The lithium boom, demanded by the growing electromobility industry, is requiring new job profiles in mining. Thus, industrial, electromechanical and chemical engineers; geologists; graduates in Environment; Project Managers; graduates in Hygiene and Safety; Probe controllers and Technicians in various areas are the positions with the highest labor demand in the lithium exploitation industry in Argentina during this year.
This is the forecast of Randstad, the global Human Resources selector, after analyzing the needs of companies. As context, the firm explains that Argentina has one of the largest lithium reserves in the world, which positions it as a key player in the production of this strategic resource, both for the production of batteries for electronic devices and automobiles, as well as for air treatment processes and manufacturing of ceramics, glass, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals and polymers.
According to the latest data available from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 46% of the world’s lithium reserves are concentrated in the so-called “lithium triangle” made up of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
Regarding the boom that lithium mining is having in the country and its impact on employment, Andrea Ávila, CEO of Randstad for Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, said: “Today we have In the country more than 50 lithium mining projects are underway, mainly in Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca, in different stages of evolution. Both in the prospecting and exploration stages, as well as in the construction and production stages, mining projects are generating sustained labor demand, both in professional profiles, as well as specialized technicians and operators.”
According to Randstad management experts, the nine lithium-powered job profiles are:
1. Industrial engineer. It is one of the most in-demand profiles currently in the sector because it is responsible for optimizing the productive processes of mineral extraction and processing, guaranteeing efficiency and quality in production.
2. Geologist. This profile is increasingly in demand in the lithium mining industry, especially professionals specialized in Hydrogeology, as they are in charge of identifying and evaluating the natural reserves of this resource, as well as planning mining exploration and exploitation activities.
3. Electromechanical engineer. He is the professional in charge of supervising the installation, operation and maintenance of electromechanical equipment used in deposits and processing plants.
4. Chemical engineer. Participates in the design and control of the chemical processes used in the extraction and purification of lithium, as well as in the treatment of waste derived from it. Its role is fundamental for the quality of the final product.
5. Graduate in Environment. Its role is to ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations during mining operations, managing environmental impacts and proposing measures to mitigate them. Its function is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the project, hence its growing demand.
6. Project Manager. He is responsible for the planning, execution and control of projects related to the extraction and processing of lithium, ensuring their completion within the established time and budget.
7. Probe Controller. It is a profile whose demand is expected to grow as more projects enter production, given the specificity of its task. It is responsible for operating and monitoring the probes used in lithium exploration and extraction, recording data and ensuring the precision of operations.
8. Chemical Technician, Miner, Mechanic, Hydraulic, Electrician. They are professionals in high demand in lithium deposits. They are specialized in specific technical areas related to lithium extraction and processing, providing support in operations and maintenance.
9. Graduate in Hygiene and Safety. He is responsible for implementing appropriate measures to guarantee the safety and health of workers in mining facilities. His task is fundamental for the care of human capital in productive establishments and for preventing occupational accidents and illnesses.
“In recent years, lithium mining has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the Argentine economy, promoting the creation of new sources of work. These and other job profiles are fundamental for the functioning of this industry, which In 2024 there will be significant growth in the labor demand for specialized professionals and techniciansaccompanying the evolution of more projects to their full productive stage,” added Ávila.