ABB supplies complete mine hoist to LKAB

Vasteras, Sweden 2010-04-19 - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has received an order for delivery of a new complete mine hoist to LKAB in Sweden. The order is for a mine hoist at sub-vertical level in the mine and is the first hoist to be installed for operation from the new mining level at -1365 meters in LKAB´s Kiruna mine, which is located at northern Sweden.

LKAB plans for a new mining level in Kiruna. The current main level at -1045 m will be replaced with a new, deeper main level at -1365 m. ABB has recently rebuilt four mine hoists with regard to electrical equipment at Kiruna mine, so they are prepared for operation from the new mining level. The new mine hoist from ABB will help LKAB meet the expanded production capacity from the new main mining level.

ABB’s delivery includes complete mechanical and electrical equipment for the new shaft, which has a hoisting distance of 710 m. The delivery also includes the electrical and mechanical installation, commissioning and training. The delivery is scheduled for completion in the middle of 2012.

"ABB is providing a comprehensive solution for the mine, from filling the skip with ore at -1365 m to the discharge of the ore at sub-vertical level, with the supply of complete electrical and mechanical equipment. This means optimized production capacity based on total installed equipment," says Kjell Carlsten, sales responsible at ABB.

“We have confidence in ABB," says Hans Engberg from LKAB. Earlier deliveries, as well as ABB's expertise on mine hoist and related equipment, have been important in the development of the "concept" for this new delivery. The concept has been developed in a joint pre-project between ABB and LKAB.

LKAB is an international high-tech minerals group, one of the world’s leading producers of upgraded iron ore products for the steel industry and a growing supplier of industrial minerals products to other sectors.

The current main level in Kiruna mine, at -1 045 m, is the sixth since underground mining started there in 1957. When 1 045-level was built it was estimated to last until 2015 or later. Today, the situation is different, as high production rates and market demand have made it necessary to lower the mine’s main operating level faster than expected. LKAB is currently in the construction and planning stages for the next mining level, with the main level at 1365 meters, which will use the new mine hoist. The new level will become operational in 2013.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.