307-4 Classroom to Core Shack – Building a Resilient and Skilled Geoscience Mining Workforce

Abstract:

The challenges society faces in securing the mineral resources needed for the energy transition and global economic development are well known. We need to find more minerals, extract and process them more sustainably, and use them more effectively. Solutions typically require a robust workforce and greater innovation in exploration and mining.

Workforce demand projections point to massive retirements that together with apparent declining university enrolments, are a major worry for the future. The analyses do not typically detail geoscience needs and do not account for the growing use of data science and AI in exploration and mining projects. We cannot predict how many geologists will be needed in the future. However, we do know we need new skills, new approaches, and what geologists have always shown – a passion for discovery.

Early education and improved public awareness are typically cited as solutions to long-term workforce needs. But success requires multiple approaches. Changes led by universities, industry, and professional societies are already yielding positive, near-term results.

Examples include redesigned undergraduate geoscience curricula that focus on process and the dynamic Earth rather than traditionally structured frameworks. Exposure to data science and modern mapping tools plays an important role in these programs.

Innovative, industry-supported programs designed in collaboration with professional societies are proving successful. An exciting new effort is MiEX – the mining industry experience program, a two-week immersive program for first-year undergraduate students in science and engineering. A Canadian course (S-IMEW) just celebrated 20 years of providing students with two weeks of hands-on experience with relevant skills and opportunities.

The Society of Economic Geologists is building a Discovery Skills Program that directly addresses key skills needed by early-career geoscientists entering exploration and mining careers, including modern drill core logging and mapping. Training incorporates new digital core data viewing platforms, tools, and techniques. Support from mining professionals and companies is foundational to success.

Technical work in mining will always be grounded in fundamental geoscience, but the tools and approaches are changing quickly. Collectively, these programs will help build a workforce that is both resilient and talented, and ready to help fulfill the future needs of human society.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 5, 2026

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026AM-16130

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