Strengthened safety culture and cooperation: SSG’s role in the Nordic mining sector
17 October 2025
Mines are an important regional employer in Finland, however, it is important to look at the broader context by taking the neighbouring countries. into account. In the northern region, national borders to the west do not necessarily constitute obstacles, as the same companies and people often work seamlessly across Finland, Sweden and Norway.
Jaakko Antikainen, Country Manager for SSG Finland.
“Cross-border cooperation provides broader and more flexible opportunities. Even if companies compete with each other, extensive cooperation improves the overall conditions of the industry. A good example is work safety, where cooperation, shared practices and the sharing of information are more beneficial for all parties than competition,” says Jaakko Antikainen, Country Manager for SSG Finland.
SSG has worked for a long time in Sweden with various players in the mining industry and has also earned a good reputation in Finland, not least through its occupational safety training.
SSG is a member of Mining Finland, an association that promotes the export of Finnish mining technology, encourages foreign investment in the Finnish mining cluster, and facilitates R&D and training cooperation between the mining sector players operating in Finland or cooperating with Finnish companies.
“Health and safety in the mining industry has improved significantly, with technological advances, stronger safety protocols and improved training programmes, all of which contribute to a safer work environment. These efforts have led to fewer accidents and better protection for coworkers, demonstrating the positive results of a continuous commitment to safety. However, safety is a choice, which is why a positive safety culture and preventive measures contribute to a safe work environment at every site,” says Aleksi Salo, board member of Mining Finland.
Lasse Kauppinen, who is also a board member of Mining Finland, adds: “A comprehensive work orientation improves the safety culture for all parties involved. Workplace safety can also be improved by using modern digital tools.”
SSG aims to contribute to safer workplaces in the mining industry and hopes that membership in Mining Finland will further strengthen contacts within the industry.
“If we can reduce accidents in the mines through this work, it benefits everyone. SSG’s goal is to contribute to building a Nordic network for occupational safety and strengthening common procedures, with the mining industry being one of the key sectors we have chosen to focus on,” says Jaakko Antikainen.