Our responsible sourcing of Mica
At LKAB Minerals, responsible sourcing isn’t just a commitment – it’s at the heart of our company. We prioritise ethical practices, environmental responsibility, and compliance with global standards as we source Mica, a versatile mineral used across industries. Here’s how our approach ensures that the mica we provide meets the highest standards of environmental practices and quality.
Ethical and conscious practices
Our mica sourcing process begins at the phosphate mine in Siilinjärvi, Finland, where we extract phlogopite mica as a by-product of primary phosphate production. This side-stream approach reduces waste and aligns with our commitment to the circular economy. By responsibly managing this resource, we contribute to environmentally conscious practices while ensuring the quality of the mica used in applications such as construction materials, coatings, and polymers.
This process not only minimises environmental impact but also ensures a steady supply of high-quality phlogopite mica. By leveraging advanced technologies and efficient processing methods, we maximise the value of this material while minimising resource use and emissions. Our mica products, such as MicaFort phlogopite, are a testament to this commitment, offering exceptional performance across industries.
Commitment to global standards
We are proud participants in the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), an industry-leading framework for ethical mineral sourcing. Through RMI, we adhere to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. In 2023, our facilities underwent external audits as part of this initiative, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward full compliance. We are now in the final phase of this process and expect to complete it in the second quarter of 2025!
Our participation in RMI reflects our broader commitment to transparency and accountability. By integrating due diligence procedures into our operations, we ensure that every step of our supply chain meets international ethical standards. This includes regular audits, supplier assessments, and stakeholder engagement to address potential risks and maintain high standards.
Transparent supply chain management
Transparency is vital to our operations. Our supply chain guidelines, aligned with the OECD framework, include countless procedures to prevent the use of conflict minerals and to uphold human rights. For instance, we ensure thorough Know Your Supplier processes to verify supplier legal status, locations, and adherence to ethical practices. Additionally, we conduct risk assessments regularly, leveraging both desktop research and on-the-ground evaluations to address potential red flags proactively.
Our sourcing strategy is designed to minimise risks while promoting long-term partnerships with our suppliers. By working closely with stakeholders, including local communities and industry organisations, we create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. This approach ensures that our mica sourcing practices align with our values and those of our customers.
Remodel of mica applications
While phlogopite mica’s bronze hue makes it unsuitable for cosmetics, it excels in industrial applications. Our MicaFort phlogopite products, for example, enhance temperature stability and mechanical properties in polymers and coatings, reinforcing durability and extending product lifespans. This versatility makes mica a valuable resource across sectors, including construction, automotive, and green technologies.
Mica’s unique properties also support the development of environmentally conscious solutions. For example, its use in lightweight composite materials can reduce the overall carbon footprint of products in industries such as transportation and renewable energy. By exploring new applications, we continue to expand the value mica brings to modern technologies.
Environmental responsibility
Our operations prioritise reducing environmental impact at every stage. By using side-stream materials and ensuring efficient production methods, we minimise carbon emissions and resource use. Our Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for MicaFort PD900 provides transparent data on its lifecycle impact, reinforcing our commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
We also invest in technologies that enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste. From advanced sorting techniques to energy-efficient drying processes such as our heat recovery system – which involves recovering and reusing heat from drying process. With that investment we will further improve our EPD/carbon footprint., every aspect of our mica production is designed with the environment in mind. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures the long-term viability of our operations.
Supporting local communities
In addition to our environmental initiatives, we are dedicated to supporting the communities where we operate. Our sourcing activities in Finland create jobs and contribute to the local economy, while our commitment to ethical practices ensures that these benefits are shared fairly. By engaging with local stakeholders, we build strong relationships that support mutual growth and development.
Our community engagement efforts also include educational initiatives and partnerships with local organisations. These programmes help raise awareness about responsible sourcing and promote best practices within the industry.
As we move forward, our focus remains on continuous improvement. We are dedicated to completing the RMI framework, expanding the applications of mica responsibly, and maintaining transparent, ethical sourcing practices. By choosing LKAB Minerals, our customers support not only a reliable supply of high-quality mica but also a commitment to environmental and ethical responsibility.
To learn more about our responsible sourcing practices or our MicaFort phlogopite products, visit our website or contact us directly. You can also keep up to date with the latest company news and product launches with our LinkedIn!
