Normet’s new centre in Finland to drive underground mining technology

Normet has opened a new technology centre in Pirkkala, Finland, to expedite the future of underground mining.

The facility is intended to bolster research, development and testing capabilities for technologies aimed at improving safety, productivity and sustainability in underground mining operations.

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The new centre is focused on fostering advancements in autonomy, robotics, software development and other digital technologies.

As mining operations extend to deeper levels and face more challenging conditions, these technologies become crucial in enabling remote and autonomous functionalities that can minimise human exposure to hazardous environments.

Normet conducts more than 95% of its business outside Finland and has a presence in roughly 50 locations across 30 countries.

Normet president and CEO Ed Santamaria said: “Today is an important milestone for Normet. This investment expands our technology development and testing capabilities and reinforces our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in underground mining.

“Customer demand for advanced mining technologies continues to grow, and this centre will help us accelerate the development of solutions that improve safety, productivity and sustainability underground.”

The company manufactures mining equipment in Chile, Finland and India. Demand for its products is supported by global trends such as the green transition, urbanisation and increased investment in critical minerals.

The facility will also serve as a venue for customer demonstrations, highlighting autonomous functions, tele-remote operation and battery electric equipment.

Pirkkala was chosen for its location within a prominent ecosystem known for electrified mobile work machines and mining technology.

Santamaria further added: “We have already hired more than 50 people in Finland this year to support our growth, particularly in manufacturing, and we expect this new centre to create additional high-value technology roles in the future.”

In April 2025, Normet secured a contract to provide an ancillary underground equipment fleet for South32’s Hermosa project, located in a mining district in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona, US.