Mining companies are investing heavily in renewable energy, but technology alone cannot guarantee the success of these projects. The critical factor is having the right people in the right roles for the right amount of time. Temporary Employment Solutions (TES) providers can help mining operations turn their ambitious ESG goals into reality with a Human-Centric Solutions (HCS) approach. By carefully matching employees to roles where their skills and experience have the greatest impact, while also providing support and development, human-centric solutions ensure projects are delivered efficiently, sustainably and in full compliance with labour laws, safety standards, and ESG commitments.
The role of human-centric solutions
Human-centric solutions bridge the gap between a mining operation’s workforce needs and its renewable energy project goals. Forward-thinking TES providers work as a strategic partner to mining organisations, handling the end-to-end workforce process – from sourcing and vetting the right skills, through to ensuring they have the training, certifications, and resources to perform effectively.
In assuming responsibility for recruitment, compliance with labour regulations, contract management, payroll, and employee support, the TES provider frees the mining organisation to focus on core project delivery. A human-centric approach ensures that staff are not only technically competent but also aligned with the operation’s ESG commitments. This includes providing access to benefits such as medical aid, provident funds, and skills development – benefits that create stability and encourage commitment, even in project-based or fixed-term work.
Supporting renewable energy goals
Employees are onboarded to understand both their immediate role and the wider purpose of the project, whether reducing the mine’s carbon footprint or meeting local content targets. The alignment of workforce readiness with project timelines and goals by the TES provider enables mining clients to scale their teams during construction phases and retain essential expertise for the ongoing operations and maintenance stages. With the right people in place – supported, skilled, and motivated – ambitious, large-scale renewable energy transitions become achievable.
Meeting renewable energy objectives and lowering a mining operation’s carbon footprint requires a workforce that is both capable and conscious of its impact. TES providers taking a human-centric approach will ensure that employees are competent, integrated into project teams, and recruited locally whenever possible, in support of community development and ESG commitments.
Where local skills are limited, a human-centric approach involves upskilling and training initiatives, equipping community members for specific roles. This addresses immediate project needs while also developing a pipeline of skilled workers for the future. Employees are encouraged to see how their daily work contributes to environmental and social outcomes, which ensures renewable energy projects are delivered efficiently, safely and sustainably.
Compliance and risk management
In the renewable energy project-based environment, proactive compliance is essential. A skilled TES partner integrates systems that ensure every stage of recruitment, onboarding and workforce management aligns with labour laws, site regulations and company policies. This protects the mining organisation against legal penalties, disputes and reputational damage.
A well-supported, compliant workforce gives mining companies the assurance to operate without unnecessary risk. Employees know the standards expected of them, while TES providers monitor and address issues before they escalate. With compliance embedded into daily operations, risks are mitigated early, projects run smoothly, and the company’s reputation remains intact.
Enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability
TES providers use human-centric solutions to help mining operations work smarter and more sustainably. Given that engaged, skilled and supported employees are more productive, reliable and motivated, this boosts project delivery and generates positive social impact in the communities where mining takes place.
Human-centric solutions show that people are at the heart of both business performance and sustainability. A well-prepared, engaged workforce keeps projects on schedule, meets ESG targets, and upholds safety and compliance standards. Technology alone cannot achieve this – it is the right people, fully supported, who turn renewable energy goals into lasting results.
Opinion piece by Donné Nieman, Sales Director at Workforce Staffing.
