Arctic Tests - a sustainable testbed in an arctic environment
Arctic Tests offers tests for environment, mankind and mineral. Here we bring together students and companies in a developing environment. Companies can here test their innovations, processes, products and production methods together with students from Luleå University of Technology. Research for a sustainable society and sustainable mining may also be conducted here.
There are good prerequisites to create a test bed for sustainable mining at the Kaunisvaara mine in Pajala municipality. The area of the mine is approximately 3,100 hectares, partly fenced.
Pajala municipality is located in the north-eastern part of Sweden, near the Finnish boarder. The population is about 6,100 inhabitants on an area of around 8,000 square metres. There is also access to public service and an airport.A development site for the sustainable mine and its surrounding soci
Arctic Tests wants to create
- A development site for the sustainable mine and its surrounding society
- A competence and competiveness increase in the mining industry
- A platform to bring together and enhance collaboration between mining actors and stakeholders
Arctic Tests has many unique conditions
Arctic climate - Large area with environmental permit - Infrastructure (electricity, water, roads, etc.) - A Natura 2000 site in close proximity
Mineral deposits - Industrial environment with active mining - Pilot plants with IT infrastructure - An operating organisation including machinery
Environment
Environment is an important area, where many aspects are highlighted, for example sustainable use of natural resources, emissions to air and water, waste management and recycling of metals.
Companies that are well advanced in their own environmental work understand the benefits of this work, and it sends a clear signal of what is expected of those who will be active in the Arctic.
A sustainable development of a company may be achieved by:
- Environmental studies related to mining
- Sustainable use of natural resources in a socio-politic context (indigenous people, regions, countries and companies in collaboration)
- Testing of instruments in an arctic environment
- UAV-/Drone tests
Mankind
Skills supply is a very important issue for many companies today. Lifelong learning and the ability to attract young employees to industry involve a good working environment and good conditions. Other important aspects include the ability to manage different interests and risks, indigenous people’s rights and local involvement.
Companies that focus on lifelong learning and environmental work are the ones that best meet the challenges of society, and can thereby be further developed and create growth and jobs.
This may be achieved by:
- Drawing attention to health aspects and work environment in mining activities
- Education and competence development in environmental and mineral study fields
- Future professionals, engineering students
- Communication and conflict management in a mining context – socio-politic effects of mining
Mineral
For the development of sustainable and resource-efficient production methods, and for the entire value chain from prospection to finished products and closure, we need more than just technical competence. A close interaction between many different actors and competences from industry, academia and the public is necessary.
Collaboration and dissemination of research results and innovations are part of creating the sustainable society and sustainable mining at all levels.
This can be done through tests, research and innovation throughout the value chain:
- Geophysics and geochemistry; modelling, interpretation, data collection, data processing and instrument development
- Drilling techniques
Mining
- Blasting, fragmentation
- Overground mining machinery and equipment
Concentration/Benification
- Digital process management system
- Crushing and grinding
- Separation (flotation, gravimetrics and magnetic enrichment, maceration)
- Dewatering / filter
- Recycling (handling of secondary raw materials)
Transport
- Sustainable transport in cold climate
- Fossil-free transport
Clousure
- Deposition methods
- Tailings, heaps and dams
Contact
Glenn Bark
- Senior Lecturer
- 0920-491039
- glenn.bark@ltu.se
- Glenn Bark
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