Åsa Partapuoli works as Metallurgist at Viscaria.

─ I have a master’s degree in philosophy from Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) and have since worked with various mineral processes at LKAB and Sandvik. First as a process engineer at LKAB’s pelletising plant, then as a research engineer, project manager in IT, and head of various research units – among other things for developing the processing processes at LKAB. For a period, I connected the mine with the processing at LKAB’s Svappavaara deposit. I also worked with sourcing, i.e., purchasing substances that are not extracted from the mine but that are needed to produce iron pellets. Then I was responsible for the technical part of the supplier agreement.

What made you apply for the job you have now?

I did not apply myself but was contacted by a recruiter. At the time, I did not know that Viscaria was hiring, but when I heard about the position, I thought it sounded exciting and became curious. Then the recruitment went pretty fast!

When did you start at Viscaria?

I started in January 2022 (this interview was held in March 2022). It is fun and challenging to be new at work. You learn a lot, and I’m tired in the evenings when I get home. I have previously worked at large companies with clearly defined roles. That’s not the case here. Because Viscaria is a small mining company, employees get involved in most things. It gives us an instructive insight and creates good team cohesion.

What do you do at work?

Currently, I am working intensively on Viscaria’s new concentration plant layout. With the help of consultants, research institutes, and machine suppliers, I find out what the plant should look like. We need to consider the ore to be extracted from the mine and what requirements the finished product must live up to. Sometimes it’s like putting together a giant puzzle of Viscaria’s entire business. It is exciting that my job changes depending on the phase of our work. I have been involved in opening mines and dressing plants before but never from planning and initial tests to start-up.

What’s the most fun?

Right now, it’s thinking about the day when we reopen the Viscaria mine. I will be proud that we have launched such a massive project and that we are a positive addition to the labour market in Kiruna.

Why is Viscaria’s work important?

Copper is essential when society gradually phases out fossil fuels from energy production. When copper is mined here in Kiruna, we must live up to Swedish environmental legislation, one of the world’s strictest. Therefore, I usually think that it is good that the metal is mined right here.

Why work at Viscaria?

Viscaria is an exciting workplace for people who like to drive and build new businesses in the construction phase. Here you can contribute to decisions, and the co-determination develops us in our professional roles. As Viscaria grows, we will need more engineers, technicians, and project managers who can choose the proper solutions and hold large industrial projects together.

Do you have a hobby?

The family has a cottage out in the wilderness where we spend a lot of free time. I am an outdoor person who likes both orienteering and skiing. The mountain world, the plains, and the forest are strong reasons why I have enjoyed Kiruna ever since I moved here almost 20 years ago.