Lena Alakangas

Lena Alakangas serves as Professor and Head of Subject in Applied Geochemistry at Luleå University of Technology within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering. Her work centers on environmental geochemistry with specific expertise in mining-related waste and water systems.

Her research focuses on environmental geochemistry with emphasis on:

• Characterisation and risk classification of sulfide-bearing materials
• Geochemical stability of mine waste and prevention measures
• Tracing contaminants (As, U) through environmental forensics
• Mine water management and sulfide soil remediation

Current projects include ITP308 (Mine water and waste management training funded by SIDA) and Metals4U (Vinnova-funded project coordinated by Bergkraft).

Recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward practical AMD prevention technologies, contaminant source tracing, and innovative waste stabilization methods. Her 2025 publications primarily address siliceous secondary materials for AMD control, uranium source identification in mine water, and slag-blended cement applications for pyrite-bearing waste.

Professional activities include teaching Environmental Geochemistry courses related to mining waste and water management, with significant industry collaboration evident in publications co-authored with Boliden AB researchers.