Monday 11 January 2021

Vattenfall and Kaunis Iron team up for electrified fossil-free mining operations

Vattenfall and Kaunis Iron have teamed up to develop fossil-free and electrified mining operations at an iron ore mine in Pajala, Sweden.

They have signed a letter of intent for the collaboration, which will see the companies find business solutions to reduce the need for fossil fuels in the mining operations.

The companies also seek to develop solutions for the electrification of rock and passenger transportations in the mine and other parts of the plant in the mining area wherever possible – they are currently investigating fossil-free transport solutions between the mine in Kaunisvaara and the trans-shipment terminal in Pitkäjärvi.

Klas Dagertun, CEO, Kaunis Iron said: “The Swedish mining industry is facing major changes to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and develop climate-efficient and responsible mining operations. This is a prerequisite for the transition to a sustainable society and contributing to a local development with a minimal climate impact.

“Kaunis Iron wants to take active responsibility for this development and that is why this collaboration with Vattenfall is very important.”

Anna Borg, President and CEO of Vattenfall added: “It is very positive that we are now joining forces with Kaunis Iron to take a step towards increased electrification in order to phase out fossil fuels, which is a necessary step in our joint work on the greatest challenge of our time. Fossil-free solutions have a natural place in future society and basic industry.”