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The mining industry holds the key to the transition towards renewable energy, but its success may be at stake. To achieve a future where global temperatures remain below a 2 degrees Celsius increase, the production of certain minerals will need to rise by up to 500% by 2050, as highlighted in a 2019 report by the World Bank Group. Unfortunately, mining companies, particularly those responsible for extracting metals essential for green energy production, are grappling with talent shortages, casting uncertainty on their ability to meet this unprecedented demand.
The mining sector carries a historical burden of exploiting workers, enabling sexual assault incidents, and facing avoidable natural disasters. This reputation starkly contradicts the industry’s newfound role in combating climate change. Consequently, mining companies are facing a recruiting crisis, with a recent survey by McKinsey revealing that 70% of individuals aged 15 to 30 expressed definite or probable reluctance to work in mining.
Furthermore, mining remains predominantly male-dominated, with women often perceiving it as an unsafe profession. A study conducted in 2021 among 10,000 employees found that 28% of women in mining experienced sexual harassment, while 21 cases of rape or sexual assault were reported over the past five years. These disheartening statistics contribute to the negative perception surrounding mining companies and their environmental impact, leading to four universities in the U.K. banning mining firms from recruiting on campus and participating in career fairs, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Young adults, who form the driving force behind climate change relief efforts, prioritize careers that enable them to make a positive impact on climate action. Approximately 70% of the 16 to 25-year-olds surveyed across ten countries expressed extreme or high levels of concern about climate change, according to a 2021 study published in The Lancet. In the UK alone, a survey of 1000 young individuals revealed that 57% aspired to work for environmentally sustainable businesses. A survey by Accenture indicated that 77% of young people in the Asia Pacific region aim to secure green jobs within the next decade.
Hence, the pressing question for the mining industry today revolves around becoming the preferred choice for young employees aspiring to contribute to climate action and engage in socially responsible endeavors.
The McKinsey report identifies four key areas that mining companies must consider: treating talent as a strategic pillar, alongside safety, production, and cost; understanding what truly matters to employees; identifying and investing in critical skills; and taking decisive action on the social agenda.
While these areas are crucial for mining companies, they can be considered fundamental prerequisites. It is plausible that even companies implementing these suggested changes may still struggle to attract the necessary talent. Therefore, a more audacious set of considerations is warranted to position mining as an industry with purpose, simultaneously appealing to potential employees who are committed to climate action.
Taking inspiration from brands like Patagonia, renowned for their climate change leadership, mining companies should develop and communicate a compelling business purpose. Patagonia, for instance, states on its career page, “We’re in business to save our home planet, and we’re hiring.” Similarly, Glencore, the world’s largest resource company, emphasizes their responsibility in “sourcing commodities that advance everyday life.” By redefining their business purpose, mining companies can reflect their commitment to making the world a better place and capture the attention of young individuals seeking to effect positive change.
Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including women, Indigenous people, and LGBTQ+ individuals, mining companies can establish new standards of employment. Engaging these groups will help dispel the perception of the industry as male-centric and foster a diverse and equitable work environment. According to Deloitte, data shows that 69% of millennial and Gen Z employees are more likely to stay with a company that boasts a diverse workforce, and Glassdoor research indicates that 76% of employees consider diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies as non-negotiable. Furthermore, integrating principles of diversity and inclusion into business decision-making processes contributes to improved climate change outcomes.
Transparency and authenticity are highly valued by younger generations when it comes to choosing an employer. Companies that demonstrate openness and authenticity are more likely to attract young individuals. Diane Jermyn, writing in The Globe and Mail, states, “When it comes to choosing an employer, young people are asking important questions – about diversity and inclusion, transparency, flexibility, sustainability, community, continuous learning, and career development.” Mining companies can showcase transparency by encouraging employees and local stakeholders to share their experiences on social media platforms, highlighting both successes and areas requiring improvement.
In addition, mining companies can foster authenticity by collaborating with individuals and organizations critical of the industry. By engaging diverse perspectives, companies can attain a balanced and authentic narrative, thus challenging any biases that favor the mining sector. An example of the value of such collaborations was observed during a session titled “CSR: Is It Worth It?” at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s Annual International Convention. The inclusion of Indigenous leadership, a mining executive, and a representative from MiningWatch Canada—an organization known for its critical stance on the industry—offered a more comprehensive and authentic discussion.
Moving forward, leaders within the mining industry must acknowledge that business success, climate action, and attracting the next generation of employees are interconnected. This symbiotic relationship defines the future of mining—an industry driven by purpose and dedication to positive global change.
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