New Sandvik report reveals opportunity to speak to next generation of mining engineers

New research from global engineering group, Sandvik, has revealed a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the mining industry’s dwindling pipeline of engineering talent and reinvigorate its reputation as a pillar of sustainable socio-economic growth.

The report, The future of mining talent: What STEM graduates really think, and what the industry can do about it, shows that while awareness of mining is low among young engineers, many are open to joining the sector once they understand its modern realities and role in tackling global sustainability challenges.

Based on a survey of 824 STEM students and graduates across nine countries, the study found that nearly 40% of respondents are unfamiliar with mining, and a similar proportion cite this as a reason for not considering it as a career. Yet the same survey shows a major opportunity for change: more than 90% said they would be more likely to consider mining if convinced that it contributes meaningfully to addressing climate change.

“The findings highlight a huge untapped opportunity for our industry,” said Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik. “When young engineers understand that today, mining is not just about extraction, it’s about tackling some of the world’s most important challenges using digitalization, automation, and electrification, they see a sector where they can apply their skills to make a real difference.”

With almost half the US mining workforce expected to retire by 2029 and engineering enrollments declining at universities globally, the report calls for greater collaboration between companies, academia and policymakers to rebuild the talent pipeline.

“Mining offers the engineering challenge of a lifetime,” said Mats Eriksson, President, Mining at Sandvik. “The transition to a low-carbon future will be powered by minerals, but it will be led by the next generation of minds bold enough to transform how we mine.”

The full report, The future of mining talent: What STEM graduates really think, and what the industry can do about it, is available at www.home.sandvik.

For further information, please contact:
Carly Leonida
Acting External Communications Manager - Mining
Sandvik
Email: carly.leonida_c@sandvik.com

Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2024 the Group had approximately 41,000 employees and revenues of about 123 billion SEK in more than 150 countries.

Business area Mining
Mining is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling, ground support and quarrying. In 2024, sales were approximately 64 billion SEK with about 17,000 employees. For further information, visit mining.sandvik.