New Master's Program at Memorial University to Address Mining Skills Gap

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — In response to a growing skills shortage in the mining sector, Memorial University is set to introduce a master’s program in mining and mineral processing. This initiative aims to prepare graduates to enter the workforce well before the university’s first undergraduate mining engineers complete their training.

Program Details

The new master's degree is expected to require 12 to 16 months to complete, according to Salim Ahmed, the head of process engineering at Memorial University. He emphasizes that the program will be flexible to align with industry needs: “There will be significant demand for skilled manpower,” Ahmed stated, noting that many current workers are nearing retirement.

Meeting Industry Demand

According to estimates from the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, the Canadian mining sector will need around 246,400 new hires from 2026 to 2035. This figure accounts for retirees and vacancies. However, the first group of undergraduate mining engineers won’t graduate for nearly six years, creating a gap that the new master’s program aims to fill.

Collaboration with Industry

The idea for a dedicated mining engineering program at Memorial University has been in discussion since 2018. Initially started in collaboration with Vale (NYSE: VALE), concerns about an aging workforce have intensified the focus on this initiative.

The master’s program will not only accompany a new collaboratively designed bachelor’s program in mining and mineral processing, which received a $9 million backing from Premier Tony Wakeham recently, but it also reflects a broader commitment to address the skills shortage in the industry. Memorial is seeking to partner with mining companies directly to tailor training programs that enhance the skills of current employees while also offering microcredential courses targeted at professionals in the field.

Emphasis on Technology

A key feature of the new programs is their focus on technological advancements that are increasingly shaping the mining sector. Automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are crucial components of modern mining practices, and future graduates will need to be adept in these areas.

Ahmed plans for data analytics and digital technologies to be woven throughout the curriculum rather than treated as standalone subjects. This approach will ensure that students not only master conventional engineering principles but also understand the digital strategies and systems that enhance mining efficiency. “The aim is to create engineers who grasp both the physical and digital aspects of mining,” he explained.

Support for the Initiative

The development of the undergraduate program has garnered essential support, including $3.9 million from Vale Base Metals, alongside in-kind support worth approximately $2.8 million from Memorial University and $2.25 million from the provincial government through the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

This funding will aid in recruiting faculty, developing the curriculum, setting up laboratories, and attracting students. Out of the program’s required 47 courses, 36 are already available, allowing Memorial to build upon its existing engineering teaching strengths.

Future Prospects

As the mining sector contributes around 9% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s GDP, the provincial government predicts around 9,200 person-years of employment in mining and exploration heading into 2026. Furthermore, a record mineral exploration spending of $283.3 million is anticipated in the same year.

Premier Wakeham highlighted future opportunities in new mines, mineral processing, and the development of critical minerals. However, he cautioned that the province’s ambitions in mining might exceed the current workforce capacity, stating, “The opportunities ahead of us are bigger than our current workforce.”