The Value of Internal Comms in Mining
Seven Word Summary: Why communications matters at your mining operations.
Today we discuss “The value of internal communications in the mining industry” – a topic sometimes poorly executed by miners.
COMMUNICATION
Across the mining landscape, there are many stakeholders, some working in remote operations whilst others completing their daily tasks in the corporate head office. It can be hard to communicate succinctly to those working across this broad and varied landscape.
There are multiple different methods of communication, but utilisation of multiple practices will allow for the best coverage and engagement from the workforce.
STRATEGY
The generation of a strategy around communication is therefore key to allowing all team members to be “singing from the same hymn sheet”, especially surrounding a miner’s medium to long term goals and aspirations for its business.
This strategy could utilise several methods to deliver, and on occasion repeat, key messages.
Methods could include:
Periodic Meetings or Newsletters highlighting success of other areas of the business
Internal business unit updates
“State of the Nations” monthly updates from management
The use of external speakers and/or consultants to deliver alternative perspectives on theme’s the business strongly believes in.
Business wide utilisation of platforms such as LinkedIn or Meta’s Workspace Suite
Whilst the delivery of this information could be tasked to an internal marketing department with input from leaders within the business, it could be better placed for leaders themselves to manage these tasks, or work with a chosen team member with a passion for written copy to assist with specific content.
VISIBLE LEADERSHIP
Transparency and direction of the bigger picture, for those working in a mining environment, can on occasion be missing from communications. With the focus on keeping immediate production deadlines often trumping a longer-term message from miners.
Consistent delivery of clear, concise information about the wider business empowers the mining workforce to understand the business needs and direction. A by-product of this is also the warm and fuzzy feeling the team member will get from the business lifting the bonnet on the future aspirations. Allowing the individual to understand the direction and reasoning behind decisions being made elsewhere within the business.
Furthermore, this also allows management teams to ensure that gossip and rumours can be disregarded in the close-knit mining teams both in the field and office.
EXECUTION
Mining teams are often busy with their primary roles and responsibilities, coupled with external projects interlinked to their medium-term renumeration structure. This means that communication can often be overlooked by both managers and wider teams collectively.
In teams that work a split shift rotation, often utilised by those in front-line mining operations, it is therefore critical that communication is executed in a structured and timely manner.
Understanding these tools at your disposal, as well as the reason why they can add so much value, is a key part of formulating an effective internal communications strategy.
Ready to continue the conversation?
If you would like assistance with strategy, execution or in the development of communication frameworks for your teams, reach out to Seven Patterns.