Braden Buye
Braden Buye is the Manager of Mining at Hecla Yukon Keno Hill Operations, where he oversees site supervision and construction inspections to ensure optimal operational efficiency. With a strong foundation in mining management and a commitment to safety, Braden emphasizes the importance of critical control measures and risk management within the industry.
Through this article, Buye emphasizes the urgent need for knowledge transfer in the mining industry due to impending retirements and a shortage of new recruits. The author reflects on his own career, acknowledging the importance of learning from experienced colleagues before they retire and the increasing need for the younger generation to step into leadership roles.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn from their colleagues before they depart. I have found that talking to the "old timers" about how mining was done 40 years ago has provided invaluable insights; they are usually more than happy to share their past experiences.”
On February 7, 2024, I read an article on Mining.com that I highly encourage everyone in the mining industry to read. I have linked it below:
Mining Industry Dogged by Retirements and Lack of New Recruits
The article primarily highlights the future job shortages in the mining industry. Nearly 50 percent of mining engineers are reaching retirement age in the next decade, and the number of new graduates is decreasing at an alarming rate.
As I read this article, I began thinking about my career. I have been fortunate to have excellent leadership and development opportunities over the years, which typically would have been reserved for those more experienced. As a result, I have found myself in positions that normally would have required more experience. Looking around at my peers in my company and others, I realize that this trend is becoming more common due to the increasing number of retirements.
As our skilled and experienced colleagues reach the end of their careers, a void is created that needs to be filled to operate successful mines. It is becoming increasingly important for the younger generation to connect with these individuals and learn from their life experiences before they leave the industry. Historically, it has always been essential to learn from our elders. It is now more critical than ever to learn from them and quickly.
I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn from their colleagues before they depart. I have found that talking to the "old timers" about how mining was done 40 years ago has provided invaluable insights; they are usually more than happy to share their past experiences. I can honestly say I have learned a great deal from these informal discussions.
I confess that my initial reaction upon reading this article was somewhat selfish. I focused on the fact that I was running out of time to learn from these experienced individuals who still have so much to teach me before they retire. When I discussed this article with one of those 'old timers,' I shared my thoughts with him. He responded, "By the sounds of it, you should be doing your part to mentor the next generation, especially since they will also be in short supply...and you have more time than I do." I sat quietly, reflecting on his words. Once again, I learned something valuable from the "old timer."
Fifteen years of experience in mining doesn’t seem like much to me, especially compared to those I admire—many of whom have as much experience as I have in age. However, I was reminded of a time when I was a young engineer fresh out of school. At that time, 15 years of experience felt like a lifetime away. I was eager to learn and fortunate to have someone eager to teach.
As you finish reading this, I hope you take away two key points: First, we need to find those mentors and do what we do best—mine. Mine the knowledge and experience from our colleagues and friends in the mining industry before they leave. Second, find someone to mentor—someone eager to learn and grow, just as we all once were and hopefully continue to be.
