- ABB and LKAB strategic technology partnership to accelerate automation, electrification and digitalisation in mining
- Collaboration to develop industry blueprint for next-generation energy, production and robotics solutions for more efficient, cyber-secure and sustainable mining
ABB and Swedish mining and minerals group LKAB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a strategic technology partnership to shape the future of mining. The agreement establishes a framework for joint collaboration for the development in automation, electrification and digitalisation with a focus on next-generation energy, production management and robotics solutions across the mining industry.
The partnership will focus on some of the biggest shifts in the mining industry’s journey to the all-electric, automated and digitalised mine, enhancing safety, sustainability and productivity. ABB and LKAB will explore advanced energy systems, from smarter power distribution and storage to battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charging and battery management. They will also investigate how production is optimised and managed across the value chain, including ventilation, milling and flotation.
The agreement also opens the door to collaboration on possible new developments in robotisation, such as automated blast charging, as well as safer, more efficient hoisting solutions like hybrid ropes for deeper haulage. Representatives from LKAB and ABB will be part of a steering group to guide the collaboration.
“We are entering one of the most significant technology shifts in the history of mining. This partnership with ABB will help accelerate our transformation towards a more sustainable, secure and digitalised future,” said Jenny Greberg, VP of Technology, LKAB. “By combining our mining expertise with ABB’s technology leadership, we aim to set the industry blueprint for safety, efficiency and environmentally responsible performance.”
“Our latest research shows that 77 percent of mining leaders believe automation, electrification and digital technologies are vital for the sustainable transformation of mining, and they rely on trusted technology suppliers like ABB to co-create the solutions needed to meet today’s needs,” said Vedrana Spudic, Head of Technology for Mining, ABB’s Process Industries division. “This collaboration allows us to mature technologies in mining environments, ensuring that we deliver immediate and measurable value for our customers in terms of energy efficiency, productivity and safety.”
The partnership – led by Jan Moström, CEO of LKAB, Jenny Greberg, VP of Technology at LKAB, Vedrana Spudic, ABB’s Mining Head of Technology, and Peter Terwiesch, ABB’s President for Process Automation – highlights how collaboration between mining operators and technology providers can accelerate the transition towards a safer, more productive and less energy-intensive future.
With this MoU, ABB and LKAB signal a shared commitment to exploring long-term value creation and innovation in mining, fast-tracking technologies from pilot stage to large-scale deployment. The framework not only supports LKAB’s transformation but also sets a benchmark for more sustainable mining worldwide.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalisation expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalises industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
The MoU signing marks a new stage in the ongoing collaborations between LKAB and ABB for the mining industry. Image ABB 
Meeting in Switzerland (from left) were Peter Terwiesch and Vedrana Spudic from ABB, and Jenny Greberg and Jan Moström from LKAB. Image ABB
