MiHR celebrates 30 years of impact on Canada’s mining workforce

National organization marks three decades of collaboration, workforce development and labour market solutions for Canada’s mining sector

OTTAWA, ON, October 20, 2026 – The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of working with Canada’s mining sector stakeholders to understand workforce challenges, develop practical solutions and support an inclusive, skilled and sustainable mining workforce.

Established in 1996, MiHR was created in response to a need for greater collaboration on human resources and workforce issues in Canada’s mining industry. Over the past 30 years, its work has evolved alongside the sector, from labour market information and occupational standards to workforce development, skills training, career awareness and workplace inclusion.

“Thirty years is a significant milestone for MiHR and for the many partners who have contributed to our work over the years,” says Ryan Montpellier, Executive Director at MiHR. “While the mining industry and its workforce have changed significantly since 1996, collaboration remains at the heart of how we address workforce challenges. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and focused on the opportunities ahead.”

Today, Canada’s mining sector is facing a new generation of workforce challenges and opportunities. Growing demand for critical minerals, technological change, new projects and evolving skills requirements are increasing demand for workers, while demographic change and labour shortages are creating additional pressure on the industry to attract, develop and retain talent.

MiHR has continued to expand its work in response to these needs. Programs and initiatives such as the Canadian Mining Certification Program, the Gearing Up and Green Jobs wage subsidy programs and the Mining Needs You campaign support the sector across the workforce journey, from career awareness and early work experience to skills development, certification and workplace inclusion.

The Council has also worked with employers, governments, educators, Indigenous partners, labour organizations and other stakeholders to develop National Occupational Standards, labour market intelligence and workforce strategies that help the sector understand emerging needs and prepare for the future.

“Canada’s mining workforce is critical to the sector’s ability to respond to the opportunities ahead,” says Jenine Ellefson, Chair of MiHR’s Board of Directors. “MiHR’s role is to help the industry understand where its workforce is heading and develop solutions that respond to those needs. That means strengthening pathways into mining, supporting workers throughout their careers and helping employers build the skills and workplaces they need for the future.”

As such, MiHR was selected by the Government of Canada to lead the new Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance (MMWA) with the support of the Mining Association of Canada. MiHR is launching the MMWA tomorrow through a meeting of its Strategic Advisory Council (SAC). Comprised of a cross section of industry, labour, academic, association and Indigenous representatives, the SAC will identify and validate labour market priorities, provide strategic advice and recommend coordinated action to support workforce development across the mining and minerals sector. Its expertise and collaboration will inform workforce policy and sector-wide strategies that support Canada’s economic security, clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing capacity.

MiHR looks forward to leading the MMWA as it looks ahead to its next 30 years of impact on the mining workforce and supporting the Government of Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy.   

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About the Mining Industry Human Resources Council

The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is a national non-profit organization that works with industry partners to identify and address the human resources and labour market challenges facing Canada’s mining sector. MiHR serves as a knowledge centre for mining labour market information, training and workforce development, working to build an inclusive, skilled, safe and sustainable Canadian mining workforce.

Learn more about MiHR’s 30^th anniversary.

Media Contact

Will Meyer
Director, Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, MiHR
wmeyer@mihr.ca
613-270-9696, ext. 258