Leadership and Diversity in Mining from edX

The new generation of leaders in the mining industry will operate in a period of rapid technological and organisational change. You will need to adapt to new ways of working, contributing to organisational culture in a way that supports the business, with a focus on staff and other stakeholders. You may have seen your own managers do this well, or have noticed when they have not, and you may have wondered how to emulate or avoid certain approaches with your own teams.

This course introduces you to the knowledge and skills that will help you take the first self-reflective steps of moving beyond managing, and towards being an effective leader, including an understanding of the diverse work environment in which you operate. As a learner on Leadership and Diversity in Mining, you will explore a range of leadership concepts. You will learn how to apply these within your organisation, taking active consideration of the challenges and opportunities of a diverse, changing workforce.

Leadership and Diversity in Mining is one of six courses in the Foundations of Modern Mining Professional Certificate, an edX qualification that draws on the expertise of academics from Curtin University and the University of Queensland, also providing learners front-seat access to industry leaders and innovators. You will hear from a wide range of practitioners who will show you how effective leadership and diversity strategies draw on a deep-level understanding of the organisation and industry, the wider business and political context, and which rely heavily on leaders and teams who have self-insight and reflective abilities.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Analyse their leadership style against leadership frameworks
Describe the critical role diversity and organisational culture plays within the global mining industry
Develop strategies required to lead diverse, remote, technical teams within the mining sector

Develop techniques to foster an inclusive and progressive culture
Students who complete this course will be able to:

Analyse their leadership style against leadership frameworks
Describe the critical role diversity and organisational culture plays within the global mining industry
Develop strategies required to lead diverse, remote, technical teams within the mining sector
Develop techniques to foster an inclusive and progressive culture
Students who complete this course will be able to:

Syllabus

GETTING STARTED

This module introduces the course, including learning objectives, course team information and assessment outline. Here you will find information about the Professional Certificate in the Foundations of Modern Mining - this course is one of six that make up this optional study program. You can also take the opportunity to meet your peers who will be accompanying you on the learning journey through this course.

MODULE 1: What is leadership?

Here we explore common leadership frameworks and concepts. We consider the difference between leaders and managers, and ask ourselves ‘can everyone lead’? We get insights from industry professionals in revealing conversational interviews.

MODULE 2: Know thyself

In this module, look inward to understand and develop your own styles and approaches to leadership, as well as reflect on the importance of self-leadership. You will be invited to consider strategies for developing your own self-awareness and building a leadership plan. We also look at the different types of personalities and attributes that contribute to dynamic work teams.

MODULE 3: Organisational culture

Here we seek to understand the key elements influencing organisational culture and more specifically, the nature of organisations within the mining industry. How can you identify organizational culture as a new leader entering a workplace? What can you do to develop an appropriate and positive culture? How do diverse organisations come together to work in mining operations? Industry professionals will give us their views and opinions.

MODULE 4: Organisational diversity

This module raises some of the key aspects of diversity and inclusion in organisations and explores how these manifest themselves in the mining industry. We will explore perspectives regarding women in leadership, and the opportunities and challenges for gender equity. Cultural diversity in the workforce will be another focus, as well as the culture of different local contexts of mining operations. Indigenous perspectives will be presented. Does everyone lead in the same way? How are different people perceived in leadership roles? We will get some answers from within the industry.

MODULE 5: Leading technical teams

Together we will discover the essential elements of teams, and the particular challenges of working with technical and remote teams, as well as those working across various time zones. We will explore some strategies for improving motivation and engagement in your team and employees. Managing work relationships will be a key focus.

MODULE 6: Stakeholder engagement

In this module, we recognise the importance of engagement practices with internal stakeholders within organisations. How do we best work across boundaries in organisations? We study some ways to solve system related problems and break down enduring ‘silo’ cultures. How can you be a ‘change maker’? Industry voices will share their perspectives.

MODULE 7: Summary and future directions

In the final module, we will take some time to tie together the key themes of the course. We will envision likely changes and future trends in mining organisations and how to best prepare to lead such changes. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on how your own thinking may have changed throughout the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores challenges and opportunities of a diverse, changing workforce, which is highly relevant in industry today

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in mining

Develops skills for managing remote teams, which is essential in today's mining industry

Covers stakeholder engagement practices, which is essential for mining operations

Examines organizational culture in the mining industry, which may be helpful in developing effective leadership

Classroom materials include conversational interviews with mining experts

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leadership and Diversity in Mining with these activities:

Volunteer with a non-profit organization that supports diversity in mining

Show steps

Volunteering is a valuable way to connect with professionals in the field and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Social Responsibility

Show steps

Find a non-profit organization that supports diversity in mining.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer your time and support the organization's mission.

Attend industry events and conferences on diversity in mining

Show steps

Networking events are a great way to connect with people in the field and learn about new opportunities.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Find industry events and conferences on diversity in mining.
Attend the events and meet with people.
Exchange contact information and follow up with the people you meet.

Practice leading diverse teams in a simulated environment

Show steps

Many great resources are available online that can reinforce the concepts presented in the course.

Browse courses on Leadership Skills

Show steps

Find a simulated environment where you can practice leading diverse teams.
Lead teams in the simulated environment and get feedback on your performance.
Reflect on your experiences and identify areas for improvement.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Leadership and Diversity in Mining will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mining Geologist

Mining Geologists explore for valuable minerals and other resources beneath the earth's surface. They use a variety of techniques from geology and engineering to predict where a useful mineral is likely to be found. The work can take them all over the world, from deserts to mountains to jungles, in all weather conditions. The work can also be physically demanding, as it often requires walking and traveling long distances. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining is directly applicable to the field of Mining Geology because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Geologist

Mining Manager

Mining Managers oversee all aspects of the mining operation. They ensure that the mine is running efficiently and safely and that the required materials are being extracted. They also manage the workforce and ensure that the mine is in compliance with all environmental and safety regulations. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining could be helpful for a Mining Manager because it goes over crucial aspects of leading a diverse group in the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Manager

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers work with the exploration and production of petroleum, also known as crude oil or oil. They use different techniques from geology and engineering to find and extract oil from the ground. This work can take them all over the world, from offshore drilling rigs to onshore refineries. The work can also be physically demanding, especially in the early stages of oil exploration. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining could be useful for a Petroleum Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on managing and leading remote teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment by reducing pollution and improving environmental quality. They develop and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and climate change. The work can be done in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, consulting firms, and private industry. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining could be useful for an Environmental Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on environmental issues in the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers typically design and manage new mines, or assist the mining of established ones. They plan the extraction of different materials, which could be anything from coal, copper, gold, and even salt. A Mining Engineer must understand how to get the desired material out of the ground in the most efficient and least disruptive way possible. The work can be quite physically demanding at times, so physical fitness is important. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining could be helpful for a Mining Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Engineer

Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the earth and its atmosphere. They use a variety of techniques from physics and geology to understand the structure and dynamics of the earth. The work can be done in a variety of settings, such as universities, government agencies, and oil and gas companies. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Geophysicist because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Metallurgical Engineer

Metallurgical Engineers work in the manufacturing industry, constructing parts and structures from metal. They apply engineering principles to create and manufacture a range of metal goods, from food packaging to skyscrapers. The work does not involve working with metals in their natural form, such as extracting them from the ground. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Metallurgical Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, even though the focus is on the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Metallurgical Engineer

Training Manager

Training Managers plan, develop, and deliver training programs. They work to ensure that employees have the skills and knowledge they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Training Manager because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on training and development in the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work with a team of people to achieve a specific goal, such as developing a new product or launching a new marketing campaign. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Project Manager because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on managing and leading teams in the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. They use a variety of techniques from chemistry and engineering to create and manufacture a range of chemical products, such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Chemical Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Recruiter

Recruiters search for and hire qualified candidates to fill open positions. They work with hiring managers to identify job requirements and develop recruiting strategies. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as staffing firms, corporations, and government agencies. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Recruiter because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on recruiting and hiring in the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources for an organization. They develop and implement HR policies and procedures, manage employee relations, and ensure that the organization is in compliance with all employment laws and regulations. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Human Resources Manager because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Safety Manager

Safety Managers develop and implement safety programs and procedures. They work to ensure that workplaces are safe and that employees are protected from accidents and injuries. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Safety Manager because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on safety in the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Manager

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers improve the efficiency of production systems and processes. They use a variety of techniques from engineering and management to optimize the use of resources, such as people, machines, and materials. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for an Industrial Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on improving the efficiency of production systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers work with the development and use of new materials. They use a variety of techniques from materials science and engineering to create and test new materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers. The work can be done in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace. The course Leadership and Diversity in Mining may be useful for a Materials Engineer because it helps build a foundation in leadership and diversity, with a particular focus on the mining industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer