Negative publicity does not help the skills shortage

As the world transitions to green energy the role of the mining industry increases in importance in supplying the minerals needed for renewables and electric vehicles.

But also of increasing importance, and a major worry, is the need to recruit bright young people into the industry. Many young people are shying away from choosing careers in the mining sector due to negative perceptions of the industry, mining often being perceived as dangerous and dirty and associated with oil and gas. A 2023 McKinsey Report revealed that 70% of young participants said they would definitely or probably would not work in mining with many saying they believe it does more harm than good!

The mining industry should be an attractive option for young people, due to its generous salaries, abundant opportunities, and an overall great career path. However, regardless of the opportunities, there remains a tarnished image of mining careers among young people. And not just young people: a recent article in The Times describes the new career path of former Conservative Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has left politics to take on a role with a private equity firm helping the West lay its hands on the critical minerals needed to achieve net zero. It is an interesting article but what hit me was the statement from the author, who has a BA in History, that rather than cutting big-money City deals, Raab has plumped for the "distinctly unglamorous world of mining".

This is typical of the negative approach to mining adopted by the media and I doubt that the many young people that I meet, who have spent a few years in the industry, regret not having taken up opportunities in the more glamorous areas of banking and accountancy.

The future is in their hands- Camborne School of Mines students at a recent Cornish Mining Sundowner

I am looking forward to the keynote lecture Critical Skills for Critical Minerals, from Diana Drinkwater, of Metecelerate, Australia, at the IMPC in Washington, who will show how the mining industry is currently riding a wave of opportunity generated by new technologies, and how it is encouraging to see policymakers around the world highlighting the importance of a secure supply of so-called critical minerals and making some startling predictions about the increasing demand for these minerals. Diana will show how it is encouraging to see an acknowledged need for investment in education, not only in mining and exploration activities but in the opportunities in concentration, extraction and purification of minerals and metals.

Last year in the USA the Mining Schools Act of 2023 was introduced and on July 10th the bill made its way to the House of Representatives after passing through the Senate. The act aims to boost the ability of mining schools to train and recruit individuals, as well as support studies, research projects, and demonstration projects to shape the nation’s future generation of mining experts. To do so, it will establish a grant program for mining schools, authorising $10 million for each fiscal year from 2024-2031. 

"The passage of the Mining Schools Act will enhance our recruiting efforts as it provides a specific point of reference to students and their parents, explaining why entering our programs is important to our country", said Michael Moats, professor of metallurgical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

According to figures from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), there has been an estimated 43% decrease in the number of graduates since 2015, with geological engineering programs dwindling to only 13 and metallurgical engineering at eight. Although these numbers highlight a steady decline in industry interest, the Mining Schools Act provides hope for its future.

Here in the UK, the reinstatement of the mining engineering degree at the Camborne School of Mines will allow school leavers to pursue a career in the industry, and coupled with CSM's existing MSc in Mineral Processing a great career path into mineral processing will be available.

There is an urgent need to work either directly with young people through schools or target them through a social media marketing campaign. By showing the diverse roles and opportunities available and the positive impacts of sustainable practices being made, the industry can not only attract, but also empower the next generations.

The future of our resources sector depends on how we engage with the innovative spirit of young people. Without their fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, we risk stagnating in a world that demands progress.