Decline of U.S. Mining Workforce is Cause for Alarm

April 29, 2013- The National Academy of Science recently sounded an alarm regarding the decline of the nation's skilled mining workforce in industry, academia and the government in a new report, "Emerging Workforce Trends in the U.S. Energy and Mining Industries."

In addition to a loss of existing workforce, "the current educational system is not producing enough qualified workers to fill future jobs, which increasingly require science and math skills. Some innovative solutions are being pursued, but more action is needed if the nation is to maintain a skilled workforce able to supply energy and mineral needs."

The report states, "Energy and mineral resources are essential for the nation's fundamental functions, its economy and its security. Energy in the United States comes from a variety of sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear energy and all renewable energies, all with established commercial industry bases."

Recommendations to reverse the trend include educational campaigns "aimed at overcoming "A negative public perception of U.S. extractive industries...[which] dissuades some from pursuing careers."

Read the full report here. 

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