Take a tour thousands of feet underground for an intriguing perspective into the iron-ore industry at the LKAB Iron-Ore Mine. Learn about the history of iron-ore mining and its importance to Kiruna’s economy. See fascinating exhibits focused on mining, as well as examples of the real life technology used in the mining process.
The LKAB Iron-Ore Mine is built on the world’s largest underground iron-ore deposit. Established more than a century ago, LKAB, or Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag, is the reason the town of Kiruna exists. Venture 772 feet (540 meters) underground to see an area where 20 million tons (18,143 694 tonnes) of iron ore are dug up each year. The iron ore sent out each day by this mine and its sister mine at Malmberget is enough to build many skyscrapers.
Get dressed up in mining jackets, boots and hard hats and head to the InfoMine, a mine tunnel that has been closed off. Production now takes place further below ground between 2,543 and 3,428 feet (775 and 1045 meters). Observe the process of iron ore being crushed into smaller pieces and transported along huge conveyor belts. The iron ore is then transported by train to the harbors at Narvik or Luleå. See the fascinating technology used to carry out this process.
View informative slide presentations and exhibitions that explain how mining methods have developed over the site’s 100-year history. Listen to guides talk about the LKAB and the impact of the mine on the Kiruna community. Learn about the town’s mining history, including why the entire town of Kiruna will need to be moved as a result of a pit left by the mines. Enjoy free coffee and cookies in the mine’s café at the end of your tour.
Visit the LKAB Iron-Ore Mine between June and August. Tours are held daily and last around 3 hours. Be sure to register in advance online. Tickets can be purchased at the Kiruna tourist office. Children under 6 are not permitted on the tour for safety reasons.
Gain insight into Kiruna’s industrial heritage at this interesting iron-ore mine.
