Boots or Bots? | Building the Mining Workforce of the Future
Panellists
Key topics
Across the globe, the mining sector is undergoing a transformation. Rapid technological change, automation, and digitisation are reshaping the very nature of mining work — creating new roles, requiring new skills, and shifting the dynamics of traditional operations. At the same time, the industry faces increasing pressure to attract and retain talent in a highly competitive global labour market. These requirements sit alongside, and are shaped by, the growing need to ensure that mining is not only innovative and productive, but also inclusive and sustainable — with diverse teams, equitable opportunities, and strong leadership cultures that foster continuous learning and development. So, how can the industry respond? What does it take to develop a workforce that’s ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow?
- Bill Cobb is Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Freeport McMoRan, and in this role is responsible for environmental affairs/compliance/permitting, social performance and impact investment, human rights and indigenous peoples engagement, sustainability and responsible production frameworks, mine closure and reclamation, management of discontinued operations, Accountable Executive of closed tailings storage facilities, and remediation of legacy sites. He has worked for Freeport for 21 years, and has more than 40 years of experience in the sector.
- Dr Kate Thornton is CEO of ABMEC, the Association for British Mining Engineering and Consultancy, the UK’s trade body representing the global interests of the British mining supply chain. Throughout her career, Kate has championed innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility in engineering. She brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for sustainable development in mining and engineering.
This episode is part of the TDi Sustainability special series of podcasts produced in advance of the 2025 Resourcing Tomorrow event that will take place in London between 2-4 December. Find out more about the event>
