A project examined the skills gap within the mining industry, identified and prioritized skills common to all jobs and occupations, and provided insight into skills that workers are likely to need in the future. The research for the basic skills needs assessment was conducted from June-October 1993 at INCO's Manitoba Division Operations in Thompson, Manitoba. The following techniques were used: basic skills survey, basic skills task analysis, basic skills assessment, and workplace reading materials assessment. The survey examined the reading, mathematics, communications, and productive thinking skills of 317 employees. Data were analyzed to determine the critical, essential, and important workplace literacy skills based on the percentage and frequency of use. The majority of reading materials were beyond the reading comprehension levels of the majority of participants. Employees were interested in and willing to improve their basic skill levels. Increased demands on employees' basic workplace skills had the most impact on those who moved from one work area to another and who had recently gained supervisory positions. The largest barrier to worker participation in upgrading programs was the shift work inherent in the industry. General recommendations were as follows: a distinction between teaching of basic skills and task-specific training; inclusion of shift workers as a priority; and inclusion of English as a second language. (Appendixes include the survey instrument and list of 11 references.) (YLB)