LKAB builds 25 Mt/y sorting plant in Malmberget
- Investment of SEK 6 billion approved by the board in September 2025.
- Plant capacity designed for 25 million tonnes of crude ore per year, an increase of about 7–8 million tonnes.
- Facility will be ready to handle apatite for future phosphorus and rare-earth-element production in Luleå.
- Operational target is 2028; building volume 620,000 cubic metres.
Background
The current sorting plant in Malmberget, commissioned in 1953, has been constrained by its age and limited space. LKAB is constructing a new sorting plant to secure continued operations, enable stable production, increase volumes and handle apatite-rich tailings for future extraction of apatite to support planned phosphorus and rare-earth-element production in Luleå.
Capacity and timeline
The new facility is designed for a total capacity of 25 million tonnes of crude ore per year, roughly 7–8 million tonnes more than current capacity. LKAB’s Board decided in September 2025 to invest SEK 6 billion; the plant is scheduled to be operational in 2028 and will have a building volume of 620,000 cubic metres.
Operational and environmental benefits
The sorting process—crushing, screening and magnetic separation—provides the first step before beneficiation, improving iron recovery and process stability. The indoor, sectional design enables parts to be taken offline for maintenance, reduces truck transport, and includes integrated dust extraction and sound absorbers to lower noise, dust and CO2 emissions while improving the working environment and safety.
Execution
LKAB is working with multiple contractors and suppliers; NCC is the main contractor. Building in steep terrain close to active operations requires extensive planning, safety measures and coordination. The plant will also separate steel fibres from rock reinforcement to reduce wear in downstream facilities.
Source: LKAB
