The Aitik mine is Sweden’s largest open-pit copper mine, located near Gällivare, in northern Sweden. It is operated by Boliden AB and lies within the Arctic Circle. The work in Aitik is done by some of the biggest machines in the world. They include rock dumpers weighing 570 tonnes when loaded, whose wheels alone are 4 metres across and excavators whose buckets can hold 45 cubic metres of rock. These machines are operated by nearly as many women as men, which makes Aitik one of the most gender-neutral mines in the world.
Aitik is one of the most efficient copper mines in the world, with a low-grade ore body (~0.2–0.3% Cu), yet highly productive due to large-scale mining techniques and advanced automation. Aitik uses autonomous haul trucks and automated drilling systems, making it a leader in modern mining technology. The mine is powered mostly by renewable energy, contributing to Sweden's push for sustainable mining.
Operations: Open pit mine, mill, concentrator, concentrate handling and transport, water management, tailings storage facility, on-site maintenance, training center, healthcare and emergency response facilities
Links
- https://www.boliden.com/operations/mines/boliden-aitik
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aitik
- https://www.mindat.org/loc-10591.html
Notes
Work force: 900
Start operations: 1968
Operator: Boliden
Minerals mined: mainly Chalcopyrite
Ore processed: 45 Mtpa
Copper production 100 ktpa with Ag, Au co-products
Koppen-Geiger climate zone: Dfc - subarctic climate
Reserve/resource: 1,100 million tonnes, copper grade ~0.2%
Media
- Dec-25: ABB delivers tailings dam electrification & automation solutions at Aitik (checked 19-Dec-25)
- Aug-25: Meet Komatsu’s first power agnostic diesel trolley truck (checked 12-Aug-25)
Created May-25; updated Aug-25, Dec-25, Jan-26