SASKATOON – Saskatchewan’s mining industry could be facing a labour shortage. A new report found more than 12,000 new workers will be needed over the next decade to keep up with production demands.
The 2014 Mining Industry Hiring and Talent Forecasts Report found 12 per cent of the current workforce is over 55. Looming retirements will pose a big challenge to the industry.
The Mining Human Resources Council said more needs to be done to attract women and skilled immigrants into the industry.
“If you don’t have the people to help take the ore out of the ground, your industry suffers in terms of their productivity, in terms of profitability, and in terms of their sustainability,” said Barb Kirby, director of the council.
The council found that at the current pace, only 6,900 people are expect to join the mining industry over the next decade.
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Pam Schwann of the Saskatchewan Mining Association says they need to look at strategies for retention.
She says one focus has to be on making sure a person who enters at the age of 25 can stay engaged in the sector until they hit 55 and are ready to retire.
The Minerals Innovation Institute has partnered with the Saskatchewan Mining Association to link the industry with colleges and universities through a number of programs and initiatives.
With files from The Canadian Press
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