If you are in the mining industry or considering entering it, you may be wondering if mining jobs are in demand.
MINING INDUSTRY OUTLOOK 2021
While the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges to the mining industry, resulting in many commodity prices decreasing between 10-20%, most of these rebounded by the end of 2020. In 2021, copper prices have surged higher than pre-pandemic levels and reached all-time highs in early May. Most mining companies, according to BCG, have made a full recovery post-pandemic, and finished 2020 with a median total shareholder return (TSR) of 26%.
Post-pandemic, many companies feel confident about their trajectory. This is due to higher commodity prices, fewer concerns about overcapacity, as well as a worldwide trend toward electric energy, which has a positive impact on copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and more.
ARE MINING JOBS IN DEMAND?
Metal ore mining jobs are expected to grow by 16.3% over the next 10 years, which is higher than the national workforce growth rate, which is projected to grow 7.66%. The top three occupations in metal ore mining are mining machine operators, heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics, and construction equipment operators.
Additional mining job opportunities include drivers/sales workers and truck drivers and extraction workers.
IS MINING A GOOD CAREER?
While some may envision mining as an outdated career, the modern mining industry offers many great career opportunities. Mining professionals enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, travel opportunities and non-traditional schedule opportunities, outdoor work, and opportunities for career progression.
- Competitive Salary. The average salary for mining depends on the industry and position you are employed in. Earlier-career mining positions typically receive an average salary of around $45,000-60,000, while some opportunities can be as high as $80,000-100,000, annually.
- Competitive Benefits. Depending on which company you work for, you may receive extensive benefits in a mining career. For instance, Rangefront offers health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), home purchase incentives, vacation cash, and more. Learn more here.
- Travel Opportunities. Most mining career opportunities are on-site. Opportunities span nationally—and globally—which means those in the mining industry can enjoy travel to contract mining labor positions if they so choose. However, there are also more traditional, longer-term mining opportunities for those who would rather stay home.
- Non-Traditional Schedule Opportunities. If the typical M-F, 9-5 work schedule doesn’t sound appealing, you may enjoy a career in mining. Some mining positions offer non-traditional scheduling. Whether you find a swing shift, on-off schedule, or even seasonal work, this can provide some mining professionals with opportunities to pursue other interests.
- Opportunity for Advancement. Mining is a loyal career—your experience in almost any position can help provide expertise that can help you progress in your field. With or without additional education, there are certifications and experience that can help provide opportunities for advancement down the line.
MINING JOB OPENINGS
Would you like to explore mining job openings through Rangefront? Explore our most recent employment opportunities by clicking the button below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRIAN GOSS
President, Rangefront Mining Services
Brian Goss brings over 20 years of experience in gold and mineral exploration. He is the founder and President of Rangefront, a premier geological services and mining consulting company that caters to a large spectrum of clients in the mining and minerals exploration industries. Brian is also a director of Lithium Corp. (OTCQB: LTUM), an exploration stage company specializing in energy storage minerals and from 2014 to 2017, he fulfilled the role of President and Director of Graphite Corp. (OTCQB: GRPH), an exploration stage that specialized in the development of graphite properties. Prior to founding Rangefront, Brian worked as a staff geologist for Centerra Gold on the REN project, as well as various exploration and development projects in the Western United States and Michigan. Brian Goss holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Geology from Wayne State University in Michigan.
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