Mohammad Golmaei veitir innsýn í hlutverk AFRY í framtíð sjálfbærrar námuvinnslu

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From concept to reality

Hydrometallurgical processes are essential in the mining and metals industry, turning raw materials into the valuable components that build our world. This journey, from a concept to an industrial-scale metallurgical plant, requires curiosity, innovation, and deep expertise. It’s a path that Mohammad Golmaei, a Doctor of Science in Technology and expert at AFRY, knows well.

Mohammad’s passion lies in seeing a project through from concept to reality. “The inspiring part of my job is to develop a metallurgical plant from a concept to an industrial-scale plant, he shares. “In this journey, it is necessary to be curious and innovative to find feasible solutions for engineering design challenges”. This drive led him to AFRY, where he sought new challenges to expand his knowledge and make a tangible impact.

Showcasing expertise in the Njörður project

One of the exciting projects Mohammad is involved in is with AFRY’s client, Njörður. In this project, he wears two hats: project manager and lead for hydrometallurgical process design. The goal is to develop a new engineering design that improves process efficiency while minimising its environmental footprint.

A key challenge was scaling up a new process that was originally developed in a small laboratory setting. “Considerable effort and negotiation with various parties were needed to identify practical solutions for large-scale implementation”, Mohammad notes. This is where teamwork and a collaborative spirit become crucial. By working together, the team successfully navigated the complexities of scaling innovation.

This project is a perfect example of AFRY's strengths. “AFRY offers expertise in metallurgical plant design and engineering across multiple disciplines, enabling in-house development”, says Mohammad. Our experience in improving existing plants and consulting on waste reduction helps clients achieve cleaner, more efficient operations.

The power of sustainable materials

At the heart of many modern innovations are materials with unique properties. One such material is magnesium. It’s a metal used to create strong, lightweight alloys (metals made by combining two or more metallic elements) that are vital for the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Its properties make it especially valuable for creating more sustainable technologies.

Mohammad explains, “Utilising materials with unique properties, such as magnesium, can lead to the development of more sustainable technologies.” This focus on sustainable materials aligns with AFRY's focus on driving innovation in Eco-friendly methods. AFRY foresees a future where green techniques are adopted to extract metals from both natural resources and electronic waste, contributing to a more sustainable world.