarijärvi
Agnico Eagle Finland Oy
kaisa.saarijarvi(at)agnicoeagle.com
Tel.: +358 40 511 0872

Leena Alalääkkölä, Director of Fundraising
Lapland University of Applied Sciences
leena.alalaakkola(at)lapinamk.fi
Tel.: +358 40 055 9065