Fastream says that “despite investors’ lack of appetite for exploration and the mining sector [junior at least] facing tougher times ahead, Faststream Recruitment returned from the PDAC conference in Toronto with one large observation – the war for talent in mining is stronger than ever. Faststream took on an unprecedented level of vacancies during the conference showing that there’s no shortage of demand for the best people.”
“The majority of demand for staff lies in employees who have experience at senior to principal level in designing mines and mineral processing plants” says Mark Charman, Faststream Group CEO. “Companies are looking to operate their existing mines more efficiently and are focused on getting a better return on value. It’s people who are experienced in streamlining operations and can actively help organisations make a higher return without further investment that are in fierce demand.”
Faststream spoke to many employers at PDAC and it is the large EPCMs and mid-tier mining companies who are looking to invest in talent the most. “The perception that times are tough is only half of the story. Whilst junior mining companies are struggling to secure investment and therefore not looking for additional workforce, the larger organisations have no shortage of jobs to fill”.
Not surprisingly, anyone involved in exploration is feeling the pinch on vacancies and many talented geologists were touting for work. “We met with plenty of geologists who were at PDAC with their resumes actively looking for work. Back in 2010/11 these same candidates would have had their choice of jobs, had they been on the market for new employment then, however once again it has been a case of ‘first hired – first fired’ for many geologists who have become victim of the hesitation in investment.”
Canada may need to look further afield for jobseekers as it faces a large skill shortage. “We spoke to many employers looking to recruit in Canada who are continuing to struggle in securing the people they need locally. The reality is that they will need to look at the expat marketplace and potentially candidates from the Commonwealth. However, as is the case with employees moving from one part of the world to another, the remuneration packages that will need to be offered will put an upward pressure on salary levels.”