Mining and reliable mine water management are of outstanding importance for the Finnish and worldwide mining industry. Unknown to many outside Scandinavia, Finland is one of the most prominent European mining countries with commodities ranging from gold and silver to base metals and platinum group elements. Its political stability has made Finland a prominent country for exploration, with 40 to 50 projects currently under investigation. Its pristine landscape, especially in the arctic north of the country, requires a high environmental responsibility by the mine operators and the regulators, as Finnish people expect that their watercourses and forests are protected at all costs. IMWA’s 13th Congress will also focus on the experience that mining companies and researchers as well as consulters have gained in this highly vulnerable northern environment. But, as you are expecting, IMWA 2017 will cover all ranges of mine water topics that you think are relevant.

IMWA 2017’s Congress theme will be “Mine Water & Circular Economy”. Circular economy means, “closing the loop” of product life-cycles by improving recycling and re-use. In case of mine water, this means that mining wastes and mine water are used to extract valuable materials, such as metals, fertilizers or adsorbents for waste water purification. We are expecting high caliber presentations about this subject, but every mine water related theme will be covered during IMWA’s 13^th congress.

During the mid-congress excursion and the post-congress excursion, you will be shown various mining and mine water projects in the southern and northern part of Finland, including the Nordkalk, Outokumpu, Pyhäsalmi, Yara and Talvivaara mines.

IMWA, LUT and Tekes invite you to the 13th International Mine Water Association Congress in Lappeenranta/Finland (you can download the IMWA 2017 flyer from here). Lappeenranta is situated 215 km northeast of Helsinki and northwest of St. Petersburg, just 30 km from the Russian border. It is the 13th largest city in Finland and belongs to the South Karelian region, bordering the shore of Lake Saimaa. The municipality has a population of 73000 and covers an area of 1720 km² of which 290 km² is water. Rauha/Lappeenranta is well connected to Helsinki airport by road and train (train station Imatra). A train ride lasts 2 ½ hours and costs between 37 and 48 € (one way). Regular bus services connect Helsinki center with Imatra and the travel time is between 4 and 5 hours (11 – 45 €). All trains and buses have internet connection. Rental cars are available at Helsinki airport, and all major companies are present there.

Ystävällisin terveisin and Glückauf,

your IMWA 2017 Congress Chairs

Christian Wolkersdorfer, IMWA 2017 Chair

Mika Sillanpää and Antti Häkkinen, Co-Chairs

IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline for Submission of Abstracts

  • 30 November 2016 Notification of abstract acceptance

  • 31 January 2017 Deadline for Submission of full Papers 

  • Ultimate deadline: 15 April 2017

http://www.imwa2017.info/