Nitrate treatment in subarctic environment

Important results from the project

The project achieved its main objective of identifying a sustainable nitrate treatment solution for LKAB’s mine water. Several treatment concepts were evaluated, resulting in a preferred solution based on an anoxic MBBR and MBR for further development. An additional outcome was knowledge exchange between the mining and water sectors, providing new perspectives on adapting established water treatment technologies to mining applications and creating a foundation for future pilot and demo-projects.

Expected long term effects

The project identified a promising nitrate treatment solution for LKAB’s mine water based on pre-treatment, an anoxic MBBR and MBR. The results provide a basis for future pilot testing and reduce uncertainties ahead of investments. If verified at larger scale, the solution could reduce nitrogen emissions, improve water quality and support more sustainable mining. The project also established a platform for continued R&D and collaboration in mine water treatment under cold-climate conditions.

Approach and implementation

The project was implemented according to plan and the activities were relevant to the objectives. Through joint evaluation of treatment concepts, a promising system solution was identified for further development. The collaboration between IVL and LKAB worked very well and provided valuable knowledge exchange between the mining and water sectors. The biggest challenge was the complexity and large flows of the mine water, which meant that work on a detailed test plan needs to be future work.