2 minute read
Arthur Smith, Elina Leivo: Kaunis Iron Mine excursion, Kaunis Iron AB, 30.10.2023
from Materia 5/2023
FEM conference participants explored the Kaunis Iron Mine in Pajala Municipality, Sweden, following a brief delay due to a conference demonstration. A scenic two-hour bus ride showcased Lapland’s natural beauty, including mountains, reindeers, and light snow.
Arriving near the mine, we gathered at Kaunisvaara Folkets Hus, where locals served elk soup and traditional Swedish dumplings, “klimp”. Coffee accompanied presentations by Deputy CEO Åsa Allan and her team, focusing on Kaunisvaara Iron's sustainability efforts since 2018 in social, ecological and economic aspects. The mine produces magnetite concentrate pellet feed for export through Narvik harbor, used due to its beneficial infrastructure - and vehicles.
Future plans revealed the opening of Sahavaara and Palotieva open pits, emphasising a commitment to the mining industry’s future. After equipping the passengers with safety gear, our bus journey continued to the open-pit mine area, witnessing front loaders, belt conveyors and a new flotation plant under construction.
The concentration plant visit showcased a massive grinding machine processing ore, followed by a magnetic separator separating magnetite from waste rock. At the end of the mine tour, we returned to ”folkets hus” to return safety gear and received giveaways from Kaunis Iron AB, encapsulating the essence of our enriching mining conference experience. ▲
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