According to a report from Michael Page, the recovery of the mining sector has caused a rise in employment. However, in 80% of the cases, the wages are around 10% to 20% lower than in previous periods. 

The mining industry is recovering after a difficult period due to the low prices of copper in 2016.

Nevertheless, the wages for the different kinds of engineering profiles requested are lower in 80% of the cases. Wages have gone down around 10% to 20% compared to previous periods, which represents one to three million CLPs less in workers pockets.

Even though the Outlook for the current year is more optimistic due to the increase of placements, it still is a difficult time as the industry has have a slow adaptation process to the changes of the market. In other words, the industry is not stable yet.

The growth in the demand of workers for the mining sector is linked to the recovery and implementation of new projects.

“As many of these projects are in their initial phases, it could mean that the market will increase the demand of engineers, project managers, and environmental managers in the years to come”, said Pilar Cruz, consultant of the firm.

As the demand of professionals rises, wages will go up. However, the income increase will be the 10% to 20% that has gone down, and will not go higher than that. This optimistic outlook will depend on the position and the stabilization of the price of copper.

Currently, the most demanded professions in mining are Mining Civil Engineering, Mechanical Civil Engineering, Structural Civil Engineering, and Electric Civil Engineering. Employers also demand at least 10 years of experience in the industry and having soft skills such as leadership, good interpersonal relationships, capacity to work under pressure and flexibility.

The current demand is mostly focused on engineers for the initial phases of projects: Study Engineers, Project Managers, Community, Sustainability, and HSEC (Health, Safety, Environment and Community) Managers. While in the construction projects or in more advanced phases require profiles of Contracts Administrators, Project Managers, Technical Office Chief, and HSEC professionals.