Over the next four years, demand for skilled workers in the resources sector is expected to increase due to growth in mining project activity, new renewable energy projects in the works, and continued demand for staff to manage operations, shutdown and maintenance.
To assist members with workforce planning, the South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) has commissioned new reporting to project labour requirements for the South Australian resources sector.
Based on a combination of projects currently in operation or development, new projects reaching final investment decision and a consistent need for skilled operation, shutdown, and maintenance workers, the 2023 analysis reveals demand for:
- 9,500 additional workers required for uranium, gold and copper related projects and operations by Q4 2027
- 2,450 additional workers required for iron ore-related projects and operations by Q4 2027
- 8,000 additional workers required for renewable energy projects by Q2 2026
Workforce demand across the resources sector equates to around 17,500 in Q3 2023 and is expected to steadily rise to a forecast peak of approximately 35,000 workers by Q4 2027.
Demand for skilled workers in the sector is being driven by record exploration activity and development of key mining projects and renewable energy projects, on top of baseline demand from operations, shutdowns, and construction. The increasing need for uranium, gold, copper, iron ore and other minerals is also creating more jobs.
As echoed in SACOME’s submission to the National Skills Commission, modelling forecasts high demand for most management, professional, trade and labourer occupations to at least 2027, including engineers, environmental specialists, surveyors, electricians, motor mechanics, welders, drillers, fitters, machinery operators and drivers.
To help address the workforce shortages, SACOME’s ‘Resources. But not as you know it’ campaign actively promotes the wide variety of career opportunities on offer throughout the resources sector, providing useful case study videos, example study pathways and links to current job opportunities.
Reflecting the demand for workers, record job advertisements are being placed for roles in the resources sector with the Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance’s recent Hiring Intentions Report finding 1,060 job advertisements were placed by 249 different companies from March to June 2023 – the highest number of job ads since records commenced in 2013.
SACOME CEO, Rebecca Knol, said, “Whether you’re a school leaver considering your future career or a skilled tradesperson or professional with existing experience, there is no better time to join the South Australian resources sector, a sector which underpins the state’s economy.”
“At the forefront of technology and innovation, the resources sector is playing a pivotal role in the transition to net zero and requires a diverse range of skills and workers to facilitate exploration, production and utilisation of our state’s resources to support a greener future.”
Ms Knol said that additional workers will be required for uranium, gold, copper, iron ore, oil and gas related projects and operations, as well as an increase in renewable energy projects over the coming years.
“SACOME has long advocated for the development of a Future Workforce and Skills Framework that maps workforce requirements across all industry sectors to better understand cross-sector workforce needs, triage the most critical skill sets and industry requirements, and better align training and education measures to meet them,” Ms Knol said.
“A sector-wide framework would also facilitate worker movement to different sectors in periods of upturn or downturn, while ensuring the workforce is equipped with the skills and training necessary for that transition.”
