Mining engineer shortage sees competition for skilled workers ramp-up amid pandemic

As Australia’s multi-billion-dollar metal mining industry aims to capitalise on strong prices, companies have become locked in a battle to attract professionals.

Gold, copper, zinc and iron ore prices have all showed sustained increases in value since the original shock of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

But Australian university enrolments for both engineering and geology have been on the opposite trajectory and internationals were filling the void.