People are what make successful industries and the Rockliff Liberal Government welcomes today's launch of the mining and minerals processing sector's Inclusion and Diversity Blueprint and Roadmap.
Mining and minerals processing employs over 5000 Tasmanians, contributes the lion's share of our exports and provides key minerals needed for everyday life.
Delivered by the Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council (TMEC), the Blueprint and Roadmap aims to attract more women and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to the sector, ensuring it has the best possible mix of people as it takes advantage of the opportunities of the future.
Minister for Resources, Felix Ellis, said the Roadmap and Blueprint Builds on the significant efforts already made by the sector to attract workers from non-traditional areas.
"The minerals processing sector remains an economic cornerstone of Tasmania. To help take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities of the future it will need to expand its workforce base," Minister Ellis said.
"Based on the industry goals Cleaner, Smarter and Diverse, the industry itself recognises the important contribution made in drawing on the diversity of experience and thinking that comes from employing people from different backgrounds.
"The Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council has identified that the minerals, processing, manufacturing and energy sectors will need an additional 20,000 workers by 2040. This will only achieve this by broadening the way they attract, develop and retain staff and also widen the type of people they attract."
Minister Ellis said the focus on building and improving diversity and inclusion is built on the back of TMEC's Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan supported by $150,000 in funding by the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
"It's no longer just an industry for burly bearded men, there are opportunities for anyone willing to commit to a rewarding and lucrative career with extensive skills development and advancement opportunities.
"I encourage anyone looking for their first career pathway or looking for a career change to consider the mining and minerals processing sectors – it's a great option for a great future," Minister Ellis said.
