- Report year:2025
- Report author: This paper was authorised for publication by Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD.
- Organisation: OECD
This paper examines the evolving challenges facing the mining sector,
where rapid technological change, soaring global demand for critical
minerals, and the green transition are transforming job requirements and
regional economies. It provides an overview of the mining workforce and
identifies significant workforce gaps arising from issues of the availability
of workers and skills, and the attractiveness of the sector and regions
where it exists. Drawing on policy examples from OECD countries, the
paper explores policy measures and industry-led initiatives to expand the
local talent pool, bridge the skills gap, transform the sector’s reputation,
and enhance regional appeal. These good practices aim to provide a
practical foundation, which regions can tailor to fit their local economic and
demographic contexts.
where rapid technological change, soaring global demand for critical
minerals, and the green transition are transforming job requirements and
regional economies. It provides an overview of the mining workforce and
identifies significant workforce gaps arising from issues of the availability
of workers and skills, and the attractiveness of the sector and regions
where it exists. Drawing on policy examples from OECD countries, the
paper explores policy measures and industry-led initiatives to expand the
local talent pool, bridge the skills gap, transform the sector’s reputation,
and enhance regional appeal. These good practices aim to provide a
practical foundation, which regions can tailor to fit their local economic and
demographic contexts.