HILTON, BRISBANE MINING 2006 RESOURCES CONVENTION HILTON, BRISBANE “AusIMM/Macquarie Securities Survey” Don Larkin FAusIMM CEO, The AusIMM November, 2006

SURVEY OBJECTIVES The survey was designed to capture individual members’ experiences of working in the minerals industry. The overall objectives for the study were to: collect indicative data about the level of turnover among professionals in the industry and about the state of the labour market in the industry generally. obtain the views of minerals sector professionals on current and emerging issues impacting on the current and future economic performance of the sector. identify the factors that professionals in the minerals sector believe are important when deciding whether to stay with or leave an employment situation.

SAMPLE 7,339 Members of The AusIMM (6,000 relevant) 1,370 responded (20 to 25%) Engineers (31.5%); Geologists (31.0%); Metallurgists (13.9%); Management, Environment and other (23.7%) Survey Design and Administration – UQ Male (91%), more than half 52% were aged 45+ Female (9%), majority were aged under 35 (63%)

RESULTS Current issues in mining ie. skills shortages. Future developments – potential constraints. State of labour market ie. mobility. Profile of participants (further analysis).

CURRENT ISSUES Skills shortages A large majority (73%) of respondents agreed that skills shortages had affected their workplace. 77% agreed that the skills shortage had left their company short staffed. 77% agreed that the people at their workplace were under more pressure because of skills shortages. 65% agreed that the skills shortage was unlikely to reduce in the next two or three years.

DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING PERSONNEL

ATTITUDES TO AGEING WORKFORCE

FACTORS IMPACTING ON CURRENT OPERATIONAL PROFITABILITY

MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IMPACTING ON OPERATIONAL PROFITABILITY

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

LONG TERM FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY 91% agreed that insufficient exploration investment could see a downturn in the industry. Half the respondents (53%) agreed that reduced price competitiveness in the Australian industry, compared to other suppliers, could lead to a downturn in the industry.

WORK FORCE MOBILITY

Two thirds of respondents (67%) agreed that the company they worked for encourages and supports their professional development. 58% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their current level of remuneration and (82%) expected to increase their remuneration over the next two years. 48% agreed that their working lifestyle puts pressure on forming and maintaining personal relationships. The value of the remuneration package was regarded as the most significant factor by only 5%. JOB SATISFACTION

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING A JOB Maintaining the balance between work and home life was the single most important consideration (50%). The second most important consideration was the professional challenges presented by the job (23%).

INDUSTRY REPUTATION 83% of respondents agreed that their workplace has a positive reputation. Only 47% agreed that the mining industry has a positive reputation in Australia. However, 60% also agreed that the reputation of the industry had improved over the last 5 years.

AusIMM Member Survey 2006 – MacBank conclusions Large diversified employers have advantage. Flexibility in working arrangements or located in desirable locations – advantage. Short mine life and dependence on FIFO disadvantaged. Manage risks – equipment shortages, infrastructure – advantaged.

Skills shortages (managing staff turnover and attraction). Most important issue currently. Low investment in exploration could lead to a downturn in the industry. Other constraints, shortages of construction workers, equipment, costs and professional staff. Excessive regulatory and planning requirements are affecting the industry’s bottom line. Maintaining the balance between work commitments and private life (especially LDC). It is skilled professionals with experience who are considering leaving the industry. CONCLUSION