Solveig Hognestad is Norge Mineraler’s HR Manager. Here she talks about being a local person who understands the sensitivities of the community, while relishing the opportunity to build diverse teams working on such an extraordinary project. And the intrinsic need for integrity, accountability and curiosity when creating a new paradigm in the industry.
Q. What appealed to you about becoming HR Manager for Norge Mineraler?
SH: If I’m being candid, I wasn’t ready to leave my previous role, as I loved it. But then I saw the ad for the Norge Mineraler HR Manager job on social media, and I couldn’t ignore it. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. The organisation is growing at such a fast pace, building something huge from scratch, and that’s an interesting proposition for anyone working in HR.
Q. You studied organisational leadership and psychology. How does that help?
SH: The combination of these two disciplines is fascinating and so important to grasp when working in Human Resources. On the one hand, the organisation needs employees to be ok with change to deliver results. While our human psychology is hard wired to avoid change. We need to understand these opposing conditions and find ways to adapt. To do this at Norge Mineraler, we need empowered employees, efficient communication and psychological safe spaces for our employees so they can cope with the pace of transformation.
Q. You started in October 2023. What are your main responsibilities?
SH: I have a myriad of responsibilities. They range from developing Human Resources strategies to support overall business needs. I drive and facilitate organisational development. I am in charge of talent acquisition – and of course, development. I offer leadership support and I am also involved in compliance; I ensure that the company adheres to labour laws and regulations, as well as the quality of health and safety.
Q. You are from the Eigersund Project area. As a local, how do you feel about Norge Mineraler’s ambitions?
SH: There are quite a few of us who both work and live here. My home for ten years was just by the exploration area. So, I understand both the concerns of the local people and the need for Norge Mineraler’s project. That’s a very sobering place to be. I strongly believe in the democratic processes regulating projects like this one, and that feedback from the local community is essential to achieve a final project that is as good as it can possibly be in every aspect. I want to be able to tell my grandchildren and great grandchildren that we explored all opportunities available to the full extent of our abilities, to combat climate change.
Q. This local project aims to help fulfil global net zero ambitions…
SH: We can all stop taking planes and make small personal choices that will help. But it won’t be enough. I fully support Norge Mineraler’s ambitions. We have an obligation to never forget that we are all part of something so much bigger than us. Climate change impacts the world’s most vulnerable the hardest, and we all have an enormous responsibility to examine every opportunity to slow this development.
Q. What values do you think are needed to deliver this project, bearing in mind what you’ve just said?
SH: Integrity is huge. It’s a personal value I hold close to my heart. Integrity is also an ethical benchmark for our organisation, as we earn the trust of the community. Another one is curiosity. We must be chronically curious if we are to find the best solutions available to create a new paradigm in our industry. And accountability – this is also key to our laser sharp focus on sustainability. It’s about the importance of taking responsibility at every turn.
Q. What’s the culture like at Norge Mineraler, as your teams grow?
SH: Magic grows from our varied teams working together. I am impressed with the skills, experience and competencies we have collectively. Norge Mineraler is a young organisation which already employs people of several different nationalities, providing an international working environment. We foster diversity in every aspect of the organisation. Our culture is characterised by open communication, collaboration across departments and determination to find the best solutions. The atmosphere in the organisation is very good.
Q. On that note, what are you looking for when employing people?
SH: We are, of course, looking for appropriate skills and experience. In due course, we will be looking for operative roles as we grow our organisation further. We will need experts in the field of engineering, process engineering, IT/OT, mining and much more. We are also trying to reach students who are entering secondary school, so we can educate them on the vocational training available. We are looking to recruit local people from the community and region. Diversity of thought is extremely important within our teams. We need people who thrive on constant change in a fast-paced working environment. If you crave rigidity and routine, Norge Mineraler is probably not the place for you! You need to seek excitement in the unknown; in hunting for solutions that haven’t yet been discovered and continuously challenge how we can do things better.
Q. How can people find out about jobs at Norge Mineraler?
SH: We will advertise jobs as they become available on the Norge Mineraler website and on social media. But I am always happy to hear from people. They should send their CV to me and add a few words about who they are. If we don’t have anything suitable at the time, I ask for consent to save enquiries to revisit them when a vacancy arises.
