There are exciting opportunities in Kiruna for the geologists of tomorrow. This is what Diana, a student in geology at Luleå Technological University, emphasises in this interview, where she offers insight into the dynamic and fascinating work taking place in the heart of Sweden’s most prominent mining region. As part of the team working to reopen a mine, Diana and her colleagues are not only building the future for the company but also for the entire town of Kiruna. This project, centred around complex geology, is bound to attract even more driven geologists.
As a geology student working at Viscaria, Diana has a front-row seat to a compelling project where the geology is highly complex and where much remains to be discovered. Kiruna is well-known for its abundance of various mineral deposits, including apatite, iron ore, and iron oxide copper deposits.
“This project as a whole is incredibly interesting. Every time you take a closer look, there could be something new. Being part of a team reopening a mine, and seeing how the team works with such passion, exceptional teamwork, and ambition, is truly a privilege for a geologist.”
Diana further believes that the knowledge generated from the Viscaria mine will attract more companies to Kiruna for exploration: “It will create more jobs for more people.”
Research that Points to Future Potential
Diana’s dissertation focuses primarily on finding datable minerals in the various mineralised zones. Hopefully, this will be a valuable asset for future research. This research is a key component in understanding the mine and its potential for future production. It also contributes to making mine planning as safe as possible.
“As geologists, we are responsible for identifying structures that could affect mine planning. We want to ensure that our mine planning is knowledge-based, safe, and efficient. It’s our responsibility to uncover how this deposit is structurally positioned.”
Sustainable development is also a key factor in their research. The team identifies various types of metal compounds to ensure that, if remediation is required, it will be handled appropriately.
Teamwork Mixing Traditional and New Technology
A typical day for Diana and her team starts early—around 7:30 a.m. Every morning, they hold a meeting to discuss the day’s drilling, logging results, and any challenges. “After the meeting, we go straight to work logging the cores, gathering geotechnical and geological data, and sending samples for analysis.” The results are then discussed with the project supervisors, leading to final conclusions.
Despite the advanced technology used at Viscaria, Diana points out that much of the work is still done using traditional methods. “We use hand lenses, scrapers, magnets, and our knowledge to analyse the drill cores—just as people have done historically. It’s still one of the most effective ways to understand the structure and composition of the ore.”
Modern technology, of course, plays an essential role in their work. Diana and her colleagues use portable XRF instruments to analyse mineral compounds on-site. “This combination of old and new technology allows us to get the most reliable results,” she explains.
Future Plans Unfold at Viscaria
Viscaria holds regular consultations with various departments in mining, engineering, and mineral processing. “This allows us to ensure that all challenges will be addressed and resolved for the future. With the company’s growth and the opportunity to reopen the mine, we’re essentially starting fresh and doing things the right way, the Viscaria way,” Diana explains.
She is excited about what the future holds and has decided to stay at Viscaria after completing her dissertation, seizing the opportunity to grow within the company.
“When the mine finally reopens, it will be exciting to be a part of that. I’m really looking forward to continuing my work here and starting my career at Viscaria.”
Diana sees this as a fantastic opportunity to be part of the Viscaria mine and to witness the new Kiruna that is now emerging.
Kiruna – A City in Transformation and Full of Opportunities
In addition to the exciting work at Viscaria, it’s the town’s transformation that also appeals to Diana. “Kiruna is truly a fascinating place to live and work. The town is moving and also renewing itself. I see it as a city with endless possibilities and challenges.”
Diana has also fallen in love with the town’s unique natural surroundings and the opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. “In summer, the sun never sets, and the opportunities to be outdoors are endless. There are fantastic hiking trails and tons of activities—it’s really a place where you can live a rich, active life. You can even find good shopping options here.”
Diana sees a bright future for herself and other geologists looking to work at Viscaria. “With the reopening of the mine, there will be many opportunities for geologists, especially in exploration and mining geology.”
As a geologist, she’s particularly fascinated by the region’s wealth of minerals. “It’s surprising that even though we know there are abundant deposits here, there’s still so much left to discover.”
Her advice for those curious about an exciting geology career is to keep an eye on Viscaria’s LinkedIn page or website, where new positions are regularly posted.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a company that’s not only focused on developing its own assets but also the entire region,” Diana concludes
