Wanted: young, skilled mining employees to help grow sector
The commodities market is no walk in the park — and companies need to think creatively about how to attract a new generation to the industry, writes Mpho Mothoa
What skills are required by the mining sector? Is the sector aspirational for young leaders and how can it create value? There is a gap between the skills required and the attitude and orientation of targeted skill sets among students. The mining sector is not an easy one in which to work. The commodities market is profoundly depressed and mining is beset by political, regulatory, social, cultural and environmental pressures. Mining is a capital-intensive industry and a major employer that is expected to deliver value broadly and responsibly. It is informed by past practices and future innovations. It is an extractive industry accompanied by pioneering environmental research and practices. It is also scientific and hard-headed and is not possible without a core focus on human relationships. It is these paradoxes that make the work challenging and stimulating. To be a miner is to work at the convergence of politics, science and sociology. To an extent, the history of SA is a history ...
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