WA’s peak mining lobby says operational and production roles will drive future jobs growth in the resources sector as construction slows.

There have been widespread job losses across the mining industry as companies move from a period of construction to production.

Companies have also been slashing staff numbers to cut costs.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy Emmanuel Hondros says jobs growth will now be focused on operational roles and workers should look to diversify their skill sets.

“Moving away from traditional construction and trades roles into highly skilled professional roles and operator roles that will be required as we move into the operations and production phase of this industry,” he said.

“There will be construction jobs into the future into the industry but perhaps at a slowing rate in the near future as these production roles come online and operations kick off but it’s always a good idea to improve skills.”