Nornickel Harjavalta seeks alternative shipping routes after EU sanctions disrupt Russian exports

Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports that Nornickel Harjavalta has temporarily halted copper slag shipments to Russia due to EU sanctions, prompting the company to explore alternative ports.

The Finnish subsidiary of Russian metals giant Nornickel was forced to suspend returns of copper slag—a valuable byproduct of nickel ore processing—to Murmansk after the Russian port was placed under EU sanctions in April. The company’s managing director, Joni Hautojärvi, confirmed to Yle that new shipping routes are under review, though no decisions have been made.

Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio (Finns Party) emphasized the need to balance sanctions with national interests, noting that Europe’s defence industry relies on Russian nickel. “National interest must be kept in mind,” Tavio stated, adding that critical mineral sectors should ideally remain under Western control.

Customs data shows Finland exported roughly €200 million worth of copper slag to Russia in 2024–2025, down from €600 million in 2022. Most of Harjavalta’s slag is sold internally to Nornickel’s Russian parent company. Current EU sanctions do not restrict its sale within the bloc.