Kiruna Wagon to produce underground wagons for LKAB

Kiruna Wagon has received an order to produce 121 iron ore wagons for LKAB’s new main level, located on 1,365 meters below ground.

The wagons will be produced between 2011–2015 and means another long-term project for Kiruna Wagon. When completed, the fleet is expected to transport more than 30 million tonnes crude ore annually, from the ore passes to the crushing plant and hoisting station.

“Choosing Kiruna Wagon as our supplier feels very natural. It is all about price and competence. They also did a very good job delivering over 800 Pellets Wagon F 050, which operate the Narvik and Luleå routes,” said Thomas Nordström, Project Manager at LKAB.

Kiruna Wagon has been manufacturing, maintaining and refurbishing ore wagon for LKAB and Boliden since 2004. Among the assignments is the repair and upgrade of the earlier generation of underground ore wagons for LKAB. Like the previous model, the new wagon is loaded through the ore pass chute and emptied through bottom discharge, which opens the entire bottom of the wagon in a discharge curve.

“The solution is based on proven techniques and the challenge for us lies mainly in efficient processes and an optimal use of our knowledge of high strength steels and quality. Having the continued confidence from the world’s most modern underground mine, with the highest requirements in all its processes, means a lot to us. The order enables us to continue develop local specialist competence and further expand and develop,” said Fredrik Kangas, Operations Manager at Kiruna Wagon.

The new wagon order means that Kiruna Wagon has been behind all major wagon production for the mining industry in the region since the start in 2004. Fourteen bidders took part in LKAB’s procurement process – a clear proof that Kiruna Wagon fares well in international competition.

Fredrik Kangas
Operations Manager
+46 70 575 70 56

Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (publ), which is abbreviated to LKAB, is an international mining and minerals group that offers sustainable iron ore, minerals and special products.