HOISTING TECHNOLOGY
The existing ABB K2 mine hoist at Mosaic
Esterhazy
ABB has an established working history with
Mosaic. ABB had previously delivered a similar
scope of supply for the smaller K2 mine hoist
nearby; the new installation “will be able to use
common capital spares and other parts already
purchased by Mosaic for cost-efficient, long-term
operation.”
In Europe, ABB has won another order from
LKAB, the iron ore mining major in Sweden, to
modernise five mine hoists for its iron ore mine in
Kiruna. The order includes mechanical, electrical
and automation equipment for hoists B2, B4, B5,
B6 and B8.
LKAB’s underground mines are among the
most high-tech anywhere in the world. Safe and
resource-efficient production, with well-
developed production methods and processes,
are vital for its profitability. LKAB is modernising
its central (CA) hoisting plant, which consists of
eight hoists (B1 – B8) in the CA plant, and five
hoists in the sub-vertical level. ABB had recently
won orders to deliver a new B1 hoist and
modernise the B3 hoist, and has supplied
equipment for all 13 production hoists over the
years.
The main artery of LKAB's production flow, the
CA plant raises ore from the sub level (898 m) up
to ground level. ABB’s delivery includes
mechanical equipment for the hoist plants and
shafts, electrical and control equipment,
construction, electrical installation, installation
supervision, site management as well as
commissioning.
Hoists are among the most significant pieces
of equipment in an underground mine, and must
operate at the highest level of reliability and
safety, as any potential failure can lead to
catastrophic results. “We are proud to be chosen
again by LKAB, the leading iron ore supplier in
Europe, for this important series of projects,”
said Oswald Deuchar, head of ABB’s Global
Product Group Underground Mining. “The long
history of cooperation between ABB and LKAB,
and also ABB’s decades of deep knowledge and
experience in mine hoist technology, were key
factors in winning this order.”
ABB has a long tradition of cooperation with
LKAB dating back more than 60 years. The first
hoist was delivered to LKAB in 1948. At Kiruna,
ABB has supplied equipment for all 13 production
When the best solution
doesn’t exist, we create it.
Stantec has designed and built some of the most
technically challenging hoisting systems in the industry and
has done so with minimal disruption to mine production.
For more information, visit Stantec.com/mining
Design with community in mind
Photo reproduced with the permission of BHP. (Source: BHP)