LKAB: A sustainable operation - from mine to port

LKAB's operations claim land through exploration, mining, processing and transport. Therefore, the company conducts continuous work to minimize its environmental impact.

Mining operations are regulated by legislation that means that LKAB has both an obligation and a responsibility to live up to the requirements set - but LKAB wants to go even further. The company's stated vision is to be an industry role model from an environmental and sustainability perspective.


GUIDELINES FOR LKAB'S APPROACH TO LAND ISSUES

LKAB takes responsibility for the impact of its operations and works proactively against losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services in all operations. This primarily means minimizing the impact but also adding and creating new values. LKAB bases its work on the internationally accepted Mitigation Hierarchy - avoid, minimize, restore and compensate.

LKAB has established a guideline for the company's approach to land issues. Ecogain developed the parts relating to natural capital, resulting in clear guidelines for biodiversity and ecosystem services. The guideline supports LKAB's code of conduct, environmental policy and sustainability strategy and is used by the company.


IT MEANS THAT THE IACB...

  • design facilities to minimize impacts on sensitive areas

  • take all reasonably significant mitigation measures to minimize impacts on land and water.

  • plans for ecological after-treatment of disused mining environments

  • seeks to compensate for residual damage to biodiversity after mitigation measures have been taken.


ECOGAIN AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER

Long-term cooperation between Ecogain and LKAB supports the guidelines on soil issues, for an example through

  • development of ecological compensation for the new mine at Mertainen

  • plans for ecological restoration of several industrial areas that is supposed to become nature again, including Vitåfors sand reservoir in Malmberget and Kiruna industrial area

  • education and study trip about international best practice in ecological restoration

  • expert support in natural environment issues in the examination of the mines in Mertainen and Leveäniemi by the Swedish Land and Environment Courts

  • expert support in Natura 2000 assessment of different aspects of the activity

  • monitoring the long-term impacts of the operations at Mertainen on the wetland flora.


Mining industryEmelie OusbäckLKAB, Strategy, mine, Post-treatment, Restoration, consideration hierarchy.