DPI Update (Issue 57)
IAN MCLEOD, Manager Minerals and Extractive Operations, Melbourne District, discusses coping with a staff skills shortage in the future.
THE earth resources industry is booming in Australia, providing benefits for all Australians and is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately the boom is placing significant pressures on the ability of operators and regulators alike to achieve their objectives due to the difficulty in obtaining and retaining suitable staff. Skills shortage is becoming a major issue and the difficulties with staff recruitment and retention can only worsen as the resources industry continues to expand.
Mine operators seeking experienced personnel for their sites firstly try to source them locally. However, if unsuccessful, try to poach them from anywhere they can. It’s no surprise that well trained extractive industry staff and regulators can become a prime target for these operations.
Consequently, the Victorian extractive industry and the Earth Resources Regulation Branch (DPI) need to carefully assess future manpower requirements and plan to ensure that adequate expertise is held to achieve objectives.
John Mitas and I attended the Melbourne Mining Club seminar on 9 June 2011 where Caterpillar Global Mining provided a presentation on how the manning shortage could be managed by the introduction of new autonomous mining systems. Whilst the quarrying industry is unlikely to see the introduction of such radical changes in the short term, it is possible that this technology could be introduced in the long term aft er it has been tried and proven. Until such breakthroughs occur, it will be necessary for quarry operators to devise other ways of dealing with the problem.
It is suggested that the best way of doing this for the foreseeable future will be to continue to compare staff competencies with expectations and ensure that any gaps are filled with appropriate training.
As mentioned above, DPI is also affected by the reduced availability of experienced staff to regulate the earth resources industries and consequently, provides regular training programs to develop expertise. Another way for DPI to tackle the issue is to try to simplify the way we regulate. DPI is work shopping this with the CMPA and the CCAA with the intention of reducing red tape.
Please refer to the discussion papers at the following website:
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resources/whats-new/review-of-the-mineral-resourcessustainable-development-act-1990
I encourage you to read these discussion papers, discuss amongst yourselves and provide comments to Bruce McClure, who is coordinating CMPA feedback to the workshops. This is a rare and significant opportunity to assist in developing improved legislation in the quarrying sector.
STAFF NEWS
Wendy Vella (Born 6 February 1966) sadly passed away on 27 May 2011 after a lengthy period of illness. The funeral was held at Springvale on 1 June and was well attended by industry representatives including CMPA members. Wendy was an Inspector of Mines in the Melbourne District and a valued member of the Earth Resources Regulation team and will be greatly missed.
John Mitas (Chief Inspector of Mines and Quarries) is continuing to manage the Department’s response to the ground movement at Morwell which has resulted in the temporary closure of the Princes Freeway.
Colin Thornton, Manager Minerals and Extractive Operations (North East District) is now acting in the role of General Manager, Minerals and Extractive Operations.
David Whitehouse, has been appointed to replace Mike Mathews in Benalla and will be commencing work with us on 18 July 2011. David has been working as Program Leader with the EPA in Wangaratta and holds significant experience in the regulation of natural resources.
Jason Fothergill, Senior Inspector of Mines (North East District) resigned effective 27 May 2011 to accept the position of Mine Manager at the A1 mine.
Vicky Alivanoglou, Senior Project Officer, Sustainability Unit, resigned effective 7 June 2011 to accept a position with Worley Parsons.
We wish Jason and Vicky all the best for the future.
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