The commodity boom unveiled a scarcity of skilled labour, which drove wage rates higher in an attempt to attract professionals into the mining sector, and to draw workers from one commodity sector and/or country to another. The mining industry has not always been popular amongst potential employees due to harsh working conditions and a poor reputation concerning ethics and commitment to environmental sustainability. Higher wages have helped to overcome that barrier. In addition, training programmes have also been important in equipping workers with the required skills, further adding to operating costs.
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