Kitwe, Zambia – Zambia’s mining sector is grappling with a growing skills shortage as demand for specialized labor rises. Industry leaders have raised concerns over the declining number of skilled professionals, particularly in engineering, geology, and metallurgy.
According to a recent report by the Zambia Chamber of Mines, the shortage is due to a combination of factors, including an aging workforce, limited training opportunities, and brain drain as professionals seek better-paying opportunities abroad.
To address this issue, the government and mining companies are investing in technical training programs and partnerships with local universities. “We need to equip young Zambians with the right skills to sustain the mining industry’s growth,” said Chamber of Mines President, Godwin Beene.
The sector’s stakeholders are calling for more targeted initiatives to build a pipeline of skilled professionals to support Zambia’s mining future.
