Hiring for Remote Mining as Sites Shift to Renewable Power

Key Takeaways: 

• Mining companies across North and South America are turning to renewable power to stabilize energy costs, strengthen ESG performance, and support off-grid operations. 
• Remote mining projects struggle with aging workforces, talent shortages, and the growing need for digital, electrical, and automation skills. 
• Hybrid solar-wind-storage systems are becoming essential for powering remote sites, particularly when grid access is limited or non-existent. 
• Recruitment partners with mobilization capability, sector expertise, and renewables knowledge are increasingly important to help mine operators and staff and support remote projects.

Background: Mining in the Americas

Mining remains a vital component of many national economies across the Americas, particularly in the United States and Canada, which are increasingly relying on minerals for electrification and the energy transition. Both countries assume an outsized role in supplying minerals, and they anchor much of the global investment and corporate leadership in the sector. 

Most prominently in Canada, the minerals industry contributed roughly $117bn to the economy in 2023 (~4% of national GDP), and supports approximately 430,000 direct jobs, with the mining sector serving as a major employer in northern and Indigenous communities. The federal critical minerals strategy now identifies 34 minerals as essential to Canada’s economic and energy future, thereby strengthening its role in supplying the clean-energy supply chain. 

Across the United States and Canada, investment and exploration activity continue to expand, driven by climate targets, cost control, operational stability, and energy security. These markets also serve as the operational base for many mining companies active across Latin America, making it a complementary region. As highlighted by the International Energy Agency, Latin America produces approximately 40% of the world’s copper and 35% of lithium.

However, this growth is accompanied by rising expectations around environmental management, community impact, and long-term sustainability. Renewable integration has therefore become a priority for miners, one motivated by climate targets, cost control, operational stability, and energy security.

Why Renewables Are Becoming Standard for Remote Mining Sites

Mining is an energy-intensive industry, with energy accounting for 15-40% of operational costs on average. As the share of renewables in global power rises, the average amount of minerals needed per power unit has increased, tightening the link between mining and renewable energy demand. Historically, operations have depended on diesel or heavy-fuel generators, especially in remote and off‑grid regions such as Northern Ontario, Northern Quebec, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, New Brunswick, and the northern BC/Yukon corridors in Canada, as well as Nevada and Arizona in the United States, and Alaska which particularly faces challenges such as extreme climates and strong local-hire expectations. As fuel markets fluctuate, mining companies have accelerated the shift toward renewable power to reduce volatility and emissions. In fact, 88% of new renewable capacity installed at mines has been in North and South America, driven by decarbonization and cost control imperatives. 

1. Global and Regional Climate Targets

• Vale aims to reach 100% renewable electricity use worldwide by 2030 and has already achieved 100% renewable consumption in Brazil in 2023, supported by major investments such as its 766 MW Sol do Cerrado solar project. 
• Fortescue is targeting “real zero” emissions by 2030 across its iron ore operations, and Rio Tinto aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. 

2. Increasing Use of PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements)

• Antofagasta secured PPAs providing 100% renewable electricity for its operations, achieving its interim Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target early. 
• Lundin Mining increased its renewable share from 74% to 81% in 2024 through agreements for 100% renewable purchased electricity across multiple assets. 

These long-term contracts also protect operators from volatile energy pricing. (Source for projects: Power Technology)

3. Off-Grid Mines Turning to On-Site Renewable Power Plants

GlobalData identifies 886 active and upcoming off-grid mines that will require on-site renewable capacity to decarbonize electricity supply. Technologies include:

• Solar PV – effective in high-irradiance regions such as the US Southwest, Chile, Mexico, and northern Brazil. Solar supports lighting, processing, ventilation, and hybrid systems, but requires storage due to variability. 
• Wind energy – valuable for operations that run continuously (e.g., ore extraction, processing) and complements solar to provide nighttime generation. 
• Hybrid solar-wind systems – widely adopted to manage energy capacity. For example, in Canada, remote northern sites such as Diavik and Raglan already operate hybrid power systems, demonstrating the adoption of renewables under some of the most challenging operating conditions globally. Glencore and Tugliq Energy’s Raglan Mine utilizes PV solar panels and wind turbines that meet ~10% of site demand, cutting emissions by 12,000 tonnes annually.

4. Growing Role of Energy Storage

Energy storage is essential in remote renewable systems. Mines are deploying:

• Lithium-ion battery storage - stores excess solar/wind energy for use during low-generation periods, ensuring continuity for critical loads.
• Pumped hydro storage - suitable for large-scale operations requiring substantial capacity, using elevation to store potential energy for dispatch on demand.

Intermittency and storage capex remain hurdles, but utility-scale storage is increasingly the key enabler of stable, renewable-powered remote mining. Developers are addressing these barriers through optimized hybrid designs, modular storage, and microgrid control systems, often balancing site-specific irradiance and wind profiles (Solar Spaces).

Workforce Realities: Talent Shortages, New Skills, and Shifting Expectations

While renewable integration increases, mining companies across the Americas region face significant workforce challenges. 

Aging Workforces and Declining Enrolments 

Nearly half of the US mining workforce is expected to retire in the next decade, and in Canada, only 5% of mining workers are under 25, reflecting a shrinking pipeline (Sandvik Talent Report). Across OECD countries, 72% of the mining workforce is over 35, compounded by declining enrolments in mining engineering programs, which have fallen by 39% in the US since 2016. 

Skills Shortages in Critical Disciplines

A 2023 McKinsey study found:

• 71% of executives say talent shortages are already impairing production targets
• 86% report hiring and retention is harder than two years prior
• Major shortages exist in mine planning, process engineering, digital systems, automation, and data science

The equipment mix at sites is also creating another skills shortage: as of April 2025, 958 electric mining equipment units were in operation worldwide, including 386 battery-powered mining trucks, which reinforces the need for electrical and power electronics skills. 

Changing Worker Expectations: Digitalization, ROCs, and Autonomous Systems

Modern candidates seek flexibility, clear career development and technology-enabled roles. Remote operating centers (ROCs) allow centralized oversight across the value chain, enhancing decision-making and opening roles to people who don’t need to live on-site. They’re integral to reshaping operating models and enabling flexibility, both for ESG and talent attraction. As Carly Leonida from The Intelligent Miner puts it, mining today “has less to do with picks and shovels and more to do with data,” highlighting the importance of AI, analytics, and automation in modern roles. The industry must reposition itself to attract talent who may otherwise choose to work in other technology sectors. 

Location-Driven Hiring Challenges

Remote sites remain difficult to staff due to:

• Limited housing, healthcare and amenities
• Long travel requirements for fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) roles
• Restricted opportunities for partners and families 
• Harsh weather and isolation

These factors contribute to a geographic mismatch between where talent lives and where mines operate. Companies increasingly rely on specialized mining recruitment agencies and technical subcontracting to ensure compliant mobilization and to fill critical roles. 

Mining provides direct pathways for local talent to secure high-paying jobs within the economy. As mining operators develop their projects, there are opportunities to help engage local workers and young people in developing the expertise necessary to become skilled professionals in their communities. 

Hiring and Mobilizing Talent in Remote Mining Locations

To meet production targets and integrate renewable infrastructure, operators must strengthen their workforce strategies by combining targeted recruitment, upskilling, and robust mobilization support. 

For region-specific mobilization services, see our expertise in North America and Latin America.

1. Recruit for Skills, Not Just Roles

As automation and electrification expand, companies are generally prioritizing (as a non-exhaustive list):

• Electrical engineers
• Energy storage specialists
• Renewable integration engineers
• Mine automation and digital systems experts
• SCADA control experts
• ROC engineers
• Data scientists 
• Geologists and metallurgists with data analytics capability 
• Environmental and ESG professionals

Additionally, and particularly evident in Canada, several recurring hiring challenges tend to create bottlenecks. These include:

• High-voltage power systems and power electronics expertise
• Microgrid, EMS, and advanced SCADA controls
• Battery storage specialists with cold-weather performance experience
• Field maintenance technicians familiar with hybrid and renewable generation systems
• Indigenous and community engagement support integrated into workforce delivery

2. Enable Mobility and Reduce Barriers

The most effective recruitment programs for remote sites include:

• Full mobilization support - travel, visas, work permits, and accommodation solutions to reduce friction for FIFO and short-term rotational assignments.
• Local partnerships – collaboration with Indigenous communities and regional training providers to build talent pipelines and social license; especially important in regions like Alaska, where communities expect mining roles to be filled locally whenever possible.
• Retention frameworks – clear progression paths, flexible rosters, and technology-enabled roles to compete with adjacent sectors. 
• Subcontracting for agility – technical subcontracting and project resourcing to address peaks in engineering and maintenance demand. 

Explore our integrated approach to mining recruitment and renewable energy recruitment. 

3. Build a Workforce That Can Operate Renewably Powered Mines

As solar-wind-storage hybrid systems become more common, competencies in high-voltage systems, power electronics, battery management, microgrid dispatch, and predictive maintenance are becoming increasingly essential. Practical experience with site microgrids, energy management systems (EMS), and hybrid controls will be central to achieving stable operations at off-grid mines, where utility-scale storage addresses intermittency and demand spikes. 

How NES Fircroft Supports Mining and Renewable Projects in North America

NES Fircroft delivers recruitment, mobilization and project workforce solutions to mining operators, EPC partners and renewable developers throughout North America.

We support clients through:

• Extensive expertise in remote and off-grid workforce delivery
• Specialist capability in renewable energy recruitment
• Access to global talent pools in engineering, digital systems, and power generation
• End-to-end mobilization, including travel, logistics, and compliance
• Local community engagement strategies

To mobilize specialized talent for your renewable-powered mining projects, contact our team today. 

FAQs

What recruitment services support remote hiring for mining roles?

Specialized mining recruitment agencies provide technical search, local and global talent sourcing, mobilization support, and expertise in staffing off-grid operations. NES Fircroft support both permanent and contract hiring, including relocation arrangements and multi-country assignments. 

Is there demand for mining jobs?

Yes. Talent shortages are significant across the Americas, with 71% of mining leaders reporting difficulty meeting production targets due to staffing challenges, and 86% experiencing increased hiring difficulty in the past two years. If you’re interested in transitioning sectors or looking for a new role, browse our latest opportunities here. 

Which renewable energy products are best for powering remote mining sites?

Hybrid solar-wind systems combined with battery storage are the most common. Solar PV provide cost-effective daytime power, wind adds night-time generation, and lithium-ion or pumped-hydro storage ensures continuity when conditions fluctuate. 

Why are mining companies investing heavily in renewables?

To reduce energy costs, stabilize supply in off-grid regions, meet ESG expectations, and decrease reliance on diesel. PPAs and on-site renewable plants are currently major drivers of adoption across the Americas. 

What skills are most needed for renewable-powered mining operations?

Key roles include electrical engineers, energy storage specialists, solar and wind technicians, automation experts, digital systems engineers, and ESG professionals, as well as ROC operators and microgrid engineers, who are in rising demand as mines integrate hybrid systems and electric fleets.