BHP’s future workforce at the Jansen potash mine will mirror the demographics of the province and then some. That, from BHP Specialist of Local Procurement and Apprenticeships, Daniel Longman, who explains that as the Jansen potash mine gears up for operations beginning around 2027, the international mining company estimates it will employ 600 people, of which 20 per cent will be Indigenous.

The work towards this goal has already begun. Longman says, in partnership with Carlton Trail College, they have developed a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to work on employment readiness skills, and an introduction to the trades. The first session of students went through the program in the spring, while being paid to make it more accessible. It was held in Punnichy and another session begins August 22nd.

Then, beginning September 12th in Humboldt, through Carlton Trail College and and education organization called Women Building Futures, there will be a women-specific training session.  Longman says, from BHP’s internal studies, they found their most inclusive and diverse operations outperformed other operations on a number of measures including lower injury rates, better adherence to work plans, and improved ability to meet production targets.