The short answer is yes, if it’s implemented at the right time and by the right team.
For mining companies developing greenfields sites, hiring at scale is one of the biggest challenges on the path to first production. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) offers a practical, flexible model to help you build an entire workforce, especially when your internal team is still growing or stretched across multiple projects.
We’ve supported mine ramp-ups in remote locations across Australia, Africa, and the Americas. Based on that experience, here’s what you need to know about using RPO effectively in a greenfields mining context.
Why greenfields projects are hard to recruit for
Starting a mine from scratch brings unique workforce challenges:
- No existing employer brand in the region
- High-volume hiring in short timeframes
- Pressure to meet local employment targets
- Complex logistics around mobilisation and onboarding
- Limited local talent in remote or cross-border locations
These factors can quickly overwhelm an internal TA function—especially when hiring is just one of many responsibilities during a mine development phase.
Where RPO adds value
1. Capacity to deliver at scale
Greenfields ramp-ups often require hundreds of hires within months. A mining-specialised RPO team can scale quickly, with recruiters who understand the demands of site-based work, FIFO rosters, and project timelines.
2. More than just sourcing
Globe’s embedded RPO teams handle far more than candidate attraction. Depending on your needs, we can manage:
- Workforce planning tied to your construction or production schedule
- Employer branding in unfamiliar or competitive regions
- Mobilisation, including medicals, police checks, and onboarding
- Local and Indigenous hiring programs
- Cross-border and expatriate recruitment
This full-service approach reduces delays, improves compliance, and frees your internal team to focus on strategic workforce decisions.
3. Consistency through the project lifecycle
Unlike short-term contractors or contingent recruiters, an RPO partner remains embedded throughout the build and into operations. This means consistent process, better candidate experience, and smoother transitions as the mine scales.
4. Local knowledge and compliance
Whether it’s understanding union frameworks in South America, community engagement in West Africa, or visa requirements in Australia, local expertise is key. Our regional teams bring in-country knowledge while maintaining global standards.
Just starting your talent acquisition plan? Check out this article we wrote on how to create a hiring roadmap for a new mining project.
When to engage an RPO partner
RPO works best when:
- Your Final Investment Decision (FID) is confirmed
- Workforce planning is underway with defined timelines
- Construction or operations are 6–12 months out
- You need to meet local employment or training obligations
- Internal TA resources are limited or focused elsewhere
If you bring in RPO too early (before scopes and schedules are clear) you risk being misaligned and inefficient. But wait too long, and your internal team may struggle to keep up with demand.
What to watch out for
The main one is generic RPO providers without mining expertise. Sector experience matters. RPO teams unfamiliar with mine sites, rosters, or contractor onboarding requirements will slow you down.
The second big one to watch out for is a lack of alignment between RPO and internal teams. Your success depends on good collaboration. We embed within your organisation, working closely with HR, site managers, and project leads to ensure seamless delivery.
If you’re already an established mining operation looking to expand, you might like to read this article on the difference between RPO and contingent recruitment models for mine expansion projects.
A proven model for project ramp-ups
We’ve supported mine ramp-ups across commodities, continents, and cultures. Whether you’re hiring 50 or 500 people, Globe’s embedded RPO model gives you the structure, speed, and local knowledge to deliver workforce outcomes without compromising quality, compliance, or community commitments.
