Canada's Mining and Resource Workers More Likely to Experience Mental Health Challenges

Ask any mining or natural resource leader what they value most in their organization and undoubtedly reverence for health and safety will be at the top of their list. The importance of ensuring a safe working environment is rarely understated for Canadian miners, and as a result, Canada enjoys the status as one of the safest jurisdictions for mining activity in the world.

While much attention (and investment) has been giving to traditional health and safety concerns, for years there has been little consideration regarding one of the fastest growing well-being challenges affecting mining and resource workers: Mental Health. In 2024, the impact of poor mental health is forecasted to cost Canadian employers nearly 200 billion dollars, with mining organizations expected to bear a disproportionate amount of the cost.

Mining workers are particularly susceptible to mental health challenges. According to a 2019 survey, over 56% of Canadian mining workers experienced symptoms of a mental health issue. A figure that is considerably above that of the general workforce and that has likely only worsened since the pandemic.

As we learn more about what factors influence the mental health of workers, it is no surprise that the mining industry is especially hard hit. Mining employees are more likely to be working in isolated areas and to spend prolonged periods away from their friends and family. The realities of mine work also tend to negatively impact the mental well-being of workers. Lack of sunlight from working underground, abnormal and changing work schedules, and high-stress environments all contribute to worsening mental health outcomes.

With nearly 85% of the Canadian mining workforce being men, the industry faces additional hurdles regarding destigmatizing mental health challenges. As men have been historically less willing to discuss their mental health struggles, a lack of open communication is only exasperating the problem.

Today, the impacts of the mental health epidemic in the mining sector can no longer be ignored. According to Canadian mining workforce leaders, mental health issues have been a key factor in increased absenteeism and resignations in the past 36 months, and there is little sign of improvement.

While much is still unknown about the best way to treat mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, some of the most innovative mining health and safety professionals have begun developing initiatives to support workers struggling with their mental wellbeing.

Some mining organizations have hired therapists to spend time on site to speak to workers that may be struggling. Others are developing programs to ensure their employees can get access via virtual support services or are covering the cost of mental health support.

Developing an improved community and culture regarding mental health is also growing in importance, with some miners investing in programs that reduce on-site isolation. Movie nights, on-site gyms, and better infrastructure to socialize are just a few examples that forward thinking miners are investing in to improve the well-being of their employees. Other miners have begun developing ambassador programs, where employees can discuss openly about their challenges, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

While there are some positive signs that the industry is taking the emotional well-being of their employees more seriously. If Canada’s miners want to keep their workforce engaged it’s clear that more work will need to be done.