Keretti Mine

Keretti Mine is located in Outokumpu, North Karelia, Finland, in the eastern part of the country, near the Russian border. It sits at approximately 62° 43' 14'' North, 28° 58' 35'' East, surrounded by the town of Outokumpu (population 6,500) and nearby settlements like Polvijärvi, Tuusniemi, Liperi, and Heinävesi. The area is known for its pristine wilderness, with lakes and dense forests, making it a scenic spot for mineral enthusiasts.

The mine was a significant producer of copper (3.3%), zinc (0.8%), cobalt (0.25%), and gold (0.8 g/t), with a total output of 28.5 million tons of ore. It also yielded unique minerals like uvarovite, a rare chromium-rich garnet, along with calcite, diopside, and sphalerite, offering a treasure trove for collectors seeking uncommon specimens.

Operating from 1954 to 1989, Keretti Mine was one of Europe’s largest copper mines, part of the Outokumpu mining district known for ophiolite-related Cu-Zn-Co deposits. Its geological structure, likely formed through metamorphic processes, features minerals like sphalerite and uvarovite, reflecting ancient tectonic activity. Today, it’s a tourist attraction with the Old Mine Mining Museum and the 96-meter Keretti tower, the tallest in North Karelia.

Outokumpu blends mining history with vibrant culture, featuring a theater, cinema, brass band, and circus, plus an international artist residency. The subarctic climate brings cold, snowy winters and warm, partly cloudy summers, shaping a landscape of lakes and forests ideal for outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking.