Enhancing education and employment and career opportunities through collaboration in the mining sector: A scoping review

With the increasing demand for critical minerals, there is a growing concern about the impact of mining on communities and the environment. As part of an interdisciplinary study on community perceptions about education and the mineral industry, we undertook a scoping review to investigate how education, employment, and career opportunities in/for the mining industry of rural and regional communities can be supported. Our research question was: How can rural and regional communities, local governments, and mining companies collaborate effectively to enhance education, employment, and career opportunities in the mining sector? The research design involved the scoping review approach outlined by Joanna Briggs Institute, followed by a qualitative thematic analysis of the included studies. Our thematic analysis of the included studies identified the following themes: Understandings of partnership; governance and stakeholder alignment; investment in education and skills development; and commitment to local employment and career opportunities. Within each theme, we elaborated on ‘what works’ as well as identifying key success factors. Drawing from the identified themes, the discussion distinguishes the need for aligned systems in regional areas to achieve better outcomes in education, employment, and careers. It evidences the need for a system of mutual accountability, power-sharing, and long-term transformation in order to bring about change. The paper concludes by recommending a shift in mindset: from interventions to institutions, from pilots to platforms, and from participation to partnership, whereby the principles of collaboration - equity, voice, accountability, and shared purpose - are at the centre of regional development in mining communities.