In an effort to improve returns to shareholders, the Australian Mining Industry has consolidated considerably over the past decade or so. Technical services at mines have been re-structured, whilst those at corporate offices have been all but eliminated._x000D_
A recent study of the role of the geologist in BM Alliance Coal Operations Pty Ltd (BMA), showed the adverse impact on the company's performance due to a lack of geologists. With an education campaign, to demonstrate the contribution of geologists to the bottom line' and in increasing the options available to the company, the value of the geology role became better understood. The implications of the loss of invaluable corporate knowledge, when long serving geologists left the company, also became clear. Steps have since been taken to increase the numbers of company geologists, particularly on mine sites._x000D_
In common with other sectors of the mining industry, the Australian coal industry is experiencing a critical shortage of experienced coal geologists, as companies have found in recent recruitment efforts. This is further evidence that the recommendations from the recent study by World Competitive Practices, commissioned by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Rising to the Challenge' have not been adopted._x000D_
People, and the mineral resource base, are the assets from which mining companies gain a sustainable competitive advantage. Geologists, as the nexus between the resource base and people, are in a unique position to enhance the profitability of their companies. To maximise their contribution to the industry, and ensure that they receive due recognition, geologists must adopt a more commercial approach in their work and take a front foot stance in promoting their value to management._x000D_
Geology is a core competency for all mining companies. The tendency for companies to outsource this function, to the detriment of the company geologist role, is not sustainable in the longer term._x000D_
Today's geologists need to work closely with management, technical and human resource professionals, universities and schools to ensure their significant value is well understood, and that the industry can attract, train and retain new recruits through the implementation of graduate programs and company career paths.