He has been replaced by COO Erkki Kuronen, who will also oversee production at the Silver mine in eastern Finland until a new mining manager is appointed.

Kuronen joined Sotkamo in October 2016 and has more than 20 years' experience in the mining industry, domestically and internationally.

He was previously with Mondo Minerals for over a decade, filling a number of roles including group geology and mining manager.

Arttu Ohtonen will act as deputy to the managing director of Sotkamo Silver Oy.

He joined the company in 2012 as environmental manager and is the Silver mine's authorised mining safety person.