As Western Australia’s mining and oil and gas sectors prepare for a surge in activity, the demand for skilled workers is set to intensify. According to the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), the state’s investment pipeline is brimming with nearly 50 projects that will soon call for a significant increase in on-site labour. From lithium and critical minerals to future energy sources like oil, gas, and LNG, these projects are driving a stable labour market and promise a total of $55.7 billion in investment over the next five years.
An Increasing Demand for Skilled Workers
Western Australia’s resources sector is expected to require more than 11,000 new workers to support these projects by 2029. Steve Knott, CEO of AREEA, emphasises the state’s central role in the national workforce: “Western Australia accounts for 40 per cent of the national forecast workforce growth over the next five years.” With 48 resource projects in the pipeline, the state’s need for skilled labour—particularly in plant operations, management, engineering, and geology—is set to grow significantly.
The iron ore sector alone is predicted to drive demand for 2,095 workers by 2026, with major projects like Southdown, Western Range, and Lake Giles taking the lead. The Southdown magnetite project, for example, is poised to become a substantial open pit operation in the Great Southern Region, with over a billion tonnes of mineral resources in its deposit. Similarly, Western Range in the Pilbara boasts a production capacity of 25 million tonnes of iron ore annually, while Lake Giles focuses on developing its Moonshine deposits.
Preparing for Workforce Challenges
Meeting this unprecedented demand for skilled workers requires not just robust recruitment but also strategic resource management. WA’s resource projects cover diverse minerals—beyond iron ore, seven gold projects will demand nearly 1,700 new workers by 2027, while copper, nickel, cobalt, and alumina projects will require an additional 2,700. This breadth of demand highlights the importance of workforce agility and the need for organisations to remain adaptive as they navigate the challenges of labour shortages and project-specific requirements.
Successful resource management, therefore, hinges on having the right people in the right places at the right times. As new projects come online, companies will need to ensure they are equipped to handle fluctuating workforce requirements effectively. By staying prepared, organisations can adapt to changing demands and allocate their workforce with precision.
In an industry that relies on highly skilled labour, having a clear and adaptable approach to resource management is crucial for companies operating in WA. In a landscape as dynamic as this, where a single project can require thousands of new workers, preparedness isn’t just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about positioning for tomorrow’s success.
How Automated Rostering Can Make the Difference
In the face of such unprecedented demand for skilled workers, companies must adopt smarter, more efficient ways to manage their workforce. Automated rostering solutions can be a game-changer, enabling organisations to respond quickly to fluctuating labour needs, optimise resource allocation, and minimise downtime. By streamlining complex scheduling processes, these tools ensure that the right people are in the right place at the right time—saving valuable time and resources.
At Cru Software, we empower businesses to navigate workforce challenges with intelligent rostering solutions designed for industries like mining and resources. With the ability to scale effortlessly as demands grow, our tools help you maximise workforce efficiency and focus on what matters most: delivering results.
Learn more about how automated rostering can help you manage workforce challenges effectively.
To learn more about us, visit www.crusoftware.com or follow @crusoftware on Instagram
