New Curriculum Resource Aims to Attract Next Generation of Mining Workers

For Immediate Release – Ottawa, ON, January 29, 2024 – Canada is one of the world’s leading mining nations. It produces over 60 minerals and metals, many of which are crucial to the production of clean technologies and the ongoing shift to a low-carbon future. However, the sector is facing a tightening labour market, further challenged by issues such as an aging workforce and dwindling enrolment in post-secondary mining-related programs.

To help alleviate these challenges and attract the next generation of mining talent, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) has developed Careers in Mining: A Teaching Resource. This mining career awareness curriculum resource for grade 7 to 10 educators offers 12 unique and high-quality lesson plans in a variety of formats that include themes and interactive, hands-on activities to introduce students to what it’s like to work in Canada’s mining sector. The resource’s Curriculum Connections also identify how each lesson fits within each province and territory’s curriculum.

Developed to introduce youth to mining-relevant positions, occupations and careers available to them that align with their talents and interests, the curriculum resource also reflects innovation and the mining sector’s role in transitioning Canada to a clean economy. Students will also learn about how modern mining is safe, uses high-tech equipment and processes all while keeping the environment first in mind. The lessons and activities make real world connections to items that use mined material like phones, tablets, smoke detectors and surgical equipment to demonstrate the importance of mining in our everyday lives.

“The mining industry relies on a diverse workforce to locate, extract and process the valuable minerals and metals that are essential to modern life,” said Ryan Montpellier, Executive Director of MiHR. “In light of the sector’s continued skills shortages stemming from industry growth, skills gaps and a lack of interest in mining-related careers among youth, the mining industry needs to look at new and innovative ways to promote careers in mining to Canadian youth – starting at the elementary and high school levels. Our new curriculum resource aims to do just that.”

Click here to request a digital copy of Careers in Mining: A Teaching Resource.

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About the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)

MiHR is Canada’s knowledge centre for mining labour market information. An independent, non-profit organization, MiHR leads collaboration among mining and exploration companies, organized labour, contractors, educational institutions, industry associations and Indigenous groups to identify opportunities and address the human resource and labour market challenges facing the Canadian minerals and metals sector.

For More Information:

William Meyer
Director, Marketing and Communications
Mining Industry Human Resources Council
613.270.9696 x 58
wmeyer@mihr.ca