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High-density aggregate for concrete and loose ballast.
Ideal for offshore and civil engineering projects.
MagnaDense is a premium high-density aggregate derived from natural magnetite - ideal for use in high-density concrete or as loose ballast in offshore and civil engineering projects. It is an environmentally responsible material sourced from our mines in northern Sweden, ensuring a sustainable supply and consistent quality.
CE
Certified
NSAI
Certified
DIN
6847-2
MagnaDense is a premium high-density aggregate, ideal for use in high-density concrete or as loose ballast.
MagnaDense is a high‑quality, high‑density aggregate derived from natural magnetite. It meets the EN 12620 certification standard. Thanks to its versatility and ease of handling, MagnaDense is an ideal choice for projects requiring high‑density concrete solutions, such as offshore or civil engineering applications. It also performs effectively as loose ballast, providing stability for offshore wind turbines and other structural applications.
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Gull Wing Bridge case study
The Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft, Suffolk UK is the world’s largest rolling bascule bridge lifted by hydraulic cylinders.
I’ve got a lot of experience in supplying various projects with MagnaDense concrete. Whether you want to skip it, pump it, whatever you want to do with it I’ve got no issue with the material.
Jack Sindhu
Technical Director
Capital Concrete Ltd
I wouldn’t have any issues at all using heavyweight [MagnaDense] concrete again. As long as there’s a level of collaboration, and the trial element is allowed for, there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be able to be achieved again and again, and maybe even push it even further.
Dan Underhill
Special Project Manager
Camfaud Concrete Pumps
LKAB Minerals’ assistance was invaluable in enabling us to confidently come to the speedy conclusion that MagnaDense would provide the solution we required.
Pawel Partyka
Projects Director
GD Partnership
Not many of our team had worked with high-density concrete before. LKAB Minerals’ support was invaluable in giving us reassurance about working with this innovative solution. They put our minds at ease, and we will be confident in working with the mineral and the company again in the future.
Rakesh Chavda
Operations Manager
VolkerFitzpatrick
I was thrilled to discover that MagnaDense high-density concrete provided the solution to overcome the technical challenges and secure approvals for constructing over the existing Trunk Sewer at Apex.
Our MagnaDense is available in coarse and fine grades as well as mixtures of these grades and complies with the requirements of EN 12620. Each grade has a controlled particle-size distribution, carefully designed to ensure that the high-density aggregate fits your specific application.
Please, select your country in the contact box at the bottom of this page to request detailed data from one of our Sales Managers.
Benefits of MagnaDense
MagnaDense is a premium high-density aggregate, ideal for use in high-density concrete or as loose ballast in offshore and civil engineering projects.
More weight in less volume
High radiation shielding properties
Reduced heat of hydration
Noise and vibration damping
High submerged/saturated density
High heat capacity
Space saving
High submerged/saturated density
Thermal energy storage
MagnaDense Packaging and Logistics
For your convenience, we can deliver MagnaDense in bulk or bags by:
Ship
Barge
Container
Train
Individual truckload
As part of the international LKAB Group, LKAB Minerals operates 11 sites worldwide, proving you valuable local expertise. Most locations have their own storage facilities, enabling us to supply MagnaDense on time, cost-effectively, and year-round – always with the highest quality.
Use Cases of MagnaDense
MagnaDense is a high‑density aggregate used in applications that require more weight in less volume, such as radiation shielding, balancing hydrostatic pressure, counterweights, and coastal protection, among others.
Key applications include:
Offshore wind foundation structure
Pipelines – concrete weight coating
Anchoring
Bridges
Above- and underground tunnels
Coastal and erosion protection
Counterweights
Radiation shielding (medical and nuclear)
Nuclear waste containers
Applications
MagnaDense is a high‑density aggregate used in applications that require more weight in less volume, such as counterweights, foundations, radiation shielding, balancing hydrostatic pressure, pipe coating, coastal protection, and other specialised engineering solutions.
Counterweights
Enhances high‑density concrete used for counterweights in applications such as excavators, bridges, lock doors, industrial machinery, and white goods
Improves impact resistance and durability in heavy-load environments.
Ballast & Stability Applications
Used as loose ballast in offshore and civil engineering projects to provide stability and prevent buoyancy.
Ensures long-term weight distribution in bridges, tunnels, and floating structures.
Provides improved stability for coastal protection.
Hydrostatic Pressure Control
Used in structures such as tunnels, foundations, pipe coatings and ramps to counteract upward forces from groundwater.
Reduces excavation costs and material use by providing additional weight without increasing the structure’s size.
Radiation Shielding
Applied in medical and industrial environments for shielding against gamma and neutron radiation.
Enables the construction of thinner concrete walls – saving up to 50% in space, while still maintaining safety standards.
Thermal Energy Storage
Offers excellent thermophysical properties, including high heat capacity and thermal conductivity.
MagnaDense is manufactured from the natural mineral Magnetite, mined in our own group resources. The LKAB mines are located in Kiruna and Malmberget in the northern part of Sweden.
MagnaDense toxicology
The product is harmless to the environment and non-toxic in all its forms.
MagnaDense is a high‑density aggregate used in applications that require more weight in less volume, such as radiation shielding, balancing hydrostatic pressure, counterweights, and coastal protection. Click on the tabs to discover more about each application.
Structures with an open cross-section, such as some foundations, tunnels and ramps, will in comparison to their volume have a weight that is not enough to manage the upward force from groundwater. MagnaDense dense concrete can provide the required weight without increasing the dimensions of the structure, thereby saving on excavations and other materials such as rebar and concrete. Compared with standard concrete, less volume will be used and hence less cement, which in turn can lower carbon emissions. Unlike rock-anchoring, high-density MagnaDense concrete does not require a specialist team and can be installed with standard equipment and personnel on-site. It will not interfere with any installation below the structure. High-density MagnaDense concrete is maintenance-free and functional throughout its lifetime in use.
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MagnaDense, used as loose ballast or aggregate in high-density concrete, is an excellent attenuator of ionising radiation with significant reductions in HVT (half-value thickness) compared to standard concrete. Space savings (with reduced cross-sections of concrete) can range from 33% (low energy gamma radiation, 0.1MV) up to 50% (high energy gamma radiation, 15MV). Gamma, as well as neutron, radiation (used in both photon and proton treatment clinics) is attenuated through the high-density of MagnaDense in combination with hydrogenous materials. We first provided MagnaDense for a radiation shielding project in 1962, at the Umeå University Hospital, Sweden. When this was to be replaced by a new treatment facility, we supplied this one as well – and took out a core sample to ensure there was no remaining radiation in the material. We continually supply projects in all parts of the world.
MagnaDense is certified for radiation shielding in accordance with DIN 6847-2.
Due to its heat capacity MagnaDense will release heat, or cold, slowly over a long period of time. This is used in storage heaters – electrical heaters that store thermal energy – usually at night when electricity is available at lower cost and releases it during the day. This can be utilised on a larger scale as well and is currently being trialled in several projects related to fluctuating renewable energy production and energy-efficient heating and cooling. Low-energy housing is one example where MagnaDense can buffer heat or cold for release at a later time. Ice rinks are another application where there will be less energy consumed to cool a surface. Other examples include converting energy to heat, and when needed converting back to energy, from solar and wind production.
Choose MagnaDense from LKAB Minerals to achieve dense concrete and ballast for your engineering projects. Our team is ready to provide insights into how this high-density material can be incorporated into your projects. Contact us today for more information about how MagnaDense can meet your needs.
MagnaDense FAQs
MagnaDense is a high‑density aggregate produced from magnetite‑rich iron ore. Its significantly higher specific gravity – typically around 4.8 g/cm³ – sets it apart from natural aggregates like limestone or granite, which usually range between 2.5–2.8 g/cm³. This high density makes it ideal where mass, weight, and radiation shielding matter.
MagnaDense is most often used in: – Heavy concrete for radiation shielding (e.g. medical facilities, nuclear structures) – Ballast and counterweight applications – Weight coatings for subsea pipelines and tunnels – Marine environments requiring high specific gravity concrete
Its density provides structural mass without increasing volume, allowing designs that meet strict performance criteria.
Because MagnaDense increases concrete density without drastically changing the mix design, it enhances thermal mass, load resistance, and radiation attenuation. It also improves stability in applications where inertial mass is important, such as gravity‑based foundations or underwater structures.
Yes. MagnaDense can replace traditional aggregates in both normal and specialised concrete mixes. Its consistent particle size distribution and chemical stability mean it can be blended with common binders and admixtures without unexpected interactions.
Due to its unique density and particle shape, some adjustments in mix design – such as water content or admixture dosage – may be required to maintain workability. However, proper mix design generally ensures consistent curing and strength development comparable to standard concrete. LKAB Minerals provides technical guidance to optimise these parameters.
MagnaDense is produced under strict quality control and complies with relevant aggregate and heavy concrete specifications. Clients can request test certificates or performance data for specific grades, ensuring compliance with project requirements.
LKAB Minerals operates a European processing base and distribution network, ensuring consistency in product quality and reliable supply. Bulk and bagged options are available to suit project scales and handling preferences.
Design engineers should specify concrete density, strength class, and intended performance criteria (e.g. radiation shielding levels, dead load requirements). LKAB Minerals’ technical team can provide support with mix design and specification advice to ensure that performance targets are met.
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