ABB has completed the upgrade of mine hoists at LKAB’s Kiruna site in northern Sweden, ensuring continued operational productivity, safety, and longevity for the next 25 years.
The upgradation works at the world’s largest underground iron ore mine enhance the site’s infrastructure, crucial for efficient iron ore extraction and meeting global demand.
The Kiruna mine, which houses the largest installed base of ABB mine hoists globally, comprises thirteen hoists in total.
The recent upgrades to seven hoists include integrated mechanical, electrical, and automation systems.
The improvements are crucial for maintaining high-performance hoisting operations, essential for the safe and efficient lifting of ore from depths of 1,365 metres.
LKAB, responsible for mining no less than 80% of all iron ore in the European Union (EU), awarded the contract to ABB in 2014.
The project has been commissioned on schedule and below budget, marking a significant achievement for both companies.
The upgrades will help LKAB secure its iron ore supply for decades, supporting industries such as steel manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
LKAB CEO Jan Moström said: “Taking productivity to another level, this project is about maximising safety, minimising downtime and contributing to meeting global iron ore demand.
“These mine hoists play an integral part of our operations and, by partnering with ABB, we’re ensuring the Kiruna mine remains a benchmark of safety and efficiency for decades to come.”
ABB offers electrification and automation, and supports industries in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability by leveraging its engineering and digitalisation expertise.
The company has more than 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees.
Its Process Automation business plays a crucial role in automating, electrifying, and digitalising industrial operations, with around 20,000 employees.
The division addresses essential needs across various sectors, helping industries operate more efficiently and sustainably.
ABB Process Industries hoisting global business line manager Björn Jonsson said: “Hoisting is the most efficient way to transport ore from great depths.
“The solutions we have put in place have been designed around the need to future-proof one of the world’s largest and most productive mines.
“Working closely with LKAB, we have delivered an upgrade that ensures the flexibility necessary for the long-term success of operations for at least the next quarter of a century.”
Earlier this year, ABB provided a tailored hoisting solution to the expansion of the Karowe diamond mine in Botswana, which will extend the mine’s life by over 12 years.
As part of the expansion, two shafts are being sunk, one for ventilation and one for production.
The production shaft will accommodate hoisting production, supported by a service hoist.
