Swedish construction company NCC has signed a partnering agreement with LKAB, a mining and mineral group, for a new sorting plant in Gällivare, Sweden.
This collaboration marks a step in the modernisation of LKAB’s facilities, with the initial phase focusing on planning and engineering.
The agreement outlines the construction of a plant that is essential for the production of iron ore, through a mechanical process that separates the ore from waste rock.
A construction contract is expected to be signed with the initiation of building work.
The new facility, which will replace LKAB’s existing plant at the end of its service life, is planned to cover an area of approximately 24,000m². It will be built alongside the current plant.
LKAB area manager Monika Sammelin said: “The sorting plant has been in operation for a long time and has served us well. The current design of the plant is not adapted to today’s operations from the perspective of work environment and the technology used. We also need to handle larger volumes.”
The initial phase will see both parties planning the construction and the excavation of rock necessary to make space for the new sorting plant.
This will be followed by foundational engineering work and earth and groundworks before the actual construction can begin.
NCC and LKAB entered into a partnering agreement in June 2024 for the construction of a direct reduction plant and associated infrastructure at Malmberget.
NCC Green Industry Transformation head Helena Hed said: “We are now expanding our partnership with LKAB in the Swedish Ore Fields. By getting involved in the process at an early stage, we – as contractors – can contribute both resources and specialist expertise to optimise implementation of this project. We are pleased to be able to contribute to LKAB’s continued expansion.”
This project is being managed by the NCC Green Industry Transformation business segment.
In December 2024, LKAB took a step towards enhancing Europe’s self-sufficiency in critical minerals by filing an environmental permit application for a new industrial park in Luleå, Sweden.
The proposed park will process apatite concentrate, which will be transported from LKAB’s iron ore production in Gällivare, with the intention of utilising waste streams from the mining process.
