Thesis Work - Optimization of BEMIS seismic analysis tools

Arbetsuppgifter

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

LKAB has for some time been developing an internal seismic signal processing system for our underground mines. Seismic signals originate from different sources. Actual stress induced failure of the rock mass, mechanical noise or blasts all produce events which can be analyzed. Different applications have been created for this purpose. Two of the applications are the Ore Pass Volume tool and the Current Activity tool which both could be further improved by user evaluation and optimization.

Problem statement

Ore Pass Volumes Tool is a tool that estimates seismogenic zones around ore passes, which are sub-vertical shafts used to transport ore from production levels to the main haulage level. Broken ore bouncing against the walls creates noise events, and stress-induced events occur around the ore passes. These events define zones that represent volumes of ongoing deformation. The extent of these volumes can be adjusted through user settings. Laser scans show actual ore pass dimensions.

The thesis will:

• Compare laser scans with tool-generated volumes to find optimal user settings
• Investigate if and why optimal settings vary across different mine areas
• Identify infrastructure at risk from deforming ore passes
• Plan additional ore pass scans
• Determine optimal clustering algorithm settings for detecting relevant seismic changes
• Define optimal alarm levels/thresholds
• Investigate if and why optimal settings vary across different mine areas

What you bring

It is a requirement that you are enrolled as a Master of science in Engineering specializing in rock mechanics, mining, geotechnical or equivalent.
You will also need to have basic understanding of rock mechanics, mining seismology, mining operations and geology.

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: One student in Malmberget and one in Kiruna.

Scope: 30 högskolepoäng (ECTS) eller 15 högskolepoäng (ECTS).

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!