Understanding Mining & Materials
​​
What is Mining?
​
Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals and metals from the Earth—such as copper, lithium, nickel, iron ore, and rare earth elements—that power everything from construction and electronics to renewable energy and defense systems. Mining is foundational to global industry and national security, and the demand for U.S.-based mining projects continues to rise.
​
Modern mining operations rely on skilled professionals in exploration, operations, environmental compliance, and processing to meet rising global demand while addressing safety and sustainability concerns.
​
What are Materials?
​
Materials include the raw and refined substances used to build and manufacture products—like metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and industrial minerals. These materials are essential to key industries including aerospace, clean energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and automotive production.
​
Together, mining and materials form the backbone of industrial innovation, supply chain security, and domestic production capacity.
​
Why It Matters
​
With increasing demand for critical minerals, the U.S. is reshaping its approach to mining and materials sourcing. Domestic mining, mineral processing, and advanced materials development are essential to securing supply chains for electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and clean energy infrastructure.
​
As federal funding and private investment pour into U.S.-based mining and materials projects, companies need experienced leadership and specialized talent to meet the moment.
​
Industry Stats at a Glance
​
-
$125+ billion: U.S. mineral production value in 2024
-
75%+: Global processing of rare earth elements occurs overseas
-
6.6% CAGR: Projected global demand growth for critical minerals through 2030
-
50+: New U.S. mining and materials development projects since 2023
-
30,000+: New U.S. jobs expected in the mining and materials sector by 2027
Recent Project Highlights
​
-
Lithium Mining in Nevada: Recruited mine operations and exploration leaders for a domestic lithium producer focused on EV battery supply chains.
-
Copper Refining in Arizona: Built a multidisciplinary team for a processing plant expansion, including metallurgists, safety managers, and plant engineers.
-
Rare Earth Development in Appalachia: Placed environmental and permitting experts to support regulatory compliance and federal grant management.
-
Sustainable Materials Startup (Midwest): Helped a green-tech innovator hire an R&D and commercialization team for recycled building materials.
PMG Mining & Materials Talent Specialists
​
PMG Executive Search & Recruiting helps companies in the mining and materials industries find and retain top executive and technical talent. With decades of experience in resource extraction, mineral processing, and materials innovation, we understand the talent demands of today’s most complex projects.
​
Whether you're expanding a lithium extraction operation, building a rare earth supply chain, or launching a new materials R&D facility, PMG connects you with proven professionals across:
​
-
Mine development & operations
-
Metallurgy & process engineering
-
Environmental, health & safety (EHS)
-
Regulatory and permitting
-
R&D and innovation leadership
-
Site selection & project management
What Our Clients Are Saying
​
“PMG brought an impressive level of industry insight and speed to our executive search. Their team understood the technical requirements and helped us hire quickly without compromising quality.”
— SVP of Operations, Lithium Mining Company​
“We had a critical need for experienced geologists and process engineers. PMG delivered talent we couldn’t find anywhere else—and fast.”
— Director of HR, Industrial Minerals Firm​
“As a startup in the sustainable materials space, we needed more than just resumes—we needed guidance. PMG became an extension of our leadership team.”
— CFO, Recycled Materials Innovation Company​
Ready to Hire for Mining & Materials?
​
Whether you're scaling U.S. mining operations, building a mineral processing facility, or innovating in sustainable materials, PMG Executive Search & Recruiting has the network and expertise to help you find the right people—fast.
​
Let’s Talk Talent: Schedule a Consultation
Partner with PMG—trusted by mining and materials leaders to find high-impact talent that drives results.
​
​
​
​
