Chilean mining sector faces recruitment hurdles due to drug testing

The Chilean mining sector is facing recruitment challenges as candidates increasingly withdraw from selection processes upon learning they must undergo mandatory drug testing. According to Wyser, an executive search firm under Gi Group Holding, some clients have reported that up to 70% of applicants fail to reach the job offer stage due to failed pre-employment drug screenings.

Francia Carlsson, head of energy at Wyser, noted that the issue is particularly prevalent in northern Chile and has also been observed in Santiago. The phenomenon is most concentrated in entry-level and mid-to-low responsibility positions within mining companies, engineering firms, and construction providers. Some candidates withdraw from the process entirely before even taking the test, citing changes in expectations or personal reasons once the requirement is disclosed.