Staff shortage hits Australian mining industry

Quiet Quitting seems to have affected all the sectors including mining. According to labour hire agency Techforce Personnel, the mining industry is facing its worst skills crisis with Gen Z turning their backs on the sector due to environmental concerns.

A report recently published by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREE) revealed that over the next five years, the mining industry would need 24,000 new workers to uphold projects across the country. According to the official statement, projects at risk include coal, gold, and critical minerals.

Chief executive of the association Steve Knott said, "This is threatening the continuity of existing operations, resulting in temporary or permanent production downgrades and driving other workforce issues, including historic levels of staff turnover."

Currently, the association is struggling to maintain operations productivity at its best due to the staff shortage issue. Techforce explains one of the key challenges in recruiting young people is the problematic environmental reputation of the mining industry.

Programmes are being launched targeting young talent, encouraging innovation and creative thinking in a pivoting sector. 

To appeal to potential candidates, the Perth labour-hire company said the industry needs to work with the government, unions and education providers.