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Unemployment on the rise for mining professionals

A survey has found higher levels of unemployment among geologists and other mining professionals. 

Babs McHugh

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy is worried the loss of professional jobs in mining could have long-term ramifications. 

The institute surveyed 3,000 of its members in Australia and New Zealand and found almost 11 per cent were unemployed, up from 3 per cent a year ago. 

Those out of work included company executives, geologists, engineers and environmental scientists. 

The institute's CEO Michael Catchpole says mining has always been cyclical in nature, but he says the spike in the number of unemployed mining professionals may lead to a skills crisis in years to come. 

"As the industry looks to increase its productivity, then really it needs to ensure that it keeps its professional workforce engaged and employed so that the companies are ready to pick up the increase in demand for Australia's major mineral commodities in the future." 

Mr Catchpole says lower mineral commodity prices and uncertainty over demand from China have contributed to the decline

He says it's not just recent graduates who are losing their jobs. 

"It's certainly true that some of our members affected are recent graduates, but it's true right across our professional group at all stages and career. 

"We have members who have been in very senior executive positions in mid-tier and major mining companies whose circumstances have changed quite drastically during this twelve month period."