Choice of Working Method BACKGRUND – LKAB’s NEW PRODUCTION SYSTEM LKAB has developed its new strategy for the future and establishes three main goals for the transition: (1) set a new world standard for mining, (2) develop direct reduced iron produced with hydrogen, a climate-friendly option, and (3) produce vital materials via the extraction of critical minerals from mining waste. The restructuring will require investments of approximately SEK 10 - 20 billion per year for a period of approximately 15 to 20 years. All primary production systems must be reviewed and further developed to make this possible. In terms of the production process, the design for mining, logistics and infrastructure must be developed so that the technology and methods become significantly more efficient than today’s mining processes. The ore will be mined at even greater depths with the subsequent challenges in efficiency, safety, volume, and costs. In refinement , new efficient refinement processes will be developed to meet future requirements for fossil-free direct reduced iron production. Increasingly stringent environmental requirements must be addressed as well as challenges in the form of new, more complex minerals. Product development of new types of blast furnaces and direct reduction pellets continues. LKAB’s logistics system from mines and railways to ports also must be overhauled. The next generation of locomotives and wagons are automated, have higher energy efficiency and can handle an increased axle load. Double tracks on the Ore Line are also a necessity. To successfully meet the above challenges and ambitions, the correct working methodology must be applied and the value of new technologies and methods must be fully utilized.
Picture: LKAB
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