MINEX Forum

Tag: Phosphorus

  • LKAB Commences Construction of Critical Minerals Facility – a First for Europe

    LKAB Commences Construction of Critical Minerals Facility – a First for Europe

    LKAB has officially begun construction of its new Demonstration plant for processing phosphorus and rare earth elements in Luleå, Sweden. This facility will be the first of its kind in Europe and serves as a crucial building block in LKAB’s strategy to diversify its business with new minerals and improve resource utilisation.

    The construction of the demonstration plant is a major step forward for Europe’s critical minerals industry, as the continent currently relies heavily on imports for these essential materials. By extracting these minerals domestically, LKAB aims to strengthen Europe’s future competitiveness, improve security of supply, and enhance preparedness.

    Importance of Critical Minerals

    Phosphorus is a vital element for food security, as it is used in the production of mineral fertilisers. Rare earth elements are essential for the electrification and digitalisation of society, playing a crucial role in the production of permanent magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

    LKAB’s demonstration plant is expected to meet approximately seven times Sweden’s needs and six percent of the EU’s demand for phosphorus in agriculture. The company also plans to extract rare earth elements from the facility, which are currently not mined in Europe.

    Government Support and Collaboration

    The Swedish government has recognized the importance of this project and has expressed its support for LKAB’s efforts. Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Ebba Busch, emphasised the significance of the facility in reducing Europe’s import dependency and ensuring access to critical minerals for the future.  Several local and regional authorities have also welcomed the project, highlighting its potential benefits for the region’s economy and development.

    LKAB’s Investment and Future Plans

    LKAB has invested approximately 800 million SEK (approx 70 mln Euro) in establishing the demonstration plant, which is expected to be operational in 2026. The company plans to further develop and verify the process for utilising material flows from iron ore production in Gällivare, where apatite concentrate is produced for further refinement and production of critical minerals in Luleå.  The demonstration plant will also serve as a research and development center, providing an opportunity to explore and develop future potential sources for further refinement. LKAB has identified significant potential for extracting phosphorus and rare earth elements from other mineralizations, and the results from the plant will form the basis for future decisions on scaling up production.

    About LKAB

    LKAB is a leading international mining and minerals group that offers sustainable iron ore, minerals, and special products. The company is committed to developing carbon-free processes and products by 2045 and is driven by its vision of a sustainable future. With a workforce of over 5,200 employees in 12 countries, LKAB generated sales of about SEK 43 billion in 2023.

  • Robot reducing mining industry’s environmental impact tested in Estonia

    Robot reducing mining industry’s environmental impact tested in Estonia

    A prototype robot that aims to reduce the mining industry’s environmental footprint is undergoing testing in Ubja Quarry in Lääne-Viru County.

    The robot is 10 times smaller than conventional mining equipment and can be sent into small areas where it is difficult to extract materials. The machine only digs in areas where the minerals are located and does not create huge mountains of waste products.

    Researchers from Finland and Estonia are leading the EU-funded project and scientists from Spain, Belgium and Austria are also involved.

    “We would be able to carry out selective mining. A robot that goes down, doesn’t take everything out but understands where the veins in the ore go and follows them, drills down and extracts the metal. The rest of the soil would be left as intact as possible,” TalTech Professor Maarja Kruusmaa told Wednesday’s “Aktuaalne kaamera”.

    She said the prototype could be used to reduce the European Union’s dependence on third countries by mining strategic mineral resources needed for the green transition.

    “Phosphorus comes with all kinds of valuable alkaline minerals that we could use. We know that this is a very painful issue for Estonians, and the question is whether we have the technologies to get this metal out of there without damaging or with minimal damage to nature,” said Kruusmaa.

    However, the robot will not be able to completely replace workers.

    “But in the future, it won’t actually be replacing miners, it will be going where miners can’t go. For example, abandoned underwater mines, deep mines where the miners themselves would not be able to go,” said Asko Ristolainen, senior researcher at TalTech.

    It will take four-six years to move from prototype to production.