#Sweden #Stockholm #Engineering #Sandvik #Mining Industry

A New Dawn for Mining Engineering

The global mining sector is currently grappling with a critical shortage of engineering talent. A recent report by the engineering giant, Sandvik, underscores how this challenge may pave the way for unprecedented opportunities within the industry. The study titled, "The Future of Talent in Mining: Insights from STEM Graduates and What the Industry Can Do," reveals that while awareness of mining among young engineers remains low, many express interest in joining the field once they grasp its modern realities and vital role in addressing global energy challenges.

According to a survey conducted among 824 STEM graduates and students across nine countries, an alarming nearly 40% are unfamiliar with the mining sector. This lack of knowledge often discourages them from considering it as a viable career path. Yet, remarkably, over 90% of respondents indicated they would be more inclined to explore careers in mining if they believed it could significantly contribute to combating climate change.

Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik, remarked, "The findings reveal an immense untapped opportunity for our industry. Today’s mining is not just about extracting raw materials; it’s about leveraging digitalization, automation, and electrification to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This realization could open a door for talented engineers to make meaningful contributions."

The report also highlights key motivators for a new generation of graduates, including high salary potential, the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, and the intricate technical challenges the industry presents. Conversely, concerns over safety and the negative environmental impacts associated with mining remain significant deterrents for young professionals.

As the industry faces potential retirements for nearly half of its workforce by 2029, coupled with declining enrollment in engineering programs globally, the report advocates for enhanced collaboration among corporations, educational institutions, and policymakers. Such partnerships are essential in ensuring a vibrant future workforce through educational initiatives, cultural shifts, and a more favorable perception of the sector.

Björn Axelsson, Executive Vice President and Head of HR at Sandvik Group, added, "Mining presents the technical challenge of a lifetime. The electrification of society will be driven by minerals, but it will be the next generation of innovative minds who are bold enough to change how we operate in this sector."

To delve deeper into the findings, the complete report, titled "The Future of Talent in Mining: Insights from STEM Graduates and What the Industry Can Do," is available at Sandvik's official site or Fast Company.

About Sandvik

Sandvik is a global high-tech engineering group providing solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure industries. With a focus on digitalization, Sandvik leads the way in optimizing processes for its clients. The company's extensive offerings include equipment, tools, services, and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation, and material handling. As of 2024, Sandvik employs roughly 41,000 people and achieves an impressive turnover of around 123 billion SEK across more than 150 countries.