For Emma Holma, QHSE Manager at Viscaria, safety is never a solo achievement. She sees her role as one of coordination and structure – but success always depends on everyone working together. “Safety is a team effort. Employees, contractors and suppliers are all part of the same chain. When we pull in the same direction, we create security for both people and operations,” she says.
Emma’s journey to Viscaria has been both short and long. Short, because her home village of Kangos – a small yet vibrant community of around 300 residents – lies only 130 kilometres from Kiruna. Long, because the road to the position of QHSE Manager (Quality, Health, Safety and Environment) has required both education and many years of professional experience.
“I have now been at Viscaria for exactly a year, and from the very first day I truly felt welcome,” she explains.
For her, the job is more than a professional role; it is a contribution to something greater.
“To be part of reopening a mine in my home region, and to do so in a modern and responsible way, feels both personal and important. We aim to show that mining can be carried out with safety, sustainability and people at its core.”
Prevent, Participate, Improve – Together
As QHSE Manager, Emma coordinates goals for workplace environment, safety, quality and environmental standards. But she stresses that it is not about individual roles or documentation – it is about a shared culture.
“We work from three simple principles: prevent, participate and improve. That means identifying risks early, encouraging everyone to report observations and continually developing our methods. In this way, safety becomes a living practice and culture rather than something separate.”
This philosophy shapes the entire operation. “We make no distinction between employees, contractors or suppliers. Everyone who comes to the site undergoes the same introduction and must work to the same high standards. That creates a common understanding and ensures we maintain a high level of safety regardless of who is performing the work.”
A Safe Start for Everyone
Everyone arriving at Viscaria begins with a safety introduction covering routines, protective equipment and what to do in an emergency.
“It’s important not only to explain the rules but also to ensure people feel confident and know where to turn if something happens. We want to give that sense of security to new employees, contractors and visitors alike.”
A concrete example is the construction of Viscaria’s water-treatment plant, which involves several contractors.
“We meet regularly to discuss on-site safety. When everyone takes part in the same dialogue, it is easier to find solutions that truly work day-to-day.”
Continuous Learning
For Emma, safety is also about development. New regulations, technical solutions and working methods are constantly emerging, so staying ahead is essential.
“We work continuously on skills development so that everyone has up-to-date information and can act in line with the latest rules. Safety is not static; it is a process. And just as mining is a long-term endeavour, safety work must always evolve. This applies both to daily routines in the mine and to how we welcome visitors who may be unfamiliar with mining.”
Safety as Part of the Vision
When the Viscaria mine opens, safety will be critical not only to protect people but also to build a sustainable operation from day one.
For Emma, the message is clear: success relies on systematic work as well as involvement, responsibility and a culture in which everyone wants to contribute.
“When we create security together with our employees, contractors and suppliers, we lay the foundation for responsible mining. That enables us to deliver copper that supports electrification and Europe’s self-sufficiency in a way we can all be proud of. Safety is not just part of the journey – it is the very starting point.”