Boots or Bots? Building the Mining Workforce of the Future

13 October 2025

Across the globe, the mining sector is undergoing a transformation. Rapid technological change, automation, and digitisation are reshaping the very nature of mining work — creating new roles, requiring new skills, and shifting the dynamics of traditional operations. At the same time, the industry faces increasing pressure to attract and retain talent in a highly competitive global labour market. These requirements sit alongside, and are shaped by, the growing need to ensure that mining is not only innovative and productive, but also inclusive and sustainable — with diverse teams, equitable opportunities, and strong leadership cultures that foster continuous learning and development. So, how can the industry respond? What does it take to develop a workforce that’s ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow?

Speakers on this episode:

• Bill Cobb | VP and Chief Sustainability Officer - Freeport McMoRan
• Dr Kate Thornton | CEO ABMEC - British Mining Trade Association
• Clara Segón | Standards Manager - TDi Sustainability

This episode is part of the TDi Sustainability (https://www.tdi-sustainability.com/) special series of podcasts produced in advance of the 2025 Resourcing Tomorrow event that will take place in London between 2-4 December. Find out more about the event＞ (https://resourcingtomorrow.com/)