The winner of the Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge has been chosen: GeoCura, a groundbreaking innovation that transforms mining side streams into high-quality, self-healing concrete.
GeoCura’s geopolymer-based concrete utilizes copper mine tailings and fly ash as raw materials. In addition, it contains Bacillus subtilis bacteria that activate upon contact with moisture and repair microcracks by forming calcium carbonate. This significantly extends the lifespan of concrete structures and reduces maintenance costs.
The product combines three features that no competitor has yet achieved: it is cement-free, low-emission, and self-healing. Its life-cycle emissions can be up to 80% lower than those of traditional concrete.
“GeoCura demonstrates that even challenging waste streams can generate solutions that both reduce environmental impact and create added value for the construction value chain. This is precisely the kind of industrial circular economy that Tapojärvi wants to promote,” says Mauri Kauppi, member of Tapojärvi’s Board and judge of the competition.
Other jury members, Roger Keisu and Timo Kurtti, also valued the innovation’s feasibility and level of maturity.
“The potential customer base is large, and the availability of raw materials is good,” the jury noted.
Patent Pending — Production Within a Few Years
Winning the Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge gives GeoCura the opportunity to pilot its technology in Tapojärvi’s industrial environment and to leverage the company’s expertise in the handling and commercialization of side streams.
“We’ve been working on this for about a year, and it’s great to advance the innovation specifically with Tapojärvi, as the company operates in both the mining industry and the circular economy. Europe needs mines, but they are often undervalued because of their environmental burden. By utilizing mining side streams in products like concrete, we are creating a better world and more sustainable mining,” says Fabiola Dodaj, GeoCura’s Chief Technology Officer.
The innovation addresses both the goals of Europe’s green transition and the construction sector’s growing need for sustainable alternatives to cement.
“It’s inspiring to see how mine waste can be turned into the building material of the future,” comments Mari Pilventö, Acting CEO of Tapojärvi.
GeoCura has already filed a provisional patent with the Portuguese Patent Office (INPI) and plans to launch pilot-scale production within the next few years.
