Martin is passionate about his new assignment as a trainee

Martin Ahlin, 25, has always placed a high value on sustainability, and he now has the opportunity to be part of Boliden’s supplier sustainability team. His new trainee duties feel both challenging and rewarding.

“I’ve been entrusted to work closely with the sustainability goals and ensure development moves in the right direction, which feels really meaningful,” says Martin.

It was his interest in economics and sustainability development that attracted him to explore the mining and smelting industry.

“In our industry, the situation is particularly complex, and it is important that we understand the challenges we have ahead. At the same time, we know how important metals are, and the essential impact they have on our global transition. We as a company have a very important role to play here, and I know how highly Boliden prioritizes sustainability. That’s clearly reflected in the agenda and our discussions,” says Martin.

A large part of his project focuses on the strategic data collection for which Boliden is accountable to report, according to new EU directives. Boliden and the rest of the mining industry must be able to report the climate impact of their purchases throughout the value chain – all in order to drive down emissions.

“My role as a procurement trainee means that I work closely with these sustainability goals within scope 3, which means the emission we pollute outside of our own organization. Since these are regulations that we are working with for the first time, it’s exciting to be part of something so new,” says Martin.

The first report will be submitted in 2025, and his duties at this stage are very much about how the data will be collected.

“I’m learning a lot by actually doing things in my day-to-day work. My duties are usually both new and instructive, especially when collaborating with others and being involved in different aspects of procurement. Being surrounded by inspiring colleagues makes the work environment both exciting and educational,” he says.

An important part of the trainee program is the opportunity to see the big picture and become familiar with the entire organization, something that Martin appreciates, as he is based in Stockholm.

“It’s a much easier learning curve and I’m getting to understand the whole company. Although I’m pleased to have ended up here, I still view the program as an exciting opportunity to explore and learn from other workplaces and professions within Boliden. There’s a great deal of knowledge-sharing between all the trainees. I can call at any time to learn more about, for example, sodium hydroxide, which is something we were just talking about as representing a challenge in CO2 emissions. But I knew I could contact Andrew (Aashish Koppoli), who is also a trainee and works as a process engineer in Harjavalta,” says Martin.

Martin is originally from Karlskrona and moved to Stockholm earlier this year.

“In my spare time, I spend a lot of time at the gym and try to explore the capital as much as I can. I also bike the 13 kilometers to work to make my small contribution to climate action, as that something we need to report as well.” says Martin, with a wink.