Australia’s mining sector is undergoing a major workforce transformation as companies accelerate toward electrification, automation and critical mineral growth, according to the latest ‘Workforce Insights Report 2026’ from the Mining and Automotives Skills Alliance (AUSMASA).

“Both the mining and automotive industries are entering a period of significant transformation,” AUSMASA chief executive officer Dr Gavin Lind said

“The pace of technological change, the shift toward net zero, and evolving workforce expectations are fundamentally reshaping how work is performed and the skills required to support it.”

The report found that while mining industry is well positioned to capitalise on growing demand for critical minerals and emerging technologies, collaboration will be key to unlocking future opportunities.

“It requires coordinated action across industry, training providers, unions and government to ensure the system works,” Lind said.

“If our workforce, training systems and policy setting don’t evolve at the same pace as industry, we create bottlenecks that hinder progress rather than enable it.”

The report highlighted the increasing importance of workforce planning as the mining sector responds to rapid technological change and evolving skills requirements.

This year’s report also presents new ‘State of Industry’ insights for mining, providing a more focused look at workforce composition, employment trends and structural issues.

“They offer a clearer, more practical view of what’s happening across each sector and where action is needed,” Lind said.

AUSMASA has also shifted to a digital-first approach for the 2026 report, with insights now being released progressively through the AUSMASA Research Hub to help industry respond faster to workforce trends and emerging challenges.

“This keeps our work accessible, timely and actionable, not just something published once a year,” Lind said.

As industries continue to navigate change, AUSMASA said understanding and responding to workforce trends will be critical to ensuring mining remains well positioned for future growth.

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