Digital transformation for the better future of mining
The Australian mining industry is experiencing a digital transformation that is enhancing existing occupations and creating new ones. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) reports that the number of miners employed in Australia has more than tripled from 83,900 in 2002 to 264,700 in 2021, with 96% of these workers on full-time contracts. This transformation is making mining safer, more productive, and more sustainable in various ways, such as removing people from potentially hazardous situations, helping predict and model operational changes that improve safety, assisting in the discovery of new resources, enhancing the economic value of existing resources with the same level of inputs, and delivering operational efficiencies. A 2019 MCA report found that new technology and innovative practices will enhance performance and productivity of 42% of Australian mining jobs, with redesign and upskilling across a further 35% of occupations, leading to more valuable employment opportunities.
The digital transformation presents opportunities for Australian miners and mining companies, as it allows existing workforces to transition into higher skilled roles. For example, as plant and equipment are replaced, original equipment manufacturers deliver onsite upskilling for experienced workers, ensuring they can use the equipment safely in their current role and providing a transferable skill. The adoption of digital and technological innovation has the potential to deliver significant productivity improvements, an increase of up to 23%, to the mining industry by 2030.
The Australian mining industry operates in diverse and often challenging workplace environments, contending with a dynamic global business environment. The narrowing pipeline to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers, combined with global skills shortages and the tightening labor market, present significant challenges for the mining industry to secure and retain the current and future workforce. The MCA's Mineral Tertiary Education Council (MTEC) has collectively injected more than $65m in skills and education programs since 2000, supporting thousands of graduates. The focus and strategy of MTEC have evolved in response to industry needs, with MTEC collaborations delivering modernised curriculum, bachelor and associate degrees in engineering, innovative courses and new learning pathways, foundational skillsets, and micro-credentials, which have connected graduates with the skills necessary to adapt to advances in technology.
Australia's mining industry is embracing technology-led innovation at an unprecedented rate, but this transformation cannot be taken for granted. It requires coordinated action and a shared commitment by industry and government to maximize the opportunities to secure Australian mining's place as a global leader.