206 Attracting and Educating a 21st Century Mining Workforce: Addressing the Need for a Resilient Domestic Supply of Critical Minerals

Tuesday, 24 September 2024
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Ballroom A&B

TACKLING THE TALENT CRISIS THROUGH HOLISTIC AND INCLUSIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION

Paper number: 206-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:15 PM – 2:35 PM

Authors

Abstract

While demand for mineral resources and talent is increasing, fewer and fewer students are studying this field let alone joining the industry. Enrollment in mining and mineral resource education programs has been falling sharply around the world, with recent research indicating young people’s intention to join the industry is low, and intention to leave the industry is concerning. Several consultancies have cited broader, more sophisticated and interdisciplinary skills as critical for future mining talent success, satisfaction and retention. UArizona sees holistic, interdisciplinary education as a critical strategy for increasing enrollment and interest in the industry as well. This more modern, inclusive approach to mining and mineral resource education can both help raise awareness of career opportunities and create interest in this field, and better prepare talent more likely to succeed and stay. Come learn what UArizona is doing to create unique opportunities for people with diverse interests and career aspirations to learn about mining and where they can fit in, and to develop the skills they’ll need to communicate and problem-solve effectively with the wide range of people they’ll encounter in this exciting industry.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024AM-403214

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