Minerals Council report cites people, innovation and modern education as linchpins of future mining industry
Innovation, people and skills combined with technological advances will deliver a more globally competitive minerals sector that delivers fulfilling careers in highly paid, high-skilled jobs
Last week saw the release of accounting & consulting firm EY’s Skills Map for the Future of Work. Commissioned by Minerals Council of Australia, the The Skills Map includes two major reports: The Future of Work: the Changing Skills Landscape for Miners and The Future of Work: The economic implications of technology and digital mining.
The Skills Map provides a comprehensive examination of future skills and training and technology trends in the Australian minerals industry.
Key findings by EY include:
- 77 per cent of jobs in Australian mining will be enhanced or redesigned due to technology within the next five years
- Productivity increases up to 23 per cent can be achieved with the rollout of new technologies, costing more than $35 billion
- An injection of $5 billion to $13 billion in workforce capability will be needed over the next decade to unlock future productivity gains
- Australian education and training systems need to be modernised to deliver higher certification and fit-for-purpose degrees.
New technology and innovative practices will enhance the performance and productivity of 42 per cent of Australian mining jobs, with a further 35 per cent of occupations being redesigned and upskilled leading to more valuable employment opportunities. Automation will give the opportunity for reskilling into other areas.
EY’s study also identified that Australia’s education and training system needs to be modernised by offering improved course structures and enhanced movement between universities and the vocational education sectors. Future university degrees will need to have a mix of the latest scientific, technical and trade skills along with soft skills including collaboration, team building, communication and creativity.
A decade-long investment by industry and government in general skills incorporating mathematics, data analytics, computing and change management will boost productivity in the minerals sector. Jobs that will be made future-ready through large investments will include metal fitters, machinists, building and engineering technical and experts in electronics and mechatronics.
For example, a shot-firer working on a drilling team will have the opportunity in Australia’s future minerals workforce to use drone technology to monitor automated rigs.
Australian mining will continue to take advantage of innovation, technology and new ways of working to create high-paying, high skilled jobs.
