LKAB accounts for a large share of Sweden’s carbon emissions and the operations use substantial areas of land. We are also one of Sweden’s biggest consumers of energy and water. Our impact on the surrounding landscape and communities is significant, and we work on a broad front to minimise this.
LKAB’s long-term goals go beyond having processes and products that are carbon-free. In the longer term, the business is to have no emissions whatsoever that have a negative impact on air or water. To achieve this we are working to develop technologies that make both energy and water use more efficient. LKAB is also trying to find new uses for what we currently refer to as waste. This work is being carried out in close dialogue and collaboration with our stakeholders.
As regards biodiversity, LKAB is not only to minimise its impact but in the longer term we want to have a positive impact as well. We already work to create well-groomed and green industrial areas, while at the same time planning our future remediation work and landscape design.
Threats to biodiversity
Research shows that the loss of biodiversity is just as great a threat to our welfare as climate change, and that the two threats reinforce each other.
Within the framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, work is under way to formulate new goals and there is a strong expectation that trade and industry must contribute to achieving these – in the same way as for the climate goals. LKAB has substantial experience of developing methods and innovations in this area, and can lead the way for other operators in the work to restore and increase biodiversity.
LKAB’s impact takes place in natural areas that are particularly worthy of protection. Biodiversity has therefore long been a priority and LKAB has had clear guidelines on how this issue is to be addressed. Our efforts are based on the following steps: avoid, minimise, restore and – as a last resort – compensate for environmental damage.