Summary
- Transformations are underway in regions across Australia as some major mines come to an end and new critical and other minerals development begins.
- While planning for mine closure should begin early, Australian-first research has found gaps in mine closure education and training for mining sector workers, regional and First Nations communities, governments and regulators.
- Only 13% surveyed had detailed knowledge of mine closure planning processes.
- The report recommends prioritising mine closure education and training.
- Meeting the demand for much-needed knowledge and skills requires new collaborations between industry, education providers, government and regional First Nations organisations. Building on investments to date, CRC TiME will continue to collaborate with organisations to develop up-to-date and accessible training to suit growing mine closure workforce requirements.
A new report published by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) in collaboration with the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) has identified gaps in mine closure and post-mine transition-related education and training.
According to the report, there is no nationally consistent approach to mine closure education and training, and knowledge gaps across all priority cohorts.
The research found that the most likely training pathways are either unaccredited forms of training or VET training (vocational education and training), although there are currently very few VET options.
The goal of the research report, A strategic review of education and training: Mine closure and transitions, was to identify the future education and training needs of the priority cohorts affected by mine closures and the education and training options currently available to them.
Dr Guy Boggs, CEO of CRC TiME, said, ‘Regions across Australia are experiencing or preparing for significant change. Some are transforming as major mines come to an end, while others are readying for the development of critical and other minerals.’
According to the CSIRO, with almost 240 Australian mines expected to complete production by 2040, Australia’s estimated $4 billion to $8 billion annual expenditure on mine rehabilitation and closure-related activities represents a massive opportunity for regional, First Nations and Australian businesses.
‘Decisions affecting what happens when mining ends are made every day, even decades before the end of operations,’ said Dr Boggs.
‘And, while planning for mine closure and post-mine transitions should begin early and across the life of an operation, this does not always happen.’
‘Equally, the mine closure and transition process is far more complex than many realise. Expertise requirements range from land restoration to social science to finance to water, geotechnical and other specialist technical knowledge.’
‘Building skills and knowledge within and outside of industry on these critical dimensions can help ensure this occurs. However, as the report shows, there are scant education and training options.’
‘This signals an urgent need for tailored training and education that meets not only the needs of industry but Traditional Owners, community members and others experiencing these changes in their day-to-day lives.’
Dr Gavin Lind, CEO of AUSMASA, said, ‘As outlined in our 2024 Workforce Plan, many of the skills required to undertake mine closure and post-mine land use are covered by units of competency across multiple training packages.’
‘However, as highlighted in the CRC TiME report, there is a need to consider additional skills within the education and training environment.’
‘The report’s findings identify the need for a coordinated approach to address the gap in mine closure and post-mine transition-related education and training.’
‘At AUSMASA, we are committed to collaborating with our industry stakeholders, including CRC TiME, to shape the future of VET programs and ensure they meet critical workforce demand, including those of mine closure.’
‘We are proud of our contribution and the opportunity to collaborate with CRC TiME on the development of their A strategic review of mine closure education and training report, and encourage industry to consider the key findings.’
The Minerals Council of Australia and Business Skills Victoria were also project partners.
Dr Boggs explained what he hopes to see in the future: ‘True to the Cooperative Research Centre model, we are collaborating across cohorts to understand and support their needs and uncover the best ways to deliver training.’
‘We will continue to work with our partners, on a coordinated suite of training products and initiatives developed to meet growing mine closure and post-mine transformation workforce requirements.’
CRC TiME’s current activities include: First Nations VET pathway (Stage 1 & 2) project and support for development of a world-first Mass Open Online Course on the Foundations of Mine Closure and Sustainable Transitions, developed by The University of Queensland and Curtin University.
Media contact
Dr Rebecca Rey
Communications Manager, CRC TiME
0401 052 541
rebecca.rey@crctime.com.au