What initiatives has the University of Arizona implemented to tackle the talent crisis, and what recent milestones have been achieved?

The University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources (SMMR) is proactively addressing a significant talent crisis stemming from a global decline in mining-related education. US enrollment has dropped over 50% since 2015. And with digital transformation and increasing expectations around environmental and social performance, preparing talent has become more complex. 

When it comes to attracting talent, a solution to the root of the problem must start early in the education system. Research revealed a critical lack of awareness about mining careers, highlighted by a survey showing that 60% of American science teachers felt unqualified to recommend mining. To combat this, SMMR launched a mining and minerals teachers’ academy for high school and middle school science teachers. After a successful pilot program funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, SMMR aims to train 100 teachers each year, each with the potential to impact thousands of students over their career.  The new teachers’ academy is in addition to a well-established K-12 education outreach program funded by the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation, which reaches over 6,000 students and hundreds of teachers annually.

At the university level, making mining education widely available is a top priority. Two new general education courses on mining and minerals provide over 40,000 curious undergraduates the opportunity to fulfil their general education requirements by studying mining related topics, including the relationship between minerals and sustainability and the impact of choices we make as consumers every day. In 2022, SMMR launched an interdisciplinary minor in sustainable mineral resources, available to any major. The annual ‘Mines for Limitless Minds’ career expo, now entering its third year, attracted over 800 students last year, with a goal of over 1,000 attendees this year, helping students explore diverse career opportunities in mining. A new research innovation grants program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, inviting faculty from various disciplines to apply for seed grants for mining-related research, further engaging graduate students in the field. All these efforts serve to put mining in front of more students, and a more diverse range of students.

How have enrollment figures fluctuated at the UofA’s mining engineering program?

The University of Arizona's mining engineering program represents approximately 10% of all mining engineering students in the US at the bachelor’s level. Historically, the program maintained an enrollment of around 60. This, however, has become increasingly difficult. The latest data indicates that the university maintained steady enrollment in its mining engineering program at a time when enrollment figures nationally have declined 30%. 

What challenges does mining face in attracting talent and how can they be addressed?

A major challenge in recruiting talent for the mining industry is its low visibility, making it less attractive compared to more well-known fields. It’s impossible to attract talent to an invisible industry. Many students lack familiarity with mining and struggle to envision a career in it. To overcome this, industry and academia need to collaborate on raising the industry's profile, especially emphasizing its role in green energy and national security. Bringing mining education into communities and classrooms and providing real-world examples can help generate interest and curiosity among young people.

What were key findings from the SMMR’s research on mining career perceptions?

The SMMR is currently conducting research to explore perceptions of mining education and careers among prospective students, parents, teachers and counselors. This study aims to understand attitudes toward mining, the influence of parental guidance on students’ educational choices, and whether disinterest in mining careers arises from misconceptions or lack of exposure to the industry. Initial findings indicate that while students recognize that mining occurs in Arizona, they have limited knowledge about the industry and its career opportunities. 

What are the SMMR’s goals for 2025 and plans to enhance outreach?

Key objectives include adding mining content to a wide range of courses each year and significantly increasing enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering program. The university will launch professional development courses focused on machine learning in mining.