If you were starting out in the Mining Industry again – what three things do you wish you’d been prepared for?

HR in Mining Update - Mining IQ Editorial

If you were starting out in the Mining Industry again – what three things do you wish you’d been prepared for?

Mining IQ was recently inspired by an article read that focused on educating joiners to the mining industry about what their job really entailed prior to their first day on the job. The idea was that in educating them earlier – they would have a better understanding of the highs and lows and would be more likely to have longevity in their career. 

So – with this in mind – and to support this theory, Mining IQ decided to pose the question to our members, our LinkedIn group and our partners. The following is what they shared with us in terms of the process, the sector and the job. 

Mining Industry – The Process of Mining

1. With all the procedurisation of everybody I would remember to leave my mind at home which is called "Chip in Chip out Syndrome" by operators.
2. That it’s important you study along the way and continue to add to your skill-set.
3. Don't stop, you can move around within the industry if you have useful skills, training and/ or experience.
4. There will never be the perfect time to do that masters or post- graduate, but it's a heck of a lot easier before you get married or have kids or get bitten by the travel bug.
5. Preparation of Code of practice  - understand this as it’s important that you are always considering all safety & welfare aspects including first aid, rescue team and line of action.
6. Expect Isolation (time spent away from your family and loved ones).
    

Mining Industry – The Mining Sector

1. I didn’t know that lawyers write the procedures –and I wish I had.
2. That the industry needs to provide vocational training as per VT Rule.
3. That you need to plan scientifically right from exploration, development, production, reclamation, through to environmental protection measures.
4. There is a serious skills shortage and you need to efficiently and accurately plan for human resource management including selection processes, training, observation, motivation, social security etc.
5. Be aware that there are some really difficult / arrogant people who work in this industry and you need to be able to deal with them professionally – and it will challenge you.
6. Make sure you have a solid job description
7. The industry is very helpful and laid back but also very small, so don't burn any bridges!
8. Rough Weather – there will be some especially in the remote locations you will find yourself in
9. The work is often hazardous work site by nature
10. You must always be alert in work whether planning or execution
11. There is fantastic job security (mine life times and company reallocation policy).

Mining Industry – The Mining Job / Mining Career

1. That the rewards are so satisfying and enjoyable
2. Set yourself up financially as soon as possible as much as you can without really missing it. Then forget about it for a few years so you don't use it!
3. A car is not an asset that grows. Start your own 'future fund', get a rental unit or blue-chip shares. Make working away for long hours / time frames worth it.
4. You will need to consider the effects of a transition back to 'normal' 9-5 lifestyle.
5. If you are a FIFO worker and met your partner whilst on that roster, you may find you/they can co-habitate nicely when you know the other will be gone again in a week, but day after day the little annoying things can become big problems, especially if you combine that with a reduced income... I know a lot of people that couldn't overcome the lifestyle impact.
6. Death / near death of people you will know. Not that many, but enough of them.
7. You need to be better prepared for having a plan for a job back in the city when kids finish primary school and need to go to secondary school - the industry still doesn't plan / cater for this aspect
8. Job description (what your role does and does not include) – make sure you understand this before you start out!

Mining IQ thanks all who contributed for their advice, comments and tips. We are sure that your contributions will be incredibly useful to anyone starting out in the industry or looking to better understand what’s ahead. 

To get involved in the discussion further you can visit our LinkedIn group here.

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