The letter of intent states the partners want to find business solutions to reduce the need for fossil fuels in mining operations. They said future wind power projects in the region where the mine is located, such as Käymävaara and Selkävaara, can play an important role in this.

"It is very positive that we are now joining forces with Kaunis Iron to take a step towards increased electrification in order to phase out fossil fuels, which is a necessary step in our joint work on the greatest challenge of our time. Fossil-free solutions have a natural place in future society and basic industry," said Vattenfall chief executive and president Anna Borg.

Vattenfall and Kaunis Iron also want to develop solutions for the electrification of transporting ore and workers in the mine as well as processing plant operations in the mining area wherever possible.

The partners have started to look at fossil-free transport solutions between the mine in Kaunisvaara and the transshipment terminal in Pitkäjärvi.

Vattenfall is also involved in the fossil-free steel initative HYBRIT.