“Mining works at the intersection of deep time and urgent present, reading in rock the story of billions of years and connecting that story to the technologies that will define the next fifty. That is not the description of a dying industry. That is one of the most interesting places a thinking, curious, purposeful person could spend their working life,” Anil Subramanya.
We published a cracking article on The Intelligent Miner last week which featured the above quote. It’s a conversation between Anil Subramanya and Hayley McGillivray about how the mining industry could, and should, actively invite younger generations to be a part of its future. If you haven’t already read it, I would strongly encourage you to do so.
I thought about the discussion for a long time after I read and edited it, and I keep coming back to the question: what is our value proposition? What can the mining industry offer young people that others cannot? I think mining’s value as an employer remains largely unchanged – this has always been a fundamental industry that fulfills society’s need for raw materials and drives socio-economic progress; and if you like complex engineering type challenges, there’s never been a better place to work.
But what has changed dramatically are the interests and expectations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha when it comes to employment compared to those who have gone before. Work is no longer just a means to an end – a way to put bread on the table and send your kids to college – it’s a stage on which to hold the world accountable and make a difference in issues that matter to you. If you can make money while doing that, great.
This means that the way in which mining companies structure their work and benefits packages need to change. It also means that the way in which it communicates its value and the possibilities a career in this industry can unlock need to change too.
What does this look like? Well, let’s start by revisiting Anil’s quote from the top of this article. More of this in recruitment campaigns please. I also often lean on Mark Cutifani’s 2021 speech where he pointed out that mining, directly and indirectly, drives nearly half of global economic activity. In my opinion, if you want to change the world, that makes it the very best place to start.
And when it comes to benefits… flexible working remains high on everyone’s wish lists but studies have shown that it’s essential to Gen Z. Global mobility and progression opportunities, fair pay with regular reviews, education, childcare and wellbeing initiatives for family members, community and a chance to help shape company culture.
And longevity. By gum, if there’s one thing we can guarantee, its longevity. There’s a lifetime worth of purposeful work to be had in the mining industry.
Of course, there are lots of other things that the industry can and does offer, but it’s the sum of all these parts that, I think, makes mining special as an employer. I challenge you to show me somewhere else that provides that level of impact and long-term potential.
June on The Intelligent Miner is all about people and community. Come join us for further thoughts on this topic and more.
Carly
Editor’s pick
A thought-provoking conversation between Hayley McGillivray and Anil Subramanya exploring why mining struggles to attract Gen Z talent and how culture, belonging, purpose and storytelling may be more important than perception alone.
Top three articles in May
Our three most-read articles from last month. Click the pics to read
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