Thesis work - Practical integration of geotechnical data in mine design and planning

As a thesis student with us, you’ll have the opportunity to put your theoretical knowledge into practice while gaining unique insight into our operations. You’ll become part of our team, contribute to our development, and acquire valuable experience that strengthens both your skills and your CV. We look forward to hearing your ideas and supporting your growth!

Shaping the future

At LKAB, we are leading the transformation of our industry toward a sustainable future. Just as we aim to reshape the world, we are committed to developing every individual on our team, both personally and professionally. Are you ready to help shape the future of the mining and mineral industry?

Background of the assignment

Geotechnical core logging is being conducted as routine work at LKAB and have for many years now. Yet its practical applications within our mining operations remain underutilized. Currently, geotechnical data and block models are not fully integrated into mine design processes. This limits the potential value derived from drilling, logging, and modeling efforts. Identifying opportunities to enhance the contribution of geotechnical data to operational and design decisions is essential for maximizing the return on these activities.

Problem statement

Our geotechnical data collection, core logging, drilling, and modeling produces large datasets, but their use in mine design and production planning is limited and design workflows do not fully integrate geotechnical attributes. This raises key questions:

• How do our procedures compare to international best practices?
• Which steps add real value, and which could be optimized or removed?
• What additional data or methods are needed for modeling, seismic analysis, and design criteria in current and future mines?
• Compare our practices with other mines using published case studies and guidelines.
• Identify gaps between our approach and best practices.
• Define practical use cases for geotechnical data in design, sequencing, and risk management.
• Recommend changes to data collection and integration to maximize value.

What you bring

It is a requirement that you are enrolled as a Master of science student in Engineering, specializing in rock mechanics, mining, geotechnical geology or equivalent.

Compensation for thesis projects and practical benefits at LKAB

For a thesis project approved by both the university and LKAB, we offer the following compensation:

• 35,000 SEK for a thesis equivalent to 30 ECTS credits
• 20,000 SEK for a thesis equivalent to 15 ECTS credits

If two students write together, the compensation is shared.

In addition to financial compensation, we offer:

• Travel reimbursement between the study location and LKAB.
• Accommodation can be provided when physical presence on-site is required

More information

Start:  January 2026 (or according to agreement)

Location: Malmberget or Kiruna. Alternatively, remote work with occasional on-site visits.

Scope: 30 credits (ECTS), 20 weeks full-time study

For more information about the thesis project, you are welcome to contact the supervisor/mentor: Albin Andersson; albin.k.andersson@lkab.com, +46 72 523 63 31. If you have any questions regarding practical matters beyond the thesis project itself, please feel free to contact examensarbete@lkab.com

We appreciate your commitment and will get back to you if we consider your application suitable for the assignment. Thank you for wanting to do your thesis with us!