ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order from LKAB, a high-tech minerals group in Sweden to supply a new mine hoist to its mine in Kiruna.
As the first stage LKAB will install a new hoist, with the option to modernise the other seven existing hoists in its CA hoisting plant within the coming eight to ten years.
LKAB project manager Tom Sterner said: "A hoist supplier with an integrated mechanical and electrical offering, plus ABB’s local presence for project execution experience and its strong service organisation are, among other things, the main reasons for LKAB to choose ABB as the hoist supplier to secure high and safe production."
ABB’s delivery includes mechanical equipment for the hoist plant and shafts, electrical and control equipment, construction, electrical installation, installation supervision, site management as well as commissioning.
The CA hoisting plant, which is the main artery of LKAB’s production flow, is raising ore from the sub level (898m) up to ground level. The purpose of the investment is to achieve high and reliable production for the coming 20 years.
ABB has a long tradition of cooperation with LKAB dating back more than 60 years. The first hoist was delivered to LKAB in 1948. ABB has supplied all 12 production hoists to the Kiruna mine, five for the sub-vertical level and seven for the CA hoisting plant.
Head of ABB’s global industrial segment underground mining Andreas Malmport said: "We are proud of being chosen by LKAB, the biggest iron ore supplier in Europe, thanks to ABB’s leading position as a complete hoist supplier in both mechanical and electrical parts and the long-term good cooperation between ABB and LKAB over the years."
Image: The existing CA hoisting plant at LKAB Kiruna mine. Photo: courtesy of ABB.