Large Construction projects

for Mining Division

To increase both the volume of crude ore mined and the production of upgraded iron ore products, major investments are now being made. Efforts are also being directed towards improved efficiency in logistics and process flows.

Pelletizing Plants

A new pelletizing plant in Malmberget (MK3) came on line in December 2006. The new concentrating and pelletizing plants (KA3/KK4) in Kiruna were inaugureted in June 17th, 2008.

Narvik ore harbor

In January 2006, construction of a whole new storage and discharging structure with underground silos began in Narvik. Commissioning of the new harbor facility has started during the third quarter of 2009. Inauguration took place in October 27, 2009.

Ore railway and terminals

Increased payloads and shorter turn-around times for trains will enable greater rail haulage capacity. This will be accomplished mainly through the introduction of a uniform fleet of locomotives and ore cars for a minimum 30-tonne axle load, and better efficiency in infrastructure, such as terminals. In all, ten full train sets of cars will be operational by 2010, by which time the 30-tonne structure will be fully implemented.
   The terminals in Malmberget and Luleå are ready to meet the future production requirements. 
  A new terminal structure for Kiruna is also ready, with loading of ore trains at surface level from two high storage silos and a new receiving facility for additives.
   The rail yards in Kiruna, Svappavaara and Narvik are beeing rebuilt to fit the new longer and havier trains.

New main levels in the mines

The Board of LKAB decided on February 21, 2008 to extend the newest main level, at 1,000 meters, in the Malmberget mine to the Fabian orebody and to build a new main level at 1,250 meters level for the other orebodies in Östra Fältet.
On October 28, 2008 The Board decided to build a new main level at 1,365 meters level in the Kiruna mine.

Construction projects for Minerals Division

During 2008 LKAB started test mining of Magnetite iron ore from Gruvberget at Svappavaara.