On June 20, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth, announced an investment of $747,000 for Mining Industry Newfoundland and Labrador's new workforce and skills development project. Funding for this project is provided by the Newfoundland and Labrador-Canada Labour Market Development Agreement.
This workforce and skills development project is two years in duration and is focused on youth engagement and creating a labour market plan for the mining sector.
A new "Mining Young Minds" youth outreach program will be delivered to students in K-12 schools and was piloted in Baie Verte. This program is designed to complement course-work students complete on topics such as rocks, minerals and the processes that create the various rock types. The program is designed to spark an interest in mining and minerals with students of all ages and demonstrate it is never too early to consider a career in this important field.
An ambassador program will also be used to engage students, with industry representatives providing guidance and mentorship for youth interested in careers in the mining sector.
The labour market plan will be developed to help ensure the mining sector has the human resources necessary to unlock the full potential and maximize the value of Newfoundland and Labrador's critical mineral resources. The plan will analyze workforce availability, skills gaps, labour requirements, risks, barriers to entry and strategies to increase interest in the sector amongst youth as well as underrepresented communities and groups.
This project supports the Provincial Government's Critical Minerals Plan and strengthens the province's position as a globally competitive jurisdiction throughout all stages of critical mineral development with high standards for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The mineral industry is an important contributor to Newfoundland and Labrador's economy. The sector generated nearly 8,000 person years of employment in 2024 and 9.3 per cent of the 2023 provincial Gross Domestic Product. Mineral exploration and development primarily occurs in rural and remote regions of the province, creating opportunities for local businesses and facilitating investments in infrastructure, education and health care.
This workforce development initiative is part of a series of targeted Provincial Government investments to help ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have high-quality jobs and the tools to succeed across all sectors of the provincial economy.
Quotes
"The mining sector is an engine for the provincial economy and is positioned to employ even more people in the years ahead. This initiative is about sparking interest in minerals for young minds, so our future workforce has the tradespeople, engineers and scientists to continue developing our world-class resources. By doing this we also show youth they can build rewarding careers and lives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."
Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth
"Newfoundland and Labrador's mineral industry is a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. As demand for critical minerals used for renewable energy and clean technology application ramps up, our mineral potential provides a major opportunity. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the future of this industry and we continue to maximize our mineral potential."
Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
"Newfoundland and Labrador's mining industry powers jobs in rural and remote regions of the province, innovation and growth. Mining Industry NL aims to better position Newfoundland and Labrador as a global leader to foster sustainable mineral resource development. These initiatives will equip teachers and engage students with a hands-on approach and activities to effectively teach topics related to the importance of rocks, minerals, mining, Newfoundland and Labrador's unique geology, and the diverse career opportunities within the minerals industry."
Amanda McCallum, Executive Director, Mining Industry NL
"The kids had a blast with the Mining Young Minds experience. The topics were a perfect fit for the Grade 4 curriculum. It was great to have someone come into our classroom who was an expert in geology to speak with the students."
Michaela Allen, Grade 4 Teacher, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
For more information
Prince Phillip Drive
St. John's Newfoundland
Canada A1B 4J6
www.gov.nl.ca
