The Industry's aging work force simply cannot supply the skilled labor force required to provide the world's increasing population with its ever-growing demand for more commodities and mining services. The shortage in skilled labor will impact both mining operations as well as the many infrastructure programs around the world. To reverse this critical shortage of skilled engineers, industry, government and academia must immediately take steps to increase student enrollment.

• Mining companies are finding it difficult to hire qualified engineering staff.
• Less than 50% of the needed graduates are available to hire.
• 60% of the Society of Mining Engineers members are older than 50.²
• Approximately 50% of Society of Economic Geologists membership is over 50.
• Half of the USGS's 2,500 geoscience employees are older than 50 and 25% are older than 55.²
• Canada expects 50 to 75% of its mining workforce to retire within next 10-15 years.
• Of the seven programs in Australia, two are closing, and a further two are small and under-resourced.¹
• The departments in mainland Europe are very small, with six of ten departments reporting fewer than 10 graduates per year on average.¹
• Half of the US Mining Schools have closed since 1985.²
• Loss of students and professors.²
• Industry-supported grant programs down.

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