LKAB finds phosphorus and rare earth elements

The results comes after LKAB has ramped up exploration activities.

- With a circular business model, we have the potential to supply European farmers with fossil-free and cadmium-free phosphorus mineral fertiliser, and the cleantech industry with rare earth elements, says Leif Boström, Senior Vice President Business Area Special Products, LKAB.

The exploration results confirm that while LKAB mines iron ore, there is a potential to produce phosphorus from the ongoing production. The phosphorus content in LKAB’s ores is relatively low, but the total volume can increase Europe’s self-sufficiency with 50 percent.

Additionally, LKAB can become Europe´s first rare earth elements producer and supply up to 30 percent of the need.

- We don’t have to operate a dedicated mine; that is the strength of the circular business model where we get the phosphorus and rare earth elements as a bonus from the iron ore mining. But it requires innovative processing and value-added beneficiation to take steps forward in the value chain, says Leif Boström.

Production is expected to start 2027.