How to get a job in the mines

Want to work in one of Australia’s highest performing and well-paid industries? Join the mining industry. Mining, energy and resources jobs are diverse, ranging from operators to world-leading technology and sustainability roles.

In mining, you’ll be part of one of the nation’s most critical industries, which contributes economic growth and export revenue. Find out how to get a job in the mines.

Mine jobs: What are mining jobs?

Mining jobs are highly sought after for the high level of expertise and skill, strong salaries and good the ability to provide a good lifestyle.

There are more than 100 mines across the country, ranging from open-cut coal mines to underground minerals extraction. But mining jobs are not just at the mine location. They include high-tech remote operations centres, management, mine rehabilitation, developing technology and engineering services, environmental processes and upholding workplace safety and environmental standards.

There are mine jobs for people from every walk of life and demand is growing. Over the last five years an additional 40,000 jobs were added in mining – including more than 2600 direct jobs and 9000 indirect roles to build the Carmichael Project – and another 5000 new apprenticeships are expected to be created in the coming years[1].

Common mining jobs include:

• Exploration geoscientist
• Geophysicist
• GIS specialist
• Hydrogeologist
• Surveyor
• Driller
• Welder
• Dragline operator
• Metallurgist
• Lab technician
• Drone specialist
• Environmental engineer
• Mine manager
• Mining engineer
• Haul truck driver
• Geologist
• Remote systems technician
• Electrician
• Diesel mechanic
• Business analyst
• Contract and procurement manager
• Training manager
• Health and safety officers
• Mechanical engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Community liaison officers
• Environmental scientist.

Entry level mining jobs

There are many paths to the mining industry. Entry level roles range from apprenticeships to vacation programs and traineeships, cadetships and graduate programs. These depend on the skills required.

Apprenticeships are generally structured, paid programs of up to four years, involving on-the-job work and formal training. Some companies offer apprenticeship programs.

The Australian Government and industry Mining Skills Organisation Pilot is tailoring specific training to improve training and job-readiness.

Carmichael Mine jobs

The Carmichael Mine is now operational after a construction period that spanned more than 18 months and employed more than 2600 people directly.

Together with mining services contractor MacKellar, Bravus offers paid, structure training programs for regional Queenslanders who want to make a start in the mining industry.

Operational roles fly in and fly out directly to the Galilee Basin mine site from central Queensland’s urban centres Rockhampton and Townsville. These cities are also the primary recruitment centres for Bravus, alongside other regional catchments including Clermont, Moranbah, Emerald and Charters Towers.

For people with experience in trades or the business of mining, there are dozens of roles listed on the Carmichael Jobs website.

Mine jobs in Australia

Mining jobs in Australia reached a near-record high in 2021 with more than 271,000 employed directly across the country[2]. This rivalled the figures from 2012 at the height of the mining boom.

As an essential industry, the mining industry continued to operate throughout the pandemic, providing critical exports and revenue.

Ongoing demand for mining workers is strong.

The National Commodity Outlook, released by the Minerals Council of Australia, highlighted the growth in resources over the coming decade, including positive growth for thermal coal and strong growth for metallurgical coal due to rising demand across Asia.

In addition, mining jobs offer a strong and secure career path. The Queensland Resources Council has also noted the sector was the state’s largest private employer of First Nations Australians and the percentage of women in the industry had increased more than 50 per cent over the last five years.

[1] https://www.minerals.org.au/make-your-career-mining-careers-guide

[2] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia-detailed/latest-release _cldee=bG91aXNlc0BxcmMub3JnLmF1&recipientid=contact-b1d000540e7be61180e6c4346bc43f98-219c6c746ab2475ea1fec4f940a69d55&esid=d2ce96ce-c6d4-eb11-bacc-00224814b922#all-data-downloads