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The major copper producers are trying with all their might to attract and retain workers. After all, the companies want to increase their production levels so that they could take full advantage of the rising global demand for the metal. However, in order to fulfill these ambitions, additional workers must be found, but this is proving to be a major challenge for many companies.

Copper is a crucial metal to help make the transition to a sustainable energy sector. By the middle of this century, it is estimated that 50 million tons of copper will need to be produced annually to meet global demand. That represents a doubling from the level at the beginning of this decade. In the past, the sector has primarily faced restrictive regulations and water supply issues, but now appears to be struggling with adequate access to talent as well. Especially in the United States, the problem is said to be acute.

Talent shortage: "Many workers are choosing positions that are less physically demanding and not in remote locations," experts describe the copper industry's current problems.

  • "Attracting mining talent has therefore become a major problem for the industry," the experts point out.
    • "It should also not be forgotten that mining will face a wave of retirements over the next decade."
    • "Mines producing to fuel the transition to renewable energy will therefore need additional workers."
  • The U.S. company , among others, attests to rising demand for copper, while its U.S. production, due to a lack of sufficient labor, was already down at the end of last year and may shrink further by 1 percent this year.
    • Freeport-McMoRan currently has more than a thousand job openings in the United States. The company has already raised lucrative salaries and offered one-time bonuses to lure and retain workers, but has now begun hiring contractors to operate at least one U.S. mine.

Youth and women: "The workforce issues are certainly affecting our operations and our expansion plans," acknowledged Richard Adkerson, chief executive of Freeport-McMoRan.

  • "We are trying to make the job as attractive as possible to employees, although it is certainly not an insurmountable problem," Adkerson stressed.
    • Among other things, the company is trying to generate greater interest in its activities among young people in secondary schools. In addition, diploma requirements have been relaxed for a number of supervisory positions.
    • Also, according to Adkerson, efforts are being made to also appeal to women for a career with the company. In this regard, Kathleen Quirk, president of Freeport-McMoRan, is often used as a showcase. Adkerson also pitches that several of the company's major North American mines are led by women.
    • In recent years, Freeport has built gymnasiums, stores and other commercial stores and related facilities around some of its sites in rural areas for its employees and their families.
  • also points to labor market problems. The British-Australian concern is nurturing plans to open the underground Resolution Copper Mine in the U.S. state of Arizona. This will require recruiting .
    • "However, this poses a major recruitment challenge for the company," raises Bold Baatar, chief executive of Rio Tinto Copper.
    • "We need to with universities in Utah and Arizona and traditional schools such as the Colorado School of Mines to ensure that talent remains available in the future."

(ns)

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