In recent times mining companies in Finland have experienced a generally positive business environment, and the country is now rated by the Fraser Institute as the world's most attractive operating destination.

One of the exceptions to this rule however, is Talvivaara Mining Co. which has suffered a difficult couple of years at its Sotkamo nickel mine.
Speaking at this week’s upcoming Mining on Top: Helsinki event, Talvivaara's chief financial officer, Saila Miettinen-Lähde will give an update on recent operating and financial performance as well as progress on the company's innovative bioheap-leaching technology.

Ms Miettinen-Lähde, who retained her position on Talvivaara's eight-person executive committee after last month's sweeping management changes, joins a list of influential speakers at the conference who will focus on legislation, financing, mining investment, mine developments and environmental issues.Now in its third year, Mining on Top: Helsinki provides miners, explorers and investors with all they need to know about operating in Finland.

The conference gives an unparalleled opportunity to meet appropriate government officials, investors, miners and suppliers.
Government and association officials speaking at the conference include the development manager at the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, a senior advisor on raw materials at the European Union, the chairman and a senior director at the Geological Survey of Finland, a director of Euromines, the executive officer at the Finnish Association of Extractive Resources and a director of Business Oulu.

Other influential speakers at the event include Johan Bradley (managing director of SRK Consulting), Graham Dallas (the head of business development in Europe for the Toronto Stock Exchange), Mette Dobel (global product manager, FLSmidth), Professor Magnus Ericsson (co-founder of Raw Materials Group), Casper Herler (a partner at law firm Borenius), Professor Kari Heiskanen (Department of Recycling Engineering at Aalto University), Ross Norman (chief executive of Sharps Pixley), Erja Retzén (the managing director of Nasdaq OMX), Michael Scherb (the founder of Appian Natural Resources Fund) and Kimmo Viertola (investment director, Finnish Industry Investment).
Industry speakers include senior mining executives from Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd, Endomines, Rautaruukki Corp and Sotkamo Silver.