- Pellet plant KK3 will be temporarily shut from mid-April until November 2026.
- The shutdown reduces finished-product deliveries by about 2 million tonnes in 2026.
- Changing rock mechanical conditions require an adjusted mining sequence; LKAB aims to restore prior production levels as early as 2027.
- No layoffs planned — staff will be temporarily reassigned and KK3 used for planning and preventive maintenance during the halt.
Production change
LKAB will temporarily shut pellet plant KK3 from mid‑April until November 2026, reducing pellet production in the Kiruna operation during that period.
Delivery impact
The shutdown is expected to cut finished‑product deliveries by about 2 million tonnes in 2026; KK3 was chosen because it processes the majority of products bound for customers in the Strait of Hormuz region, where deliveries have been disrupted since the outbreak of the war.
Cause and timeline
Changing local rock mechanical conditions require an adjusted mining sequence, prompting a temporary reduction in mine production; LKAB aims to return to production volumes in line with the previous year as early as 2027 and is evaluating use of other parts of the mine to compensate.
Operations and staffing
The KK3 outage will be used for planning and preventive maintenance; layoffs are not being considered, and staff will be temporarily reassigned within the company in close dialogue with unions and affected employees.
