Mining of the future: emerging competencies identified through the Delphi method

The Chilean large-scale mining operations are undergoing technological and organizational transformations that require updating human capital competencies to optimize performance; in this context, the lack of clear definitions and prioritization of emerging competencies hinders strategic planning and the development of educational programs. This study aimed to identify and prioritize these competencies using the Delphi methodology within a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses; two rounds of consultation were conducted with a panel of twelve experts through structured surveys. A total of 25 key competencies were identified and grouped into five dimensions: technological, digital, socio-emotional, environmental, and ethical; among these, integrity, responsibility, and honesty stand out, while cybersecurity emerges as the leading technological competency. Experts consistently emphasized that technological advances alone are insufficient. Their responses suggest that future mining performance will depend largely on how effectively organizations develop and integrate human competencies.