The New Zealand Minerals Industry is small but growing.
Over the next 10 years it will be facing stiff international competition for
skills to support this growth, particularly from Australia who are forecasting
that a further 70 000 people will be employed by 2015.

The value of commodities mined and quarried in NZ continues
to increase; and the value of coal, metals and industrial minerals production
reached $1.505 billion in 2006, an increase of 15 per cent on 2005. Production
increases will continue . Latest Crown Minerals statistics show that national
prospecting and exploration expenditure rose to $29.9 million in the year ended
March 31 2006 - an increase of
46 per cent from the $20.4 million spent in the March 2005 year. The equivalent
2001 year expenditure was only $2.48 million.

The industry already experiences difficulty in recruiting
the people it needs with ongoing demand for skilled underground miners, trades
people, and mining professionals. This discussion paper will outline the
national context with regard to labour, skills and training. It will suggest
options and provide an opportunity for conference participants to discuss the
way forward.