Market turns LKAB around.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

LKAB of Sweden, that rare breed, an underground iron ore miner, benefited from an "unexpectedly rapid recovery of global crude steel production" in the first half of this year, which led to a strong increase in demand for iron ore. The group sold 10.3 Mt in the six months to June 30, 2000, 17% more than in the corresponding period of last year, of which 8.0 Mt (6.5 Mt in the first half of 1999) were exported. Sales in the first half comprised 67% pellets. The stronger demand was in line with LKAB's production during the period, unlike the first half of last year when production ex