This is the urban transformation

Moving two communities – this is the challenge LKAB and our neigbouring communities face for us to continue being a world-leading iron ore producer.

Kiruna and Malmberget are home to the two largest underground iron ore mines in the world. Today, the mining operations are encroaching on the settlements and the position of the iron deposits means that the mining is taking place at greater depths, and closer to the settlements. For the mining to continue, major parts of the settlements must therefore be moved.

The urban transformation is a large and complex process which will continue for many years. For both LKAB’s business and the surrounding communities to continue to develop, the urban transformation must be implemented in collaboration and mutual understanding with those affected. We do our part to ensure that it is so.

We are moving a town

The urban transformation of Kiruna is capturing attention worldwide. Never before has such an advanced and modern community undergone such a complete transformation due to industrial needs for land.

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Two communities become one

In Malmberget and Gällivare, the urban transformation is nothing new. The mining industry's land requirements have been impacting these communities for over 50 years – now, large parts of the community in Malmberget is being dismantled at the same time as neighbouring Gällivare is being densified and developed.

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LKAB grows with the communities

Ever since its foundation in 1890, LKAB’s existence and development have depended on our ability to create value for, and grow together with, the communities; we create jobs, pay taxes and continue to take an active part in the development of Gällivare and Kiruna, while contributing positively to the economic development both regionally and for Sweden.

A joint journey

If this is to continue, parts of Kiruna and Malmberget must be moved and dismantled. It’s not easy, but it is important to remember that the urban transformations are an important piece of a larger puzzle.

Together with the municipalities, LKAB has established timetables for when and how the urban transformations are to be carried out. The municipalities decide what the new communities should look like, and LKAB is responsible for the costs that arise when mining makes transformation necessary, all according to the Minerals Act. Our ambition is to facilitate this change and compensate for the direct effect that the urban transformations have on the people concerned.

A driving force in the community

LKAB is a part of the community, and therefore, it is natural for us to take our environmental, social, and economic responsibilities seriously. This is referred to as sustainability today – something we have been committed to for over 125 years.

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Community engagement

We nurture and develop the “life between buildings” for vibrant communities – now and in the future.

Develop and restore

When new areas are developed and others are phased out, development always takes precedence over phasing out.

Distribution of responsibilities

Several parties are required to carry out urban transformations. Collaboration with municipalities is crucial for success, but many others are also involved.

Financing

In accordance with the Minerals Act, it is LKAB that covers the impact and costs arising when the mining operations make urban transformation necessary.

News and articles

Would you like to learn more about what’s happening in the urban transformations in Gällivare and Kiruna?

The pace of the mine determines ground movement

Mining operations cause movement in bedrock and affect the surroundings both below and above ground.