There was a keen focus on workplace culture and diversity on the final day of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC). Throughout the conference, mining leaders acknowledged that if the industry does not act now to fix and change the culture, they will not be able to attract the staff required for the new resources boom.
Chief people officer at IGO Ltd Sam Retallack told the conference: “We as industry have broken the psychological contract of trust that we have with the community. We are seen as a cause of climate change not as a solution. We are seen as an unsafe workplace for females, we are seen as inflexible with our rostering and that you must commit to FIFO work. It’s not a particularly attractive proposition for new workers.”
Sam Retallack said the industry has broken the trust of the people.
ICMM director of Social Performance Danielle Martin spoke to the substantial issues facing the industry as workforce skills change and evolve.
“The competition for talent will be tricky for mining because the skills in many cases are less specific to mining and are applicable across other sectors,” she said. “Because of the culture and perception of mining, it is a less attractive industry for many workers who could work in other industries.”
All is not lost however, Gold Road Resources general manager of Capability and Culture Stuart Jenner reflected on the cultural issues the Australian Defence Force faced 20 years ago. Changes to workplace culture will likely lead to an increase in the recruitment of new staff and the retention of key talent as the competition for skills intensifies.
Jenner said, “Defence Force recreated its brand and aligned it with its purpose and mining needs to do the same. We need to be upfront, honest and transparent to establish that purpose. The Defence Force pays no near what the mining industry does but because of their purpose, they have a huge amount of success in attracting talent.”
There is a realisation from the sector that the industry must act now and push for acknowledgment that these issues need to be addressed from the top down.
Newcrest Mining chief information officer Gavin Wood spoke to delegates at IMARC and explained the work they are doing to change culture with their existing workforce.
Wood said many existing staff at Newcrest grew up in mining areas and communities and that they needed to give them the skills to interact with other aspects of the business and by virtue society.
“If we do not give them these skills the culture will not change.”
Over the three-day conference mining leaders from across the globe challenged the current standard of culture within the sector and discussed ways to make the industry safer for all.
Read more on Proactive Investors AU
