Mentorship has always been a vital part of the mining industry. In a field as complex, technical, and often high-stakes as cave mining, the transfer of knowledge from experienced professionals to the next generation isn’t just helpful. It’s essential. The Cave Mining Forum (CMF) was built with this in mind: to connect professionals across all stages of their careers, encourage open exchange of knowledge, and support the growth of a stronger, more connected industry.
So what does this mean for you?
You might be an industry veteran with decades of hands-on experience, or at the beginning of your journey as a student or new professional. Either way, mentorship can offer significant value (for both sides).
Here’s how you can use CMF to get involved in mentorship and why it matters.
Why Consider Mentorship?
If You’re a Seasoned Professional
After many years (maybe even decades) working in bulk mining methods, you’ve built a deep, practical understanding that only comes from firsthand experience. You’ve designed cave mines from the ground up, managed complex geotechnical challenges (see this case study from SRK Consulting), and made critical operational decisions that directly impacted safety, productivity, and long-term performance. It’s this combination of technical skill and lived experience that gives you a clear sense of what works underground, what needs to be adapted in the moment, and how to keep a mine running efficiently and safely.
That lived experience is incredibly valuable.
Sharing it through mentorship is one of the most effective ways to continue contributing to the field.
Through mentorship in CMF, you can:
- Pass down hard-won knowledge that might not appear in textbooks or research papers.
- Strengthen the profession by helping new engineers and geologists make better, more informed decisions.
- Stay engaged with current industry challenges and perspectives from younger professionals.
- Give back to a field that has shaped your career.
- Build relationships with up-and-coming talent who may one day become collaborators, peers, or even future leaders.
Mentorship isn’t only about giving advice—it’s about building a connection and having meaningful conversations that benefit both people.
If You’re a Student or New Professional
Starting a career in cave mining can feel overwhelming. There’s a steep learning curve, and often, you’re navigating unfamiliar systems while trying to understand both technical concepts and workplace dynamics. A mentor can help you find clarity and direction when things feel uncertain.
By connecting with a mentor through CMF, you’ll gain:
- Guidance from someone who’s been where you are.
- Support during key decisions in your career.
- Real-world insights that bridge the gap between academic learning and field practice.
- A sounding board for your ideas, goals, and challenges.
- Exposure to networks and opportunities you might not discover on your own.
Mentorship can accelerate your learning, help you avoid common mistakes, and open doors that might otherwise take years to find.
How Mentorship Works in the Cave Mining Forum
CMF’s mentorship program is informal by design. There’s no rigid structure or commitment required to get started. The goal is to foster natural relationships built on shared interests, curiosity, and a willingness to connect.
You’ll find mentorship opportunities in a few key ways:
1. Dedicated Mentorship Threads
There’s a section of the forum specifically for mentorship, where experienced professionals can introduce themselves, share their background, and indicate availability to connect. Likewise, junior members are encouraged to post questions, ask for guidance, or reach out to potential mentors.
2. One-on-One Connections
After an initial conversation in the forum, many members choose to continue their mentorship relationship one-on-one—through private messaging, video calls, or even in-person meetings at industry events. The format is flexible, depending on what works best for both people.
3. Organic Conversations Across Topics
Not all mentorship starts with a formal introduction. Many relationships grow naturally through discussions in technical threads or project-based conversations. Someone answers a question or offers insight, and the conversation continues. Before you know it, a mentorship relationship has formed.
How to Become a Mentor in CMF
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, the first step is simple: show up and start sharing. Mentorship in the forum doesn’t require you to have all the answers or a formal teaching style. You just need a willingness to help others and a bit of time to engage.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Create a Clear Member Profile
Introduce yourself in your CMF profile and forum signature. Share your background, areas of expertise, and interest in mentoring. This gives potential mentees a better understanding of who you are and what they can learn from you.
2. Post in the Mentorship Section
Start a thread titled something like “Available for Mentorship – [Your Name]” and outline your experience, what topics you’re happy to discuss, and the best way for members to connect with you.
3. Engage in Discussions
Mentors don’t always wait to be asked questions. Often, the most meaningful mentorship moments happen when you contribute to ongoing discussions, offer feedback, or share a personal story. Keep an eye on student or junior threads, and jump in when you see an opportunity to help.
4. Set Boundaries and Expectations
Mentorship doesn’t need to be time-consuming. You can define the type of support you’re comfortable offering—whether it’s occasional guidance through the forum, a short call each month, or feedback on specific projects. Make sure both parties are aligned from the beginning.
What Being a Mentor Might Look Like
Mentorship in CMF can take many forms. It might be:
- Helping a student understand the trade-offs in different mine design approaches.
- Reviewing a young engineer’s presentation before they deliver it to a client or senior team.
- Answering questions about how to manage interpersonal dynamics on site.
- Offering perspective on graduate programs, certifications, or career tracks.
- Sharing stories from your own career to help others learn through real examples.
Some mentors choose to support one or two people more closely. Others take a broader approach, offering guidance across the forum. There’s no single “right” way to mentor—what matters is consistency, respect, and the desire to support others.
How to Find a Mentor in CMF
The best way to find a mentor is to be proactive, clear, and respectful. Here’s how to begin:
1. Introduce Yourself in the Forum
Post in the student or mentorship threads and share your background, what you’re studying or working on, and the kind of guidance you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to be specific—mentors appreciate knowing how they can help.
2. Look for Active Contributors
Pay attention to members who regularly share useful insight or respond thoughtfully to questions. If someone’s perspective resonates with you, reach out. Most professionals are happy to connect if approached with genuine interest.
3. Start Small
Begin with a single question or ask for feedback on something simple. You don’t need to request a long-term mentorship right away. Often, relationships build from small, consistent exchanges over time.
4. Be Respectful of Their Time
Acknowledge that mentors are volunteering their time. Be prepared, stay organized, and follow through. Over time, your professionalism and curiosity will encourage a deeper connection.
The Bigger Picture: Mentorship as a Cultural Pillar
Mentorship isn’t just a feature of the Cave Mining Forum; it’s a core part of its mission. CMF was created to bridge gaps between generations, disciplines, and sectors (see how the Mining Industry Human Resources Council supports this). There is always something to learn and something to offer, whether you’re working in operations, consulting, or academia.
When mentorship becomes part of a forum’s culture, it strengthens the entire industry:
- Students enter the workforce with more confidence and capability.
- Experienced professionals stay connected to fresh perspectives.
- Knowledge flows freely, preventing the loss of critical lessons.
- The entire cave mining community becomes more collaborative, resilient, and future-focused.
We want mentorship to be more than just guidance; we want it to also be about connection and growth.
Get Involved
If you’re ready to mentor or be mentored, the best time to start is now. Log in to the Cave Mining Forum, head to the mentorship section, and introduce yourself. You never know how one conversation could impact someone’s career—or your own.
The future of cave mining depends on professionals who are willing to share what they know, ask good questions, and learn from one another. By participating in mentorship, you’re not just advancing your career, but also shaping the future of the industry.
