YMP Scholarship: Mining industry must narrow talent gap by spotlighting roles in green transition 

The following essay was chosen as the winner of The Northern Miner’s 2024 Young Mining Professionals Scholarship.  

Mining is perhaps more crucial today than at any other point in human history. With the global push towards renewable energy, electrification and sustainable technologies, the demand for critical minerals and metals needed for the green transition is expected to surge over the next decade. 

However, despite its pivotal role, the mining industry faces significant challenges that could hinder its ability to meet this demand. One of the most pressing challenges the industry faces is the decline in undergraduate enrolment in geology and mining programs, coupled with the retirement of key academic figures in the field. This trend is threatening to create a talent gap at a time when more geoscientists and miners than ever are needed to address the growing demand for critical minerals. 

In recent years, universities across the globe have reported a decline in enrolment in geology and mining programs. At the University of Alberta, for example, which boasts one of the top solid earth geoscience departments in the world, enrolment in undergraduate geology programs has dwindled since the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline is not unique to Alberta; it is a widespread issue affecting many institutions with strong mining and geology programs. 

Budget cuts

There are several reasons behind this trend. First, budget cuts across universities have reduced the resources available to maintain and promote geology and mining departments. As a result, these departments struggle to attract new students and retain top faculty. Second, the public perception of mining is often negative, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly concerned with environmental sustainability. Many students may view mining as a “dirty” industry, contributing to environmental degradation rather than being part of the solution to the global climate crisis. 

This perception is at odds with the reality of modern mining, which is evolving to meet the demands of the green economy. Mining is not only crucial for the extraction of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel—essential for batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy infrastructure—but it is also undergoing a transformation towards more sustainable practices. Unfortunately, these positive developments have not been widely communicated to prospective students, contributing to the decline in enrolment. 

Compounding the issue of declining enrolment is the retirement of key academic figures in geology and mining departments. At the University of Alberta, many of the professors who were instrumental in building the department’s reputation are either retiring or nearing retirement. These professors have not only contributed to the advancement of ore geology and related subjects, but they have also been pivotal in mentoring the next generation of geologists and mining professionals. 

Faculty shortage

The loss of these academic leaders presents a significant challenge for universities. Finding qualified replacements is becoming increasingly difficult due to the declining pool of candidates entering the field. Furthermore, the budget cuts faced by many institutions mean that even when vacancies are created, there may not be sufficient funding to fill them. This could lead to a shortage of faculty with the expertise necessary to educate and train students in the specialized areas of geology and mining that are critical to the industry’s future. 

Despite these challenges, mining is perhaps more crucial today than at any other point in history. The transition to a green economy relies heavily on the extraction of critical minerals. For example, the International Energy Agency estimates that the demand for lithium could increase by over 40 times by 2040 if the world is to meet its climate goals. Similarly, demand for other essential minerals, such as copper and nickel, is expected to skyrocket. These minerals are essential for the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and energy storage solutions. 

The irony is that while mining is central to the green transition, the industry is struggling to attract the talent necessary to drive innovation and ensure sustainable practices. This talent gap poses a significant risk to the industry’s ability to meet the growing demand for critical minerals. Without a steady influx of well-trained geologists and mining professionals, the industry may struggle to keep pace with the technological advancements needed to improve mining efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and meet regulatory standards. 

Green economy

To address the talent gap, the mining industry needs to take proactive steps to make geology and mining more attractive to undergraduate students. One way to achieve this is through targeted outreach and education efforts that highlight the industry’s role in the green economy. Students need to be made aware that mining is not just about extraction; it is about providing the materials necessary for a sustainable future. The industry must communicate the message that geologists and mining professionals are key players in the fight against climate change. 

Additionally, the industry should invest in partnerships with universities to ensure that geology and mining departments have the resources they need to thrive. This could include funding scholarships for students interested in mining and geology, supporting research initiatives, and providing internships and job placement opportunities for graduates. By creating a clear pathway from education to employment, the industry can help alleviate concerns about job security and career prospects that may deter students from pursuing degrees in these fields. 

Moreover, the mining industry can play a role in helping universities retain and attract top faculty. Industry partnerships can provide financial support for academic positions, ensuring that departments have the personnel necessary to maintain high standards of education and research. In turn, this will help universities cultivate the next generation of mining professionals and geologists who are essential to the industry’s long-term success. 

Eric Dorais is a Master’s student at the University of Alberta, studying re-os geochronology of ore minerals and ore-forming processes under Dr. Robert Creaser. His research involves dating samples from the Amitsoq site in Greenland, one of the highest-grade graphite deposits on Earth.