Tove is Viscaria’s Enrichment Manager. Here she tells about her work, professional background, and what attracted her to her current position.

─ My professional life began when I worked as a mechanic in the processing plants at LKAB after high school. There I got the opportunity to become a manager very early. I was only 22 years old when I was offered my first managerial job, and right from the start, I knew it was a role I would thrive in. I have learnt a lot about myself and my relationship with other people through leadership. Before I started at Viscaria, I worked as a plant manager at LKAB 2’s largest processing plant, KA3 / KK4.

Have you attended any special training?

─ In parallel with the job, I have attended a program in leadership and organisation. I have not completed my bachelor’s degree yet; from time to time, I have paused my studies during parental leave or when there have been intense periods at work. But I have enjoyed a lot of what I have learnt so far, and this spring, I plan to take up my studies again. It’s amazing how you can move on in your career without a degree and then pick up your studies again at another time. I think it’s never too late. It has been very positive to study alongside my work, and I think it is often an advantage for the employer as well.

How come you applied for the job you now have at Viscaria?

- A recruiter called me. When I told my partner about the conversation, he became very enthusiastic, and his reaction made me seriously start thinking about the job offer. Before that, I had no clear idea of ​​what Viscaria was doing. But when I got to know their business, I realised that this was an opportunity I could not miss.

What do you do at work?

- I am responsible for the construction of Viscaria’s concentration plant, and when the building is complete, I will be responsible for the operation. It is a rather unusual combination to both project manage and then operate a plant. But it’s fun! One day I sit with environmental permit issues, another day with questions about AI and digitalisation. A third day can be full of process issues and lab trials. I have a very stimulating job and fantastic people around me who make nothing feel impossible.

What is it like to work at a relatively new company?

- It is exciting to be involved from the construction phase. So far, we are quite a small team who work at Viscaria, and we have an organisation that is flexible with short decision paths. Everyone knows everyone, and it is transparent and inclusive with no closed forums. I feel very committed to Viscaria’s development and progress as an employee.

What’s the most fun about your job?

- To be able to build everything from scratch. I have some aces up my sleeve with my experience of maintaining, operating and being responsible for process works. I get to be a visionary and think outside the box, which is encouraged! It is exciting to get an outlet for your ideas and to be in a workplace where they have the opportunity to be realised. It is also enjoyable to work with people who want to develop, test, and have fun.

Why do you think Viscaria’s work is important?

- We want to reopen the Viscaria mine with the help of today’s modern mining technology, which means that we can conduct sustainable mining right from the start. I appreciate that we contribute to solutions to significant challenges, that we supply essential components for society’s electrification. The feeling of having an assignment that makes a difference is always present when we work, and environmental considerations weigh heavily in the decisions we make.

Why work at Viscaria?

- Viscaria is an excellent employer for those who want to work in a value-driven company. Many employers strive to be value-driven, and here Viscaria succeeds. Today we have no written values ​​, but I know exactly what we stand for when I walk through the door. Anyone who likes to be challenged, have fun at work, and solve questions that no one has an answer to will enjoy it here.

Do you have a hobby in your spare time?

- I have been downhill skiing all my life and tested ski systems worldwide. With that experience, I can say the skiing in our area is the best: in Riksgränsen, Björkliden, and Abiskofjällen. A summit trip on skis on the Norwegian side of the border is also hard to beat. Our family has a cabin near Nikkaluokta. From there, we make trips with the snowmobile or boat to a sunny spot where we cook food over the fire. In my opinion, that kind of experience is unbeatable.