CHARTS: The coming critical minerals trade war is BRICS short of a load
"While a large number of countries around the world continue to talk about securing raw material supply, China is actually doing something about it."
Ecuador needs at least 300 mining engineers and geologists in the near future to be able to deliver on its recent mining contracts, but only about 40 such professionals graduate annually from six universities that offer those programs, according to the agency that regulates Ecuador’s mining industry.
The Agencia de Regulación y Control Minero (ARCOM) says some of the reasons for the shortage of mining graduates include the limited number of academic programs offered in this area, the high cost to universities which offer them, and an overall lack of student interest in these professions.
Jaime Jarrin, ARCOR’s executive director, added yet another reason for the shortage is that mining engineers and geologists are also needed by Ecuador’s highway construction, petroleum extraction and hydroelectricity industries. Additionally, the country lacks other professionals with knowledge of the mining industry, such as economists and lawyers.
However, because of the mining sector’s increasing demand for skilled labour, and since the employment rate is high, these programs are becoming more popular with students.
“All of our graduates have jobs,” Carlos Ortiz, director of the Engineering Mining School at the Universidad Central en Quito, was quoted as telling BBC News earlier this month. “There isn’t a single one that is unemployed due to a lack of options in mining.”
Last month, Ecuador signed a contract with the Chinese company Ecuacorriente to develop the country’s fist copper mining megaproject. In addition, four more contracts are in the pipeline to be signed this year: Kinross Gold Corp’s Fruta del Norte gold mine; International Minerals’ gold and silver property, Rio Blanco; IAMGOLD’s Quimsacocha gold mine; and a second deal with Ecuacorriente around the major copper project Panantza-San Carlos.
In this context, Ecuador may have to import skilled mining labour to meet its mining obligations. According to Ecuadorian law, 80% of mining workers must be nationals, leaving 20 per of the jobs to be filled by foreigners.
“Our country is experiencing a new era in mining,” noted ARCOR’s Jarrin. “It is a reality that we need mining experts and our deficit in this area is one we must solve with the help of government, our universities and the private sector.”
_____
With the contribution of Suzanne Soto, owner of Si! Corporate Communications, a Greater Toronto Area company providing public relations services in both English and Spanish.
6 Comments
Ahmed252692
Ahmed I am looking for a job mining geology department in the country of America or Australia and thank you
Ahmed252692
Ahmed I am looking for a job mining geology department in the country of America or Australia and thank you called me [email protected]
JUAN GOMEZ
I am an Ecuadorian professional that I have experience in the administrative mining field.
I was managing over 200 people including; Accounting department, Logistic, contractors control, acomodate for foreing employees, etc. Please contact me [email protected]
Dave
Am metallurgist Technician looking for job.I have worked in Golden star resources in prestea /bogoso mines for 7 years.You could contact me @ [email protected]
Timesoftime
how much an hour do the equador want to pay, prtection etc etc
Niall
I’m a plant operator looking for work,experience in Dump trucks , Track excavators, loading shovel, My E Mail is [email protected]
Thanks Niall