Earlier this month, the TPD mining team attended PDAC 2025, immersing themselves in countless conversations with HR professionals, industry experts, and innovative mining companies. Engaging in dynamic discussions, they gathered invaluable insights that have now been distilled into these five key workforce trends reshaping mining recruitment and talent strategies globally.
America’s labor shortage has become one of the most pressing challenges for industries nationwide—and for HR professionals in mining and manufacturing, the effects are especially pronounced. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing positions remain unfilled for an average of 43 days, while specialized mining roles can take up to 62 days to fill. This hiring delay costs industrial companies an estimated $98 billion annually in lost productivity and additional recruitment expenses.
The Canadian mining industry is bracing for significant change as U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced plans to impose substantial tariffs on Canadian goods beginning March 1, 2025. With most Canadian exports facing a 25% tariff and energy products like oil and electricity set at 10%, the mining sector—one of Canada’s largest exporters to the U.S.—stands at a critical juncture.
As a mining recruiter, I’ve seen firsthand how PDAC (Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention) shapes our industry’s future. This massive annual Toronto event isn’t just about rocks and minerals – it’s where mining’s biggest decisions and connections happen. If you’re a hiring manager heading to PDAC for the first time, yes, you’ve probably heard about wearing comfortable shoes (trust me, you’ll need them), but here’s what else you should know:
The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is hosting its annual convention from March 2-5, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. As the world’s premier mining conference, PDAC attracts thousands of attendees from over 130 countries, including investors, mining executives, government representatives, and industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time attendee, proper preparation can help you make the most of this transformative event.
The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention is the mining industry’s most anticipated annual event. From March 2-5, 2025, Toronto will welcome mining professionals from around the globe to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). For HR leaders and professionals, navigating PDAC effectively is crucial for making meaningful connections and staying informed about industry trends. Here’s the ultimate HR guide to surviving PDAC and maximizing your experience.
The new year brings fresh opportunities and challenges for the mining industry. As global demand for minerals and metals continues to rise, mining companies must ensure they have the right workforce to meet operational goals, adapt to emerging trends, and remain competitive. Strategic hiring is essential to address evolving industry needs while navigating economic and sector-specific uncertainties.
Recruitment challenges are something we hear about often from hiring managers in the mining industry. Many companies express common frustrations when working with recruitment agencies, and it’s time to address these concerns head-on. Here are the top three complaints that regularly surface—and they all stem from one common issue.
In the mining industry, finding the right talent is crucial for operational success. From geologists to heavy equipment operators, hiring the right people directly impacts safety, productivity, and project timelines. Many hiring managers turn to staffing agencies for support, but with so many options, selecting the right one can feel daunting. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider to help you choose a partner that truly understands your needs in mining recruitment.
Manitoba’s recent announcement of its critical mineral strategy signals a big step forward for the mining sector, particularly for those in the business of recruiting specialized talent. The 20-page report, Securing Our Critical Mineral Future, outlines a roadmap that aims to streamline mining projects, establish meaningful Indigenous partnerships, and attract major investments in the critical mineral sector. This strategy holds significant implications for workforce demands, particularly in roles requiring expertise in mineral exploration, extraction, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous engagement.
