BRAVUS AND MACKELLAR KICK START MINING CAREERS

Bravus Mining & Resources and its principal contractor MacKellar are giving 60 regional Queenslanders a ticket to a career in the mining industry through paid, haul truck operator traineeships.

Bravus CEO David Boshoff said as the Carmichael Mine moves closer to exporting first coal, we’re providing opportunities for new-to-industry recruits who want to get their foot in the door.

“Through our mining services contractor MacKellar, we’re offering a paid, structured training program for regional Queenslanders wanting to give coal mining a crack,” Mr Boshoff said.

“Since we kicked off construction in June 2019, we have been taking expressions of interest for greenskins, that is people who have never worked in the industry before, and we’re at the point where we’re ready to welcome them on board.

“Our team has been sifting through thousands of applications and we’re set to have our first intake of trainees competent and confident to jump in a haul truck early in the new year.

“So whether you are a hairdresser or a hospitality worker and you’ve always dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a beautiful big yellow Caterpillar haul truck, then this is your chance!”

Mr Boshoff said it had always been Bravus’ intention to provide job opportunities for all regional Queenslanders interested in getting a start the resources sector and this was another demonstration of that commitment.

“Through construction of our mine and rail project, we’re proud to have been able to put 2,600+ people in work and keep contractors going throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with more than $1 billion paid directly to regional Queensland businesses,” he said.

“We have recently recruited a further 280 experienced workers across disciplines including haul truck drivers, maintenance workers and other trade and operational roles with more to come online soon.

“Onsite jobs will continue to operate as FIFO roles from our primary recruitment hubs of Rockhampton and Townsville. We will also be drawing from other central and north Queensland regions including Clermont, Moranbah, Emerald and Charters Towers.”

Bravus is on track to export first coal in 2021.