Meet the KPI Mining Team:
Soheil Kheirparast
Hi, I’m Soheil Kheirparast, Mining Solutions & Strategy Consultant at KPI Mining. I’m originally from Iran and moved to Canada to complete my Master’s in Mining Engineering at Queen’s University.
My background is a mix of research, teaching, and hands-on consulting, and during my time at Queen’s I focused on risk-based mine planning and optimization. That work sparked a strong interest in using technology to solve complex mining challenges—an interest that still shapes a lot of what I do today.
I’m especially interested in how mining and tech come together. AI, digital twins, and advanced analytics are changing how we approach mine planning, and it’s exciting to be part of that evolution.
When I’m not focused on mining, I enjoy DJing and experimenting with cinematic videography and editing. I also have a bit of an unusual hobby: I love driving on curvy, scenic roads with some great music, just for the thrill of it. Sometimes I’ll head out with no destination in mind—just for the joy of the drive itself.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of, and why?
One project I’m especially proud of is my master’s research. It was incredibly fulfilling to bring something to life from scratch—something that didn’t exist before. It combined creativity and technical depth, and the fact that it could contribute to solving a problem was truly rewarding.
Can you share a major milestone or challenge you’ve overcome in your career?
A major challenge I’ve overcome in my career was moving to a new country and adapting to a different work culture and environment. At first, it was overwhelming. I had to quickly learn about the industry, make connections with people from various cultures and backgrounds, and build up my reputation. This experience made me more adaptable, empathetic, and a stronger communicator. It marked a key turning point in my personal and professional growth, especially in working across cultures and teams.
What do you enjoy most about working in the mining industry?
There are quite a few things that draw me to this industry. First, it is truly a multidisciplinary field, ranging from exploration and extraction to processing, environmental management, finance, and community engagement. I’m also drawn to the fact that there are still so many unsolved challenges in the industry. That creates a real opportunity to improve systems, drive innovation, and make a meaningful contribution.
Share the aspects of your job or the industry that keep you passionate.
What keeps me passionate is the intersection of mining and technology. I’ve always been excited about innovation, and seeing the mining industry embrace new technologies more than ever before—whether it’s AI, automation, or advanced analytics—makes the work dynamic and full of potential.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in mining over the next few years?
I believe digital twins represent one of the biggest opportunities for innovation in mining. They enable operations to run at maximum efficiency, with real-time, data-driven decisions that consider the mining value chain as a whole.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in mining?
As I said, mining is one of the broadest industries out there, so don’t hesitate to explore different areas until you find where you thrive. Whether it’s geophysics, operations, planning, tech development, processing, ESG, or business development, there’s room to grow in many directions. Also, stay up to date with emerging technologies, as traditional ways of doing things will soon stop working, and being tech-savvy will be a major advantage.
What’s a surprising fact about mining that most people don’t know?
There are a lot, but I’ll list a few here:
- Your smartphone has more than 30 different minerals and elements—all coming from mines!
- Space mining is no longer science fiction. There are credible companies actively researching and working on it.
- The deepest mine in the world is extracting gold from 4 km below the surface!
If you could switch roles with anyone in your company for a day, who would it be and why?
I would switch my role with Alex, our IT manager, so I could finally see him (myself) in the mirror!
If you weren’t in mining, what career path do you think you’d pursue?
That’s a tough question, as I have a lot of interests! But if I had to pick one, I’d probably be in the travel industry. I love exploring new places and cultures, and I think turning that passion into a career would be incredibly rewarding.
Connect with Soheil on LinkedIn