The lithium boom, required by the growing electromobility industry, requires new professional profiles in the mining sector. So industrial, electromechanical and chemical engineers; geologists; graduates in Environment; Project leaders; graduates in Hygiene and Safety; They are probe controllers and technicians in various sectors the positions with the highest job demand in the lithium exploitation sector in Argentina during this year.
This is the prediction of Randstad, the global Human Resources recruiter, after analyzing the needs of companies. In this context, the company explains that Argentina possesses 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, and for air treatment processes and the production of ceramics, glass, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals and polymers.
According to the latest available data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 46% of the world’s lithium reserves are concentrated in the so-called “lithium triangle” composed 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 There are more than 50 lithium extraction projects underway in the country, mainly in Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca, in different stages of evolution. Both in the prospecting and exploration phases, and in the construction and production phases, mining projects are generating sustained labor demand, both in professional profiles and in specialized technicians and operators.”
According to management experts at Randstad, the nine lithium-powered job profiles are:
1. Industrial engineer. It is one of the most requested profiles currently in the sector because it deals with optimizing the production processes of mineral extraction and processing, guaranteeing efficiency and quality in production.
2. Geologist. This profile is increasingly requested in the lithium mining sector, in particular among professionals specialized in hydrogeology, since they have the task of identifying and evaluating the natural reserves of this resource, as well as planning mineral exploration and exploitation activities.
3. Electromechanical engineer. He is the professional figure responsible for supervising the installation, operation and maintenance of electromechanical equipment used in warehouses 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. Graduated 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 fundamental to ensuring the sustainability of the project, hence its growing demand.
6. Project manager. He is responsible for the planning, execution and control of lithium mining and processing projects, ensuring their completion within established time and budget.
7. Probe controller. It is a profile whose demand is expected to grow as more and more projects enter production, given the specificity of its task. It is responsible for operating and monitoring probes used in lithium exploration and mining, recording data, and ensuring the accuracy of operations.
8. Chemical Technician, Miner, Mechanic, Plumber, Electrician. They are highly sought after professionals in lithium deposits. They specialize in specific technical areas related to lithium mining and processing, providing support in operations and maintenance.
9. Graduated in Hygiene and Safety. It is responsible for implementing appropriate measures to ensure the safety and health of workers in mining facilities. Their task is fundamental for the care of human capital in production plants and for the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases.
“In recent years, lithium mining has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the Argentine economy, encouraging the creation of new sources of work. These and other job profiles are fundamental to the functioning of this sector, which In 2024 there will be a significant growth in the demand for work of specialized professionals and techniciansaccompanying the evolution of multiple projects until their full production phase”, added Ávila.
Source: Clarin
