In the US, there is currently a worker shortage that is affecting the mining industry. As a result, mining companies like Freeport-McMoRan are struggling to reach production goals linked to national green energy transition initiatives. The company has thousands of job openings unfilled, and its copper production levels have fallen in relation with low staffing levels. To address these issues, increase production, and both attract and retain skilled workers, the company is planning to give its workers significant pay raises this year.
See "Labor shortage in the mining industry affecting production output and disrupting green energy transition initiatives in the US ", Reuters, January 25, 2023