Three Day Mine Closure Site Visit

27 September: Svappavaara 

Geomorphic test site in Svappavaara 

The use of geomorphic design is in its early stages in Scandinavia. LKAB has built the first geomorphic test site for their waste rock deposits at the Svappavaara mine, located above the arctic circle. At the test site innovative new approaches to mine rehabilitation are being tested and are contributing valuable information for future rehabilitation projects. 

28 September: LKAB Visitor Centre 

The Kiruna mine is the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine. It is a fascinating operation where the ore is mined far below the surface using remotely operated machines and driverless trains.  

We go by bus to the Visitor Centre, LKAB’s show mine, situated 540 m below ground. LKAB is currently mining down to level 1365 metres. Our guide will show you around the visitor premises that covers 20,000 m2. This is an authentic mining environment where displays, films and machines illustrate mining and the production of iron. The mining museum tells the story of the mine’s more than century-long history. The guide will talk about modern mining and how it can cause a whole town to be moved. 

LKAB is facing the biggest transformation in the company’s 130-year history. This could become the biggest industry investment ever in Sweden and is the most efficient contribution Sweden can make in lowering global emissions. LKAB’s strategy paves the way for zero carbon dioxide emissions from their own processes and products by the year 2045 and securing the company’s operations beyond the year 2060. 

Moving a town 

The transformation of Kiruna is attracting attention around the world. Never before has such a modern and developed city been transformed due to industrial operations requiring use of the land. Kiruna is a relatively young city, yet its history is more powerful and more alive than that of most other communities. The iron-ore and mining operations have formed the basis of a vital city, where many have been able to realise their dreams of a good life. Side by side for over 125 years, the mine and the town have worked and developed in close relation to one another. This tradition shall be carried forward into the future. It is a fascinating journey that will be made together with the inhabitants, the municipality and other actors in society. 

Around 6,000 people will need to move, as it is necessary for LKAB to claim more land. The entire area encompasses 3,000 homes and approximately 450,000 m² of public and commercial premises in total. By 2035, the current city centre will have been phased out and the new developed centre will be in place, three kilometres to the east. 

The story of how such a modern city could be transformed begins in 2004, when Kiruna municipality issued a press release with the header ‘We’re moving a town’. The news spread like wildfire, and soon the urban transformation was a known phenomenon. 

Social sustainability 

LKAB has a significant impact on local communities and the residents it affects both directly and indirectly. Building relationships with the local communities and supporting the local associations is important to ensure acceptance of LKAB’s operations and contributes to longterm and balanced community development, as well as to preserve the cultural history of the areas where LKAB is operating.