Natural Resources - Human Capital Challenges in Latin America

Sustained worldwide demand for natural resources isThe challenge thus is to harmonize both perspectives
pushing investment in oil and gas exploration andavoiding the 'over expectation' syndrome that could put
production, mining and alternative natural resourcescompensation packages at levels that are not
such as wind and solar while the pace of research insustainable.
new and renewable energy sciences continues toNatural resources companies across Latin America
elevate.are facing pressure to recruit and retain personnel in
But one challenge transcends national borders. It alsogeneral, not only at the top executive levels. Some
presents a strikingly similar long-term growth barrier forcompanies have taken steps to improve working
nearly all of the world's leading natural resourcesconditions at sites while others have implemented new
companies - that is, the scarcity of human capital andhuman resource policies to help attract new talent into
skilled leadership talent.their workforce.
Looking ahead to the issues that will frame manyThese new approaches to workforce engagement
Natural Resources challenges across the Latinand retention have put natural resources managers
America region, the business cycle will inevitably bringinto a position from which they are building teams,
change.inviting innovative ideas from the workforce and
The industry will continue growing but companies andengaging in honest dialogue about career progression
top executives should be cautious since we mightwithin their workforces.
eventually enter into a new downturn in the economy.