ABB has won another order from LKAB, a high-tech international minerals group in Sweden, to modernize five mine hoists for its iron ore mine in Kiruna, Sweden. The order includes mechanical, electrical and automation equipment for hoists B2, B4, B5, B6 and B8.
LKAB's underground mines are among the most high-tech anywhere in the world. Safe and resource-efficient production, with well-developed production methods and processes, are vital for its profitability. LKAB is modernizing its central (CA) hoisting plant, which consists of eight hoists (B1 – B8) in the CA plant, and five hoists in the sub-vertical level. ABB had recently won orders to deliver a new B1 hoist and modernize the B3 hoist, and has supplied equipment for all 13 production hoists over the years.
The main artery of LKAB's production flow, the CA plant raises ore from the sub level (898 m) up to ground level.
ABB’s delivery includes mechanical equipment for the hoist plants and shafts, electrical and control equipment, construction, electrical installation, installation supervision, site management as well as commissioning.
Hoists are among the most significant pieces of equipment in an underground mine, and must operate at the highest level of reliability and safety, as any potential failure can lead to catastrophic results.
“We are proud to be chosen again by LKAB, the leading iron ore supplier in Europe, for this important series of projects,” said Oswald Deuchar, head of ABB’s Global Product Group Underground Mining. “The long history of cooperation between ABB and LKAB, and also ABB’s decades of deep knowledge and experience in mine hoist technology, were key factors in winning this order.”
ABB has a long tradition of cooperation with LKAB dating back more than 60 years. The first hoist was delivered to LKAB in 1948. At Kiruna, ABB has supplied equipment for all 13 production hoists, five for the sub-vertical level and eight for the CA hoisting plant.
The modernization project is scheduled to start in 2018, and continue through 2024.
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