The SEK 6 billion (USD 641,400) investment will bring the separation process and production capacity into the future while also contributing to reducing environmental impacts. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in 2025 and become operational in 2028.
“Our existing separation facility served many years but has reached the end of its lifespan,” said Michael Palo, Senior Vice President of LKAB’s Iron Ore Business Unit. “The new facility is designed to handle larger volumes and offers the working environment and technology suitable for today’s operations. This is a critical investment that will ensure long-term, profitable operations at Gällivare. With the new facility, we will ultimately be able to separate an additional seven to eight million tons of raw ore and secure apatite volumes for potential critical mineral extraction.”
The new facility will be built adjacent to the existing facility on an area of approximately 24,000 square meters. LKAB considered extensive renovations rather than building a new facility, but this option would not have increased production capacity. "By building a new separation plant, we are both securing existing production and increasing capacity for planned expansion," said Monika Sammelin, Area Manager at Malmberget. "We are also improving the working environment for our employees and reducing environmental impact by reducing noise, dust, and carbon dioxide emissions from our operations."
The separation plant is used to separate ore from waste rock as part of the mechanical separation process of raw ore. During separation, the raw ore is crushed and waste rock is removed; this step is critical for subsequent processing stages and for LKAB's ability to produce fines and pellet products."
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