Research and development

LKAB’s strategy, through determined investment in research and development, is to be world-leading in the pelletization of iron ore.
   To strengthen the company’s expertise in pellet manufacture, LKAB builds a laboratory for pellet research (AggloLab) in Malmberget. In the long term plans there is also an experimental pelletizing plant (EPP). Together with the existing experimental blast furnace in Luleå, will these plants provide unique conditions for developing processes and products, together with the customers.
   For AggloLab, the strategy is to invest in modern instrumentation and premises for both research and education, and to create an interdisciplinary research group. AggloLab will be used for both research and product and process development.
   The advantage of an experimental plant is that, unlike a production-scale facility, it is possible to make process changes and get quick answers to questions about factors that influence processes and products. Such a plant would be the first of its kind.

Hjalmar Lundbohm Research Center

The Hjalmar Lundbohm Research Center for Mining and Metallurgy (HLRC) at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) has been established on the basis of a 100-million-kronor donation from LKAB. The principal aim is to conduct research in mining engineering and metallurgy that supports LKAB's strategies and helps to secure future competitive advantage on the world market.
   Activities are in three main areas: sustainable iron ore production, intelligent pellets and new products. Ten research projects have begun and are conducted in close collaboration between the university’s and LKAB’s own researchers.

Swebrec

In collaboration with other Scandinavian rock engineering and explosives companies, LKAB conducts research within a center of excellence for detonics and blasting technology, Swebrec, the Swedish Blasting Research Centre, at LTU.

Prisma steel research center

LKAB has also participated in the planning and start of a center of excellence for steel research in collaboration with SSAB, Ruukki, LTU and the metallurgical research company MEFOS. The Centre for Process Integration in Steelmaking (PRISMA) at MEFOS, in Luleå, now has five defined research areas.

International joint projects

Institute (IISI) to investigate the possibilities for cutting steel-industry carbon dioxide emissions by 50%. LKAB has contributed the use of the EBF for studies of how CO2 emissions from blast furnaces can be reduced. Work has been completed and reports have been presented.
   In several areas, LKAB has unique engineering know-how for developing efficient, large-scale underground mining. LKAB exchanges knowledge and experience and is involved in development projects with other international companies that have large-scale underground operations.