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Navigating the skills shortage by leveraging technology
The mining industry is facing a critical challenge – a shortage of skilled geoscientists.
With declining undergraduate enrolments in geoscience courses and experienced professionals leaving the field, the industry is grappling with the task of discovering new mineral deposits and bringing them online. This shortage is not only impacting the mining sector but also has broader implications for the global economy, particularly in the transition to a low-carbon future.
According to the Australian Geoscience Council, there has been a significant decline in students completing geoscience degrees over the eight years, in its Australian Tertiary Geoscience Education Profile 2023, echoing similar trends observed worldwide.
Dr. Kevin Cassidy, Chair of the Australian Geoscience Council, emphasised the importance of addressing this issue, highlighting the critical role of geoscience graduates in driving mineral exploration and supporting the transition to a sustainable economy.
As the industry seeks solutions to mitigate the impact of the skills shortage, technology emerges as a powerful tool. By leveraging advanced tools and systems, mining companies can optimise the processing and interpretation of geological data, making operations more efficient and sustainable.
At IMDEX, we understand the challenges faced by geologists in managing the increasing volume and velocity of data generated by sensors and other sources. Our flagship solution, IMDEXHUB-IQTM, efficiently manages this data, providing geologists with valuable insights in near real-time. By automating data management tasks, IMDEXHUB-IQ allows geologists to focus their efforts on interpreting the data in a geological context, rather than getting bogged down in data wrangling.
Software technologies like aiSIRISTM and Datarock harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyse geological data and generate actionable insights. These tools empower geologists to make informed decisions faster, enhancing exploration efficiency and productivity.
By embracing technology, drilling and mining companies can bridge the skills gap and drive innovation in the industry. With IMDEX solutions, geologists can unlock new opportunities for mineral discovery and contribute to sustainable development.
Together, we can navigate the skills shortage and ensure the continued success and sustainability of the mining industry in the face of evolving challenges.