Staying on Top of Underground Mining: In what direction do you see underground mining moving in the next five to 10 years?

In the Canadian mining industry, few new deposits have come on-line within the last five years. Weak commodity prices have resulted in reduced exploration and fewer advanced-stage projects.

Generally, there are fewer underground operations. Existing mines are going deeper. Mine designs, applied methods and new technology must meet these challenges.

The last seven to ten years have seen fewer college/university graduates entering the industry. This, coupled with many professionals going abroad, will leave Canada deficient in mining professionals within the next five to ten years. — Boyd Timler