Australasian mining companies expect a high standard of professionalism
from their metals exploration teams. They also have, increasingly, a
global perspective, employing explorationists of diverse cultural
backgrounds and operating in diverse environments. Human resource
development (HRD) of these professional explorationists needs to address
all personal facets of functioning independently and interdependently in a
modem working culture, as well as the needed technical competency.
Creation of a learning organisation to promote this development is
critical. Organisational consultants can support managers and supervisors
as mentors facing the wide spectrum of development required by the
explorationists; mentorship and guidance counselling can then
complement training in the maturing of professionals from technical
competence to professional independence and interdependence.
Empowerment and clearly stated expectations are keys by which
professionals can learn efficiently and effectively.