With multidimensional and multifaceted change being the only constant in the mining industry, nonprofit organisation Project Management Institute (PMI) says an agile approach to project management is vital to accommodate the constant changes within mining projects.

“There is a technological element that is driving change; an environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) element that is driving change; as well as the undeniable impact that the pandemic has had on the industry. This, coupled with talent shortages and megatrends, such as the pandemic, prompts the industry to be agile and adaptable,” PMI Europe and sub-Saharan Africa MD Ashwini Bakshi tells Mining Weekly.

He states that, whenever the external environment imposes change, old solutions are no longer effective. The agile approach allows for methodologies to be put in place to deliver outcomes through short or smaller chunks of the project implementation that are carried out over shorter periods.

Motivated and prompted by a common goal, project managers can engage regularly with stakeholders and adapt their approach as and when changes occur in the internal and external environment.

“The inherent flexibility afforded by an agile approach to project management lends longevity. I have seen mining projects that have a steady output of over 30 to 40 years, sometimes even exceeding 75 years. This requires long-term stability and, therefore, an agile approach to planning.”

Bakshi adds that project management organisations will need to become very skilful at using and choosing a variety of tools and methodologies. Choosing from a variety of project management solutions can result in the best outcomes for clients in the mining industry.

Further, agility enables outsourced project managers to customise each solution to meet client requirements.

Outsourced project managers offer several benefits, says Bakshi.

“Outsourced project managers bring with them skills sets that would not ordinarily be available. For example, you can have a technologically skilled project manager with experience in data sciences or data analysis. In an increasingly technological world and with the mining industry becoming increasingly automated, these skills sets can be invaluable in predictive maintenance.”

Outsourced project management also allows individuals to gain experience in sustainability approaches and, therefore, mines can work with project managers who are aware of the risks associated with ESG, he adds.

With the rules and reporting requirements rapidly changing in terms of their stringency and their being legally binding, there is “a great need” for people who understand ESG impacts and who follow ESG-compliant ways of working.

“There will be a demand for about 2.5-million project managers every year for the next ten years. There will be a demand for project managers in data sciences, software development and construction; all these skills sets, along with power skills – such as empathy, psychology, leadership and behavioral skills – will be beneficial to the mining industry.”

Bakshi notes that the mining industry poses “a unique set of challenges” to project managers. These challenges include occupational health and safety, ESG considerations and the integration of automation and technology, against the backdrop of possible talent shortages in the future.

“The mining sector needs to attract young talent by offering compelling work. The industry is essentially competing for project managers in the same global marketplace as the technology and financial services industries, as well as other industries.”

While the local demand for project managers is high, there are not enough project managers to meet this demand. Further, project managers with mine-specific skills are scarce; this is a current concern that will continue into the long term, notes Bakshi.

Consequently, PMI has implemented its PMI-Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, which provides candidates with job-ready skills and enables them to be self-sufficient, should they choose to establish their own business.

With PMI’s presence in more than 200 countries, a global digital presence and a vast library of training content, its transferring of valuable skills to project managers will increase their agility and adaptability into the mining industry.