OTTAWA (October 1, 2009) - One of Canada's most productive industrial sectors faces a serious skills shortage in the next decade according the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR). Tens of thousands of skilled positions must be filled in next decade to keep the mining industry robust.

As part of the strategy to address this shortage MiHR’s Explore for More program aims to change perceptions about mining and engage career seekers by demonstrating the variety of rewarding occupations in the industry. The Video Library, its latest tool, will help career seekers and the general public learn about employment in the sector by watching 15 diverse Canadian workers in action.

Workers from mining companies including Teck, Caracle Creek International Consulting, Cameco, Iron Ore Company of Canada, and IAMGold were filmed during their working day and give honest commentary and helpful pointers on why they chose their career and continue to thrive in the mining industry. The videos will allow career seekers to gain a deeper understanding of what a career in mining entails with insights into a typical day, team and working environment. Those interested in learning more can access the videos on MiHR’s careers website www.acareerinmining.ca/en/onlineresources or on You Tube www.youtube.com/exploreformore.

Careers showcased in videos include Engineer, Geologist, Prospector, and Environmental Technician, Heavy Equipment Operator, Electrician, Surveyor, Underground and Surface Miner and Health and Safety Coordinator. For those who are already pursuing a career in mining or seriously thinking about it, the video library also includes a suite of over 100 clips of mining supervisors, managers and executives who provide unique insights on attributes of the sector and 18 key skills needed by workers. “If an inexperienced worker wants to expand his or her knowledge in a given area of our industry, the best way is to ask those who have the greatest knowledge; ask those who are the experts; ask those who have the experience” says Ingrid Hann, VP Human Resources, De Beers Canada who contributed her own insights to the video library.

“These clips are one stage in a knowledge transfer strategy and hold immense value when you consider that the mining industry could lose up to 40 per cent of the existing workforce in the next ten years due to retirement. This departure of seasoned workers will take with them an average of 21 years of mining sector experience each, so we’re looking at ways to retain this” says Melanie Sturk, Director, Attraction, Retention and Recruitment at the Mining Industry Human Resources Council.

Recruitment of new workers to the industry and skills development of the existing workforce is fundamental to meet future human resource demands. MiHR remains focused on developing and executing programs to attract a non-traditional workforce including Canadian youth, women, visible minorities and Aboriginal peoples to participate in this high-paying sector. For those who want to know more about MIHR and the products that help employers address the skills shortage visit www.mihr.ca/en/publications.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program.

The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada

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Notes to Editors

Further detail on the career videos:

Careers showcased in videos:

• Civil, Electrical, Mining, and Minerals Processing Engineers
• Geologist, Prospector, and Environmental Technician
• Heavy Equipment Operator, Electrician, Surveyor
• Underground and Surface Miners
• Minerals Processing Operator
• Health and Safety Coordinator
• Supervisor

Competencies highlighted in industry insights videos:

• Adaptability, patience, resilience
• Methodical Approach
• Safety Consciousness
• Problem Solving Ability
• Adaptability to established work practices and standards
• Capability in following procedures
• Handling stress and seeking advice
• Working in challenging physical environments
• Being a self-directed, life-long learner
• Visualizing in three-dimensional layouts and apply math skills
• Being organized
• Having computer skills
• Recognizing and accounting for risk management
• Working as part of a team 
• Possessing leadership skills
• Understanding and following instructions and direction
• Communicating effectively with others
• Commitment to understanding and working with people from different cultures

To access the videos, go to MiHR’s careers website at: www.acareerinmining.ca/onlineresources or www.youtube.com/exploreformore.

About the Mining Industry Human Resources Council

MiHR is the sector council for the Canadian minerals and metals industry. A recognized leader in the development and implementation of national human resources solutions, MiHR contributes to the strength, competitiveness, and sustainability of the Canadian mining sector. The products and services supporting our endeavours are based on sound research into the skills and labour market issues that matter most to the Canadian mining industry. www.mihr.ca

About Explore for More

Explore for More is the mining industry's brand to promote careers in mining. It reflects changing perceptions about mining among key target audiences for attraction and recruitment: women, youth, Aboriginal peoples, new Canadians. Through the creation tools including the video library, photo gallery, appropriate target group messages, the brand will help promote careers in the mining industry, de-mystify the sector, and reinforce targeted attraction efforts. www.acareerinmining.ca

For further information, media interviews or access to the mining photo library contact:

Alana Kennedy, Manager, Marketing & Communications,
Mining Industry Human Resources Council
260 Hearst Way, Suite 401 Kanata, ON K1R 5T2,
613-270-9696 Ext. 44
akennedy@mihr.ca