The Tasmanian government has launched the Inclusion and Diversity Blueprint and Roadmap, which aims to attract more women and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to the mining and minerals processing sector.
Developed by the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council, the roadmap seeks to ensure that the sector has the best possible mix of people to tap into more opportunities in the future.
Minister for Resources Felix Ellis said the roadmap builds on significant efforts already implemented in the sector to promote the industry among workers from non-traditional areas.
“The minerals processing sector remains an economic cornerstone of Tasmania. To help take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities of the future it will need to expand its workforce base,” Minister Ellis said.
“Based on the industry goals Cleaner, Smarter and Diverse, the industry itself recognises the important contribution made in drawing on the diversity of experience and thinking that comes from employing people from different backgrounds.
Tasmania’s mining and minerals processing sector employs over 5,000 workers and contributes significantly to the state’s exports and key minerals needed for everyday life.
The Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council has projected that the minerals, processing, manufacturing, and energy sectors will need an additional 20,000 workers by 2040. Ellis said this goal can only be achieved by broadening the way these industries attract, develop, and retrain staff and widen the type of people they recruit.
Curating and improving diversity and inclusion is part of the council’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which received $150,000 in funding from the Tasmanian government.
“It’s no longer just an industry for burly bearded men, there are opportunities for anyone willing to commit to a rewarding and lucrative career with extensive skills development and advancement opportunities,” the minister said.
“I encourage anyone looking for their first career pathway or looking for a career change to consider the mining and minerals processing sectors – it’s a great option for a great future,” Minister Ellis said.
For more information on the Minerals Industry Inclusion and Diversity Roadmap and Industry Blueprint, visit tmec.com.au.
