NextGen @ Resourcing Tomorrow 2025: Solving Mining’s Skills Crisis by Unlocking Young Talent

The event uniquely brings together more than 2,000 industry experts, professionals and the next generation of mining talent to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector. Among these challenges the need to close the skills gap and prepare a workforce that is ready for the future of mining is particularly urgent.

The mining sector is facing a deepening talent crisis: 86% of mining executives* say it is now more difficult to find and retain talent than it was just two years ago. Two-thirds of mining CEOs believe a shortage of technology skills will negatively impact the industry over the next decade. Meanwhile, 75% of mining decision-makers are not confident in their ability to resolve labour shortages for site operations.

The ongoing digitalisation of mining is intensifying these challenges. As operations increasingly adopt data-centric autonomous and remote-control technologies the skills required across the sector are shifting. This transition demands a new generation of talent equipped to lead mining into a technologically advanced and sustainable future. Without a strategic focus on workforce development the industry risks falling behind in innovation, resilience and global competitiveness.

At Resourcing Tomorrow 2025 the focus is on addressing these challenges. NextGen @ Resourcing Tomorrow is a program designed to connect students, recent graduates and young professionals with the leaders of the mining sector, helping them to build the skills, networks and knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in the evolving mining industry.

NextGen @ Resourcing Tomorrow will feature:

• 150+ Students in attendance: More than 150 undergraduate students and recent graduates will attend Resourcing Tomorrow 2025 for free, gaining exposure to the mining industry. They will network with industry leaders, learn about the diverse career opportunities within the sector and engage in discussions on the future of mining and energy.
• Student networking session: The NextGen Leaders Networking Session will bring together students and over 20 companies from across the mining value chain. This exclusive event will allow attendees to engage directly with hiring managers, opening doors to potential career opportunities in mining.
• Mentoring session: A mentoring session will connect students with experienced professionals in the mining industry. This one-on-one session offers invaluable insights into career development, industry trends and how to navigate the mining sector as an emerging leader.
• Dedicated conference sessions: As part of the broader conference, NextGen @ Resourcing Tomorrow will feature dedicated sessions under the heading, ‘Addressing Workforce Challenges & Opportunities’. These sessions will feature participants from universities alongside industry professionals discussing workforce challenges, solutions and the future of mining talent. The NextGen sessions aim to empower attendees by exploring how to future-proof the workforce, attract top talent and foster leadership development within the sector.

The NextGen Leaders Pass

The NextGen Leaders Pass provides undergraduate students enrolled full-time in recognised academic programs in the UK or Europe with exclusive access to Resourcing Tomorrow. Recent graduates (as of July 2025) may also apply, provided they are not employed full-time. To apply, students must use their valid university email address.

This pass is designed to offer young professionals unparalleled access to industry experts and critical networking opportunities that will help launch successful careers in mining.

For more information, visit Resourcingtomorrow.com/nextgen

_*Sources:

• _{86% of mining executives say it is now more difficult to find and retain talent than it was just two years ago – McKinsey & Company}
• _{Two-thirds of mining CEOs believe a shortage of technology skills will negatively impact the industry – PwC UK}
• _{75% of mining decision-makers are not confident in their ability to resolve labour shortages for site operations – Shell Lubricant Solutions / Edelman Intelligence}
• _{Digitalisation is reshaping mining skills needs – Frost & Sullivan, “Key Trends and Impact on the Metals & Mining Sector,” 2023}