1,000 new jobs. Only 300 grads to fill them

During the 2008 recession, mineral prices dropped and mines stopped hiring. Back then, geology graduates and mining engineers had reasons to worry about their career choices.

Not anymore. Three years later, there are at least 1,000 openings at Canadian mines — and only 300 people are expected to graduate from Canadian mining-related programs this year.

Hani Mitri, a professor of Mining Engineering at McGill University, told the Montreal Gazette that Canadian companies are desperate for geologists, mining engineers, metal workers and environmental experts and that “[Schools] are not prepared for the boom.”

However, some schools are reacting to the changing job market. Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ont. announced last week that it will open a new School of Mines, which will mean adding more mining-related programs and courses.