ABB will supply electrification, connected control and operations management systems, high-visualization and mobile operator workplaces to the Sustainable Underground Mining (SUM) project at LKAB's Kiruna mine in northern Sweden.

The project will involve test work in Kiruna towards the development of a carbon dioxide free and autonomous production system.

Work at the Konsuln orebody is being analysed to demonstrate how future workplaces in a decentralised environment can make efficient use of an autonomous electrical mobile transport system.

"Electrification and automation are two important factors for the mining industry to continue its rapid, but effective, modernisation. Sharing of information and data is crucial to reach substantial end goals," said Jan Nyqvist, global product manager for Underground Mining Automation at ABB.

ABB noted that "a large team" is committing time to the project that features experts in digitalisation and research, as well as electrification and automation.

"ABB is integral to the next step, which is to build a demonstration workshop to connect electrical and automation systems that have so far been developed for this challenging project," said Nyqvist. "We will, through various developed scenarios, be able to show how the systems work together."

The SUM framework outlines ambitions for zero carbon dioxide emissions, completely safe mines for humans, productivity increases of 50% and deeper mining.

By 2022, the ABB electrification and automation solutions will be fully installed, and the aim is for a new standard for mining production to be set globally by 2030, the company added.