In this video clip, lithium and battery metals executive Austin Devaney discusses the challenges of sourcing talent for lithium projects in the US with our client relationship lead in North America, Alejandra Gomez.
The lithium market is predicting a 40-fold increase in production in LCE to meet the demand for battery metals in the coming years.
Current annual global lithium demand is 0.72 million metric tons of LCE and is forecast to rise by 20 percent annually (31 percent for lithium hydroxide; 13 percent for lithium carbonate) to reach 3.06 million metric tons of LCE by 2030 (McKinsey).
“That becomes a real challenge to try to source that number of people who really want to be in the industry in locations that aren’t in the places where a lot of people want to be,” says Austin.
“Whether it’s for mining operations in northern Canada, or processing facilities in different parts of the United States, you’re trying to attract talent to places where normally they’re not.”
Companies are using different mining recruitment strategies to attract qualified and experienced staff into those remote areas.
These include:
• Apprentice programs
• Partnerships with local colleges and universities
• Upgraded residential amenities
• Improved work-life balance with time off
• Learning & development programs
“Involving communities and trying to educate and hire locals is a key factor for almost every company based in North America,” he says.
To find out more about talent search in the United States click here
