In 2014, LKAB entrusted ABB to lead a generational upgrade project of eight mine hoists at LKAB's iron ore mine in Kiruna, Sweden. This project, valued at approximately SEK 1.5 billion, plays a crucial role in LKAB's long-term investment to enhance operational reliability, productivity, and safety.

LKAB's underground mines are among the most high-tech in the world. Safe and resource-efficient production with well-developed production methods and processes is crucial for profitability.

The Kiruna mine site consists of eight mine hoists in the central mine hoist facility (CA), and another five at the sub-level. Over the years, ABB has delivered equipment for all 13 hoists.

Being the main artery in LKAB's production flow, the mine hoists in the CA facility transports the ore from the sub-level (898 m) up to ground level. For this generational upgrade project, ABB has delivered mechanical equipment for the mine hoisting facilities and shaft, electrical and control equipment as well as electrical installation, installation supervision, construction management and commissioning.

The project, which was started in 2014, has been running for over a decade and was finalized in 2025 on time and below budget and will ensure productive and safe operations for at least another 25 years. 

“The solutions we have put in place have been designed around the need to future-proof one of the world’s largest and most productive mines", says Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line Manager, Hoisting, ABB. "Working closely with LKAB, we have delivered an upgrade that ensures the flexibility necessary for the long-term success of operations for at least the next quarter of a century.”

LKAB have conducted mining operations in the Kiirunavaara mountain since the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is the world's largest underground mine for iron ore, with LKAB mining no less than 80 percent of all iron ore in the European Union.

With the newly upgraded infrastructure, LKAB can confidently secure its iron ore supply for decades, continuing to meet the growing global demands for the mineral, crucial to industries such as steel manufacturing and end uses in construction, transportation, machinery and consumer goods.

"In our operations and in almost every deep underground mine, the hoists are the heartbeat of the mine", says Jan Moström, CEO of LKAB. “Taking productivity to another level, this project is about maximizing safety, minimizing downtime and contributing to meeting global iron ore demand."

LKAB and ABB has a long tradition of cooperation, dating back more than 70 years. In fact, ABB delivered the first mine hoist to LKAB in 1948.

"ABB has had a long-standing collaboration with LKAB for more than 70 years now. I think it's been of mutual benefit", says Peter Terwiesch, President, ABB Process Automation. We've been adding to LKAB's safety, productivity and sustainability - but at the same time we've also created solutions together that have basically advanced the whole mining industry."

"These mine hoists play an integral part of our operations and, by partnering with ABB, we’re ensuring the Kiruna mine remains a benchmark of safety and efficiency for decades to come", says Jan Moström.

ABB is today the market leader in the hoisting segment with over 1 000 hoisting solutions delivered worldwide.

ABB has the unique capability to design, supply, install and provide long-term service and support of entire mine hoist mechanical and electrical systems. We supply friction hoists as well as drum hoists of various types. We also supply the shaft equipment necessary for productive hoisting processes.

ABB mine hoist solutions provide low life cycle cost, high reliability and system availability, short project execution time and a single source of supply for the complete system, including service and spare parts.