Name: Kiruna iron-ore-mine.
Location: Located in Northern Sweden.
Brief history: Mining at Kiruna began over 100 years ago and today it is the world’s largest iron-ore-mine.
Brief description: An underground operation that employs 1 800 people, of which 400 work in the mine.
Mining method: Underground.
Reserves: Total proven and probable reserves are 797 Mt as at December 31, 2004.
Resources: Total measured and indicated resources are 514 Mt as at December 31, 2004.
Geology: Following intense volcanic activity, the Kiruna orebodywas formed at around 1 600 Ma, with the precipitation of iron-rich solutions onto a syenite porphyry footwall. Containing more than 60% iron and an average of 0,9% phosphorus, the ore contains a very pure magnetite-apatite mix.
Major infrastructure and equipment: From the 775 m level haulageto 1 045 m, the KUJ2000 project has integrated the move down with the upgrading of all of the mine’s ore-handling systems. Mechanisms include the new automated rail transport system on the 1 045 m level and uprating the hoists and crushers. Controlled from the 775 m level, seven 500 t-capacity shuttle trains collect ore and deliver it to one of four crushing stations. In two stages, the 100 mm ore is then skip-hoisted to the 775 m level and then to surface.
Future prospects: The next level of mining at 1 045 m will support production until 2018.
Controlling company: LKAB.
Contact: Martin Ivert, president and CEO.
Unique features: Kiruna is the world’s largest and most modern underground iron-ore-mine.
Contact details: LKAB Tel: +46(0) 920 38100 Fax: +46(0) 703 738100 Website: www.lkab.com