Building a New Foundation for Sustainable Transformation of the Mining Industry
International mining and minerals group LKAB said it will donate 200 million Swedish Kronor in a recently formed foundation with the aim of promoting research and education related to sustainable mining, at Luleå University of Technology.
LKAB says it is facing the most radical change in the company’s 130-year history. A transformation that may be the largest industrial investment to date in Sweden, and that creates unique opportunities for Swedish industry to take the lead in a necessary global transformation, it adds. However, the strategy places great demands on pioneering technological development for mining and refining iron ore, extraction of critical minerals, production of renewable energy as well as training and recruitment of new employees.
– Luleå University of Technology has long been an extremely important hub for our technology development and for recruiting the expertise required for high-tech mining. By investing in this foundation, we want to contribute to strengthening the university as a centre for research and education of skilled labour that is crucial for us to succeed with the future investments that are now planned in northern Sweden, says Jan Moström, President and CEO of LKAB.
The aim of the new foundation is to promote scientific research and education conducted at Luleå University of Technology in subject areas related to the mining and minerals industry. The foundation will also foster transformation, competitiveness and growth of the mineral industry in northern Sweden, LKAB says.
– The new foundation shows LKAB’s long-term commitment to strengthen research and education in the region, and thereby is a driver of transformation required for Sweden to reach the sustainability goals. This investment will have a tremendous impact, not only for the university but for the whole region. I’m proud that northern Sweden has these attractive companies that lead both technological development and sustainable renewal of their industry, says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology.
– The donation will also strengthen our position as the foremost mining university in Sweden and Europe, she continues.