The number of university programs dedicated to economic geology, applied geosciences, metallurgy, and mining is diminishing, and with it, the number of graduates entering the workforce. Today’s framework of higher education forces universities to set priorities that do not favor investment in niche areas relevant to the mineral and mining sector. Student numbers, which translate to tuition revenue, are small compared to other fields, such as mechanical engineering or computer sciences. The number of large government grants, which translates to overhead revenue, is limited in comparison to other fields that have a perceived larger societal impact, such as biosciences. 

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Previous attempts at solving the issue of dwindling student numbers in fields relevant to the mineral and mining sector have failed. Endowments need to focus on supporting an entire group of highly performing individuals who can train large numbers of students. Capacity building can only be achieved if funds are available for student scholarships/fellowships, fieldwork, exchange programs, purchase of research equipment, and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure or strategic investment in new capabilities. A comprehensive approach is not just necessary, but it is urgently needed to solve the workforce crisis and address critical innovation needs in the mineral and mining sector. The time is ripe to transform the way that workforce development is conducted. The industry and leaders in the sector must invest in the next generation of discoverers and leaders without waiting for government to provide solutions.