Last updated on Feb 8, 2024

What are some strategies for mining engineers to resolve conflicts with other experts?

Mining engineering is a complex and multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration and communication with other experts, such as geologists, environmentalists, metallurgists, and managers. However, conflicts can arise due to different perspectives, interests, expectations, or goals. How can mining engineers handle these conflicts effectively and constructively? Here are some strategies to consider.

1 Identify the source of conflict

The first step to resolving any conflict is to understand what is causing it. Is it a technical issue, such as the feasibility, safety, or efficiency of a mining method or design? Is it a social issue, such as the values, beliefs, or personalities of the parties involved? Is it a procedural issue, such as the roles, responsibilities, or deadlines of the project? By identifying the source of conflict, you can focus on the relevant facts, data, and criteria, and avoid personal attacks or emotional reactions.

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Alexsander Taniyaola

Technical Services Engineer at Orica
Strategies for mining engineers to resolve conflicts include active listening, open communication, respect, collaborative problem-solving, goal alignment, compromise, conflict resolution techniques, data-driven decision-making, establishing protocols, seeking third-party assistance, and learning from conflicts. These approaches foster constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, leading to effective conflict resolution.
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2 Listen and empathize

The second step to resolving any conflict is to listen and empathize with the other experts. Listening means paying attention to what they are saying, asking clarifying questions, and paraphrasing their main points. Empathizing means acknowledging their feelings, concerns, and needs, and showing respect and appreciation for their expertise and contribution. By listening and empathizing, you can build rapport, trust, and understanding, and avoid misunderstandings or assumptions.

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Michael McClintock, P.Eng.

Founder & Principal @ McClintock Group | Enhancing Mineral Projects, Advocating for Shareholders
This is an area opportunities to integrate operations and disciplines is often missed. In my experience there are significant divides between geologists, mining engineers and metallurgists. Each discipline carries its own bias which can lead to each discipline not being aligned with the broader business strategies. As a mining engineer/metallurgist I can say that we often too narrowly focussed on mine to mill operations and forget optionality from an investor and as well exploration size. For geologists I have noticed there seems to be a tendency of thinking of operations like "flicking a switch".
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3 Negotiate and compromise

The third step to resolving any conflict is to negotiate and compromise with the other experts. Negotiating means exploring various options, alternatives, and solutions that can satisfy the interests and goals of all parties. Compromising means finding a middle ground, a trade-off, or a concession that can balance the benefits and costs of each option. By negotiating and compromising, you can create a win-win situation, a mutual agreement, and a shared commitment.

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4 Seek feedback and support

The fourth step to resolving any conflict is to seek feedback and support from the other experts. Feedback means asking for their opinions, suggestions, and criticisms on your work, ideas, and performance. Support means offering your help, assistance, and resources to their work, ideas, and performance. By seeking feedback and support, you can improve your skills, knowledge, and quality, and foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and teamwork.

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5 Manage stress and emotions

The fifth step to resolving any conflict is to manage your stress and emotions. Stress and emotions can affect your judgment, behavior, and communication, and escalate or prolong the conflict. To manage your stress and emotions, you can use various techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, physical activity, or hobbies. You can also seek professional help, such as counseling, coaching, or mentoring, if you feel overwhelmed or stuck.

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Mike Benavides

Chief Executive Officer | Mining keeps the world moving.
Emotional intelligence is as important as having technical knowledge. As one becomes more aware of one's position, one should, even more so, have good management of one's own emotions. In the mining sector, where days or in cases even weeks are spent in operations, a balance must be had that allows the body to release the stress that could be accumulating. Breathing exercises have very quick results. Hold your breath for 5 seconds, inhale deeply, hold again, exhale and repeat. With one minute we can change the mood of an entire day.
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6 Learn and grow

The sixth step to resolving any conflict is to learn and grow from the experience. Learning means reflecting on what went well and what went wrong, what you learned and what you need to learn, and what you can do better and differently next time. Growing means applying what you learned to your future projects, challenges, and opportunities, and developing your competencies, confidence, and resilience. By learning and growing, you can turn conflicts into opportunities, and become a better mining engineer.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some strategies for mining engineers to resolve conflicts with other experts?

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1 Identify the source of conflict

2 Listen and empathize

3 Negotiate and compromise

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Manage stress and emotions

6 Learn and grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mining Engineering

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What are some strategies for mining engineers to resolve conflicts with other experts?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the source of conflict

2 Listen and empathize

3 Negotiate and compromise

4 Seek feedback and support

5 Manage stress and emotions

6 Learn and grow

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mining Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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