Metallurgy and the materials of tomorrow
Mohammad Golmaei provides insight into AFRY’s role in the future of sustainable mining
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.
AFRY can help shape the future of sustainable materials and technologies by creating eco-friendly methods for extracting metals from mining resources and recovering metals from electronic waste
says Mohammad. This work is not only about innovation, but also about building a more sustainable world.
The future of mining and metals
The industry is constantly evolving, driven by new demands and technologies. For Mohammad, the most exciting trends are linked to sustainability. “The rising demand for battery metals and rare earth elements to support sustainable technologies is compelling”, he shares. These metals can be sourced from both primary and secondary resources, and the technology to produce high-purity metals is always advancing.
Another game-changer on the horizon is artificial intelligence. “Artificial intelligence is set to play a vital part in designing and operating metallurgical plants, marking a revolutionary change for the future of the mining and metals industry”, Mohammad predicts. This integration of AI will bring new levels of efficiency and precision to the field.
For young professionals looking to enter this dynamic industry, Mohammad offers some advice. “University knowledge is crucial but not enough to resolve real-world challenges. It requires the development of new skills and competencies”. He highlights the importance of lifelong learning. “Continuous learning is essential, as it is a daily practice that extends throughout one’s professional career”.
Through the work of dedicated experts like Mohammad Golmaei, AFRY continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of metals and mining. By combining deep technical knowledge with a passion for sustainability and teamwork, AFRY is not just building plants but helping to engineer a better future.
