Challenges Facing the Mining Industry
Like any major industry, Canada’s mining sector isn’t immune to roadblocks. Alongside its many successes, there have also been obstructions – some of which are still being negotiated today.
So what is being done to improve?
So what is being done to improve?
At LodgeLink, we understand these logistics, and provide a solution with a platform designed to specifically meet the needs of crews both large and small.
LodgeLink’s online technology reduces manual processes and helps companies search, book and manage accommodations unique to crews, at the locations required in the mining industry, including hotel accommodations and workforce camps/lodges.
Companies can also manage projects and track and control costs with online reporting dashboards.
LodgeLink’s online technology reduces manual processes and helps companies search, book and manage accommodations unique to crews, at the locations required in the mining industry, including hotel accommodations and workforce camps/lodges.
Companies can also manage projects and track and control costs with online reporting dashboards.
2. Lack of Infrastructure
Expansion remains a challenge for the mining sector.
One major issue is a reduction in critical infrastructure, which has increased exploration and development costs in Northern Canada by up to 250%.
With the possibility of declining mineral reserves on the horizon, Canada’s mining leadership will need extended support from federal resources like the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) to help offset the cost of mining in northern Canada.
With greater ease of access to these remote areas, the industry could facilitate larger economic growth and secure long-term success.
One major issue is a reduction in critical infrastructure, which has increased exploration and development costs in Northern Canada by up to 250%.
With the possibility of declining mineral reserves on the horizon, Canada’s mining leadership will need extended support from federal resources like the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) to help offset the cost of mining in northern Canada.
With greater ease of access to these remote areas, the industry could facilitate larger economic growth and secure long-term success.
3. Staffing Shortages
Canada’s mining industry has a particularly unique trait: Almost half of its workforce is 45-years-of-age or older.
Though this means the mining sector has a significant supply of loyal, knowledgeable workers, this same aging workforce will lose more than 60,000 people over the next 10 years and will need 100,000 new workers to replace them.
Luckily, the industry has a decade to resolve the issue and has already started implementing potential solutions like enhancing technology, improving employee retention, and increasing workplace diversity.
Though this means the mining sector has a significant supply of loyal, knowledgeable workers, this same aging workforce will lose more than 60,000 people over the next 10 years and will need 100,000 new workers to replace them.
Luckily, the industry has a decade to resolve the issue and has already started implementing potential solutions like enhancing technology, improving employee retention, and increasing workplace diversity.
Since 2004, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has promoted its Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative worldwide. Its main goal to “drive performance improvement in environmental and social issues” is a mandatory standard for its 44 Canadian members and has yielded major results.
Some of its principles include:
Some of its principles include:
- Promoting environmental practices
- Emphasizing community involvement
- Prioritizing employee and community safety
Canada’s transition towards clean energy presents additional opportunities for the mining industry. It could play a major factor in supporting its workforce in the future.
For example, solar PV panel production requires zinc, copper, lead, and iron ore materials, all of which are found and produced in Canada. Similar clean products like LED light bulbs and electric cars also depend on the same metal and minerals, pointing towards an economic revitalization for the industry.
When renewable energy-dependent minerals like lithium are increasingly mined in remote areas, companies will be seeking options for accommodations as this sector grows.
For example, solar PV panel production requires zinc, copper, lead, and iron ore materials, all of which are found and produced in Canada. Similar clean products like LED light bulbs and electric cars also depend on the same metal and minerals, pointing towards an economic revitalization for the industry.
When renewable energy-dependent minerals like lithium are increasingly mined in remote areas, companies will be seeking options for accommodations as this sector grows.
