Power and automation technology group ABB has won a new mine hoist order for LKAB’s Kiruna iron ore mine in northern Sweden. The new mine hoist, together with the modernisation of the following seven existing hoists will ensure high and safe production for another 20 years. 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 8 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 organisation are, among other things, the main reasons for LKAB choosing ABB as the hoist supplier to secure high and safe production”, says Tom Sterner, Project Manager LKAB. ABB’s scope of 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. 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. “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”, says Andreas Malmport, head of ABB’s Global Industrial Segment Underground Mining.