Today's university graduates face amazing reality. Much of the work they wanted is disappearing rapidly due to AI (artificial intelligence).
As Mike Lowe, of “dirty work” fame, recently observed, “We've been telling kids to learn code for 15 years. Well, AI is coming for coders.”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg agrees. He predicts that most metacodes will be written by AI in the next 12-18 months.
The big mess lies here. From coders and analysts to researchers and writers, many entry-level office jobs are being eaten by AI.
Even though the overall unemployment rate remains low, the recent unemployment rate among university graduates has skyrocketed to levels of recession. The weakness of this particular segment of the job market could be a precursor to ai tsunami on the horizon. As AI becomes smarter and more capable, more complex, experience-dependent jobs can be similarly under pressure. And at speed, AI is progressing, but it could be months rather than years.
All this may seem totally dark, but AI confusion also creates opportunities. And it should encourage students, parents and guidance counselors to look to industries that need growing people.
Mining is exactly like that.
Modern mining is at the forefront of American industrialization. It provides the key materials and energy that underpins our economic future and national security. And it needs young people.
Data centers, semiconductors, batteries and electric vehicles have led to a rise in demand for minerals and electricity in the United States. More American production is needed to meet that demand and do it responsibly. And there is a need for more American mining and people need to make it happen.
Consider copper, an electrified metal. Global copper demand is expected to almost double by 2035. By 2050, annual copper consumption is expected to exceed the total global copper consumption between 1900 and 2021. This is just annual demand. In just 25 years, we need to minify more copper than was mined in all human history.
In the case of electricity, the story is very similar. The US electricity demand is exploding, with nearly 80% jump by 2050. Recent forecasts show that demand will jump to 128 gigawatts over the next five years.
But at this very moment when demand is rising, US mining is struggling to find workers. Many of the best in the industry are either retired or are on the verge of doing so. It needs to meet tens of thousands of mining jobs. This is a job that requires skilled problem-solving skills that young Americans intuitively own.
From engineers and geoscientists to drillers, drone operators and drivers needed for a huge haul truck, modern mining requires a very diverse skill set. We need a diverse range of people and perspectives. You need team members, innovators, people who are looking for a career as well as a job.
Mining is a teaching industry, building capabilities and giving employees the opportunity to get out of the back of their desks. And that works.
The average wage for US miners is $98,971 per year, totaling 30% above the national average. And many mining jobs do not require a university degree and are not under threat from AI.
Rebuilding and modernizing American industrial bases from mines to assembly lines requires today's students and job seekers. AI may be closing doors in several careers, but the doors to America's mining are wide open.
