ABB has won an order from LKAB, a Swedish iron producer, to supply a new mine hoist to its mine in Kiruna. During the first stage, LKAB will install a new hoist, with the option to modernize the other seven existing hoists in its CA hoisting plant within the coming eight to 10 years. A hoist supplier with an integrated mechanical and electrical offering, plus ABB’s local presence for project execution experience and its strong service organization are, among other things, the main reasons for LKAB to choose ABB as the hoist supplier to secure high and safe production, said Tom Sterner, project manager LKAB.
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 (898 m) up to ground level. The purpose of the investment is to achieve high and reliable production for the coming 20 years.
“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,” said Andreas Malmport, head of ABB’s Global Industrial Segment Underground Mining.
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.
