Bridging the skills gap: a blueprint for enhancing ground control capabilities

Authors: Hossack, A; Domergue-Schmidt, I; Thomas, L; Hemingway, G Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_03

Cite As:
Hossack, A, Domergue-Schmidt, I, Thomas, L & Hemingway, G 2025, 'Bridging the skills gap: a blueprint for enhancing ground control capabilities', in JJ Potter & J Wesseloo (eds), SSIM 2025: Fourth International Slope Stability in Mining Conference, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_03



Abstract:
The skills shortage in the mining industry is a critical challenge, particularly for organisations seeking geotechnical expertise, and can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Firstly, the number of universities offering specialised technical programs in specific areas, such as geotechnical engineering, mining engineering, and geology, has reduced over recent years. This is primarily due to a lack of awareness/interest by a new generation who demand meaningful and flexible work arrangements in combination with career development opportunities over traditional remunerative benefits. Compounding this issue is the fact that regulatory frameworks governing mining operations have become increasingly stringent, while the risk tolerance of mining executives has declined in response to diminishing public tolerance for industrial accidents. Consequently, the stress experienced by geotechnical professionals is often high, causing some to leave the discipline for other opportunities. Another reason for the skills shortage is the fact that larger geotechnical teams are becoming a necessity to meet the growing demands of the technologies that are being implemented to manage geotechnical risks. For example, the advent of slope stability radars ushered in a new era of monitoring within the mining industry, but introduced an additional set of demands that had to be met by the geotechnical community to ensure the effectiveness of these tools. Finally, a significant proportion of the mining workforce in specific regions is anticipated to retire over the next 5–10 years putting further pressure on the industry (Stutt 2023). Together, these factors have intensified the industry’s struggle to secure the necessary technical expertise, meaning that company-specific development programs which offer a comprehensive learning experience for professionals have become more important than ever before. This paper will discuss a process for creating a geotechnical capabilities development program that can be applied to any mining organisation. It is hoped that by making this information publicly available, companies will adopt this process, or a similar process, thereby increasing the likelihood of a capable and thriving geotechnical community.

Keywords: geotechnical, ground control, capabilities, development, advancement program, framework

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