Critical minerals - now LKAB is testing a new plant in Luleå

The geopolitical situation has made the world and Western countries more aware of the importance of critical minerals. That's what Darren Wilson, director of LKAB's Special Products business area, says.

- Without mining, there is no technology or construction. Everything we have around us depends on it, he says.

Important for the infrastructure

The project in Luleå will not be able to cover all of Europe's demand. But according to Wilson, it could have strategic significance for Europe's critical infrastructure and supply chains.

- Critical minerals may sound technical, but are used in many products that people encounter in everyday life, for example mobile phones and building materials, says Anders Lundgren, responsible for LKAB's demonstration facility.

The hope: 250 jobs

In the facility, LKAB will test using apatite concentrate from the iron ore production in Malmberget. The material is transported to Luleå and processed to extract, among other things, phosphoric acid, gypsum and rare earth metals.

At the same time, there are risks according to both Wilson and Lundgren as they know that the process works, but that it must also be cost-effective.

- There are always risks in the development of new processes and not least when scaling up from lab environments to full industrialization, says Anders Lundgren.

If the project is successful and the full-scale facility is built, it will mean upwards of 250 jobs in Luleå.