Havator gets in ground floor of Ajos Harbour project
10 February 2009Northland Resources Inc., Euroports Holding, Kemi Harbour Authority and Finnish crane and transport firm Havator have signed a letter of intent regarding the development of Ajos Harbour (in Kemi, Finland) to ship iron concentrate. The mine projects in Kolari and Pajala will ship millions of tons by rail from Kolari to the harbour in Kemi, which is being upgraded to meet new logistical requirements.
“For the Havator Group, it is a major step to be involved in such a significant project together with international partners. We are rooted in mining operations, since Havator Group and its predecessors the Hanhirova companies have contributed to every big mine project in northern Finland and Norrbotten in Sweden”, says Chairman of the Board of Havator, Erkki Hanhirova.
According to preliminary studies carried out by a German consultant, basic investments in Ajos Harbour, including load handling and warehouse construction, will amount to almost 100 mEUR.
“The project will have major impact on employment, for example among local engineering companies and suppliers”, Hanhirova points out.
Construction will start next year and the first shipments from Tapuli mine (Sweden) are due in 2011.
“To us it is important to be part of this collaboration project for planning new loading systems and ore handling, which in the long term promote the transport of different materials and minerals. For example, Kolari lime pit is due to re-open, having closed down in the 1980s. The mines at Sokli and Kevitsa (Finland) are also to become operational", says Hanhirova.
