Newyddion

Expansion for Hafren Scientific Ltd in Finland

Colwyn Bay-based X-ray Mineral Services, part of the Hafren Scientific Group headquartered in Welshpool, is expanding its operations in Finland with the appointment of Dr. Pyry-Mikko Hannula who will be joining the team, based in Espoo, in April 2021.

Pyry will be working alongside Prof. Pekka Nurmi and Dr. Tim Pearce to develop X-ray Mineral Services Finland OY, facilitating the company’s future participation in the development of Finland’s battery industry cluster. X-ray Mineral Services aims to enable more efficient screening and utilisation of mineral resources, enhancement of the metal refining processes and more efficient recycling of battery metals by cooperating strongly with both the industry and research organisations.

Dr. Tim Pearce, Hafren Group MD, said, “Our recruitment of Pyry greatly energises our plans as he brings a wealth of experience in the Finnish battery ecosystem and will help X-ray Mineral Services Finland, and the Hafren Scientific group, to broaden our remit into the characterisation of Minerals, Metals and Materials and to enhance scientific analysis across the battery value chain.” Furthermore, Finland is at the forefront of battery mineral technology and recycling and this appointment will also enable world leading capability to be brought into Wales and support the Welsh Government’s recent commitment to zero net carbon economy.

Hafren’s original focus has been in providing scientific solutions to the oil and gas sector in to reduce risks in exploration and enable wells to be drilled with reduced environmental impact. During 2020, Hafren has diversified its strategy to deliver analytical capabilities and skills to support green technologies and the development of the circular economy in developing battery resources and environmental impact sectors. The group’s collaboration with world leading researchers in Finland is key to this development and the introduction of this capability into the Welsh economy.