Steelworkers support new Canadian Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance

The United Steelworkers union is taking a key role in supporting a Canadian government initiative aimed at addressing a skilled labour shortage in the country’s mining industry.

The new Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance was launched by the federal government in June to develop strategies and solutions to tackle labour shortages and other key issues facing the mining industry, as demand for critical minerals is projected to grow significantly.

The federal government has tapped the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) as the lead “delivery organization” to fulfill the new mining alliance’s mission. The MiHR, an independent, non-profit organization, leads collaboration among mining and exploration companies, organized labour, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders to address human resource and other challenges facing the industry.

“The United Steelworkers welcomes the Government of Canada’s investment in the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance and supports it decision to entrust MiHR with leading this important initiative,” said Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director and one of the 12 members of the MiHR Board of Directors.

“Canada’s mining and minerals sector depends on the skills, experience and dedication of workers across the country. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, workers and their unions must have a voice in shaping the future of the workforce,” Stewart said.

“By bringing together, labour, industry, Indigenous partners, educators and government, the Alliance creates an opportunity to address workforce challenges, strengthen training and apprenticeship pathways, and ensure the jobs of tomorrow are good jobs that provide family-sustaining wages, strong health and safety protections, and opportunities for future generations of workers,” he added.

Canadian mining facts

• As global demand for critical minerals rises, Canada will remain a key global producer of copper, nickel and cobalt, while pursuing development of advanced mineral projects for rare earth elements, lithium and graphite. 
• In 2024, Canada’s mining sector employed 438,000 workers and contributed $112 billion directly to the country’s GDP.
• Canada produces 60 minerals and metals at 200 mines and thousands of sand and gravel pits and stone quarries.
• In 2024, the total value of mineral production in Canada was $64 billion.

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