ABB has received an order from LKAB to supply medium- and low-voltage switchgear for a new sorting plant at the company’s Malmberget iron ore operations in northern Sweden. The new sorting facility is part of LKAB’s long-term investment programme for Malmberget and is intended to support reliable and efficient iron ore production. ABB’s electrical equipment will provide the main power distribution infrastructure for the plant and support safe and stable operations.
The sorting plant will be an important part of LKAB’s iron ore processing operations. The mechanical sorting process involves crushing crude ore and separating waste rock from the valuable material. This prepares the ore for further processing into fines and pellets.
ABB will provide medium- and low-voltage switchgear for the plant’s electrical distribution network. The equipment will be supported by ABB’s local engineering capabilities and lifecycle services. The system is designed to provide reliable power distribution while allowing future upgrades and modernisation during the plant’s operating life.
Installation of the electrical systems is expected to begin in the second half of 2027. The new sorting plant is scheduled to start operations in the second quarter of 2028. The electrical infrastructure will also be integrated with LKAB’s existing ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system. This will allow the new plant’s electrical systems to work with the existing control infrastructure.
Mikael Uusitalo, Project Manager at LKAB, said reliable electrical infrastructure would be important for safe and efficient production at the new facility. He said the sorting plant represents an important investment in the future of LKAB’s Malmberget operations.
Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line Manager for Mining & Materials at ABB’s Process Industries division, said mining companies are investing in modern infrastructure to support future production and improve operational efficiency. He added that dependable electrification would remain a key part of these efforts. The order strengthens a relationship between ABB and LKAB that has continued for more than 80 years. The two companies have worked together across several areas of mining and industrial operations.
The project comes as mining companies increasingly modernise their facilities and expand electrification to improve reliability, productivity and energy efficiency. Reliable power distribution is becoming increasingly important as mining operations adopt more advanced electrical and digital systems. The investment is also expected to contribute to continued industrial activity in northern Sweden and support LKAB’s long-term production plans in the region.
ABB is a global technology company focused on electrification and automation. The company provides technologies for industries seeking to improve efficiency, productivity and resource use. ABB has more than 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.
