Insights Sina Mostaghel - taking advantage of global opportunities

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at AtkinsRéalis ?

My role at AtkinsRéalis is diverse. I enjoy working as a principal metallurgist in the mining and metallurgy group. My position has given me the opportunity to work on multiple interesting projects, as well as participating in exciting new proposals. I get to work directly with clients and manage relationships. Beyond this, my role also encompasses project management, team building, process development, debottlenecking and troubleshooting.

 Tell us a little bit about your professional background?

My career started as a university researcher for a base and precious-metals producer in Northern Sweden, the Rӧnnskӓr Smelter of Boliden Mineral AB. This was a great opportunity to gain practical experience, expand my process knowledge and understand technologies used in pyrometallurgical operations.

After an incredibly insightful five years, I concluded this experience and got to work on the EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) side of the project. This gave me a new and different perspective to my experience in the metallurgical industry. During this time, I kept close connections in the field of academics and also worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto.

The next phase of my career came six years later when I moved to Germany to work with Aurubis AG, a copper and lead producer where I worked as head of pyrometallurgy for the research, development and innovation (RD&I) department. This was a fun and rewarding position, but in 2020, I decided to move back to Canada and join AtkinsRéalis to challenge myself by working on a variety of different projects in Canada and around the world.   

What makes a good day at work?

A good day at work can be defined in many ways. For me, I know it’s been a good day when my colleagues and I have enjoyed our usual collaborations and have reaped the benefits of our collective efforts. The best parts of being on a team include learning from others but also sharing and inspiring others. Working on projects with recognized clients, seeing the progress made, and their appreciation—to me that is a good day at work.

Who or what motivates you every day?

 For me, motivation comes in many forms, but my passion is contributing to the mining and metals industry. I have dedicated my career to the industry and believe in the projects I work on. They provide the resources we need to sustain our lifestyles in a responsible and sustainable manner. I know my contribution is small, but every little bit counts!

What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

Advice comes from many sources and it’s hard to identify what has been the best and most constructive advice. The advice of my father has always been amongst the most valued for me. He always told me no matter what you do, give it your best and keep on going until you reach your goals. This is something that resonated with me from a young age, this is what inspired me to learn as much as I could and what pushes me to continuously endeavor for positive contribution to the mining and metals industry.