ABB to Supply Medium- and Low-Voltage Switchgear for LKAB’s New Iron Ore Sorting Plant in Sweden
Time:2026-10-22 Browse: 2
Published: October 22, 2026
ABB has secured an order from Swedish mining company LKAB to supply medium-voltage and low-voltage switchgear for a new iron ore sorting plant in Malmberget, northern Sweden. Announced on September 3, 2026, the project will provide essential electrical distribution infrastructure for the facility, supporting safe, reliable and efficient mining operations.
The project continues a partnership between ABB and LKAB that spans more than 80 years. The new sorting plant forms part of LKAB’s long-term investment in its Malmberget operations, with the facility expected to begin operating in the second quarter of 2028.
Medium- and Low-Voltage Switchgear for Reliable Power Distribution
ABB’s supply will include medium-voltage and low-voltage switchgear, which will form the backbone of the new plant’s electrical distribution network. These systems are essential for distributing electrical power to industrial equipment and supporting stable operation across the facility.
In large-scale mining and mineral processing applications, dependable power distribution is particularly important. Crushing, screening, material handling and other processing operations rely on a stable electrical supply to maintain production continuity and reduce the risk of unplanned interruptions.
ABB will combine its switchgear technology with local engineering expertise and lifecycle services. According to the company, the solution is designed to support high operational availability and provide a foundation for future modernization throughout the plant’s service life.
Integration with ABB Ability System 800xA
An important aspect of the project is the integration of the plant’s electrical infrastructure with ABB Ability System 800xA, the company’s distributed control system (DCS).
Integrating electrical infrastructure with a plant control system can help operators coordinate power distribution and process operations within a more unified industrial automation environment. This approach supports operational visibility and provides a platform for managing complex industrial processes.
For mining facilities, the combination of reliable switchgear and integrated control systems is particularly relevant to production continuity, equipment coordination and maintenance planning. The project reflects the growing role of electrification and digital integration in modern mineral processing plants.
ABB has not specified the individual switchgear models or detailed electrical ratings in its announcement. Further technical information on the equipment configuration has not been publicly confirmed.
New Sorting Plant to Support LKAB’s Iron Ore Production
The new facility will play a key role in LKAB’s iron ore processing operations in Malmberget. The sorting process involves crushing raw ore and separating valuable mineral material from waste rock before subsequent processing stages.
According to LKAB, the new plant is designed to handle approximately 24 million tonnes of magnetite ore and one million tonnes of hematite ore annually. The investment is intended to improve processing capacity and provide a more stable production process.
The project is also part of LKAB’s broader effort to modernize its existing infrastructure. Replacing ageing facilities with new equipment and updated process systems can help address maintenance challenges, improve operational flexibility and support long-term production requirements.
Project Timeline and Industrial Significance
Electrical system installation is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, while the new sorting plant is expected to enter operation in the second quarter of 2028.
The project highlights the importance of electrical distribution equipment in large industrial infrastructure investments. As mining companies modernize their facilities, medium-voltage switchgear, low-voltage switchgear and distributed control systems remain key components in building reliable and maintainable operations.
For industrial automation and electrical equipment users, the ABB–LKAB project also demonstrates how established power distribution technologies can be incorporated into a broader automation architecture to support demanding industrial applications.
By supplying electrical infrastructure for the Malmberget facility, ABB will continue its long-standing collaboration with LKAB while contributing to the modernization of iron ore processing operations in northern Sweden.
Source: ABB News Center, September 3, 2026. See the original announcement listed below the article.
