LKAB starts construction of demonstration plant

In the presence of Minister of Energy and Industry Ebba Busch, LKAB, led by CEO Jan Moström, started the construction, which will be the first plant in LKAB's new industrial park. ReeMAP, in Luleå.

"By extracting these critical minerals, we can use more of the material we already mine and strengthen our future competitiveness, while increasing security of supply and preparedness in Europe. This plant is an important building block to make it possible,” says Jan Moström, President and CEO of LKAB.

The supply of phosphorus for mineral fertilizers is crucial for the food supply in Sweden and the EU. Fully developed, production from the industrial park in Luleå is estimated to cover about seven times Sweden's needs and six percent of the EU's need for phosphorus in agriculture.

There is currently no mining of rare earths minerals in Europe. Rare earths minerals are used for the electrification and digitalization of society, for example in the production of magnets for electric cars and wind turbines.

"With this plant, we are taking a decisive step towards reducing Europe's import dependency and securing the supply of critical minerals and metals for the future,” said Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy and Industry, at the launch of the construction.

Lennart Håkansson

editor@northswedenbusiness.com