There are some very good reasons to work in the mining industry, and here’s just a few:
• Demand for employees is likely to grow by 6% over next 5 years
• There are 280,000 people employee in the mining industry
• Mining companies are investing heavily in their people, including upskilling, better defined career pathways and a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion
• According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, workers in the mining industry are Australia’s top earners
• In 2022, average weekly earnings were $145,000 per year, which is over 60% higher than the average annual salary.
Tips for Mining Job Seekers
On a regular basis, it’s a good idea to check online recruitment websites, as these will always be used by employers. Check as many recruitment sites as you can, including miningjobs.com.au. Also check the career websites of employers. Consider registering your details with these websites, so that you can be automatically notified about new positions being listed.
Be proactive in seeking employment by approaching employers directly (e.g. by email or registering your details in their online talent pool), checking social media, including Jobs Groups on social platforms like Facebook.
Where possible, be flexible with your availability and spotlight your transferable skills and experience. If you can, give examples from your work history which highlight these skills
Take time to update your résumé and cover letters and upload them to appropriate job sites and employer career website. Take care to make sure they are error-free!
Career Insights and Candidate Experience
If you are fascinated by the process of extracting minerals from the earth, are mathematically-minded with keen problem-solving abilities, would enjoy the challenge of operating big machinery, or want to be part of the discovery of the next oil field, then the Mining Industry is definitely a sector you should be exploring on your journey to discover a career.
The Mining Industry has been a powerful driver of the Australian economy for some time, having experienced some of the fastest industry job-growth rates over the past ten years, and there are predictions of further growth. The Mining sector employs people from a range of skill sets, and some roles offer the chance for travel interstate, or even abroad to work for companies that have interests overseas.
Training & Qualifications
Training and study options for this industry can take place via Apprenticeships and Traineeships (including some limited school-based options), VET and university pathways. Qualifications can give you the skills to work with specific tools and production techniques.
Useful Links
FIFO Mining Jobs
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) is a method of employing people in remote areas by flying them temporarily to the work site instead of relocating employees and their families permanently.
Usually, a fly-in fly-out or drive-in drive out (DIDO) job involves working a long shift, up to 12 hours each day. Rosters vary between employers and mine sites, and may range from 8 days on with 6 days off (8/6) to splits like 9/5, 14/7/ 14/14 with all days off spent at home rather than at the work site.
In most job advertisements, the nature of the FIFO roster will be specified. There are pros and cons to a FIFO working lifestyle.
Contract & Labour Hire Mining Jobs
The mining industry also provides employment to thousands of contract, temporary and labour hire employees, spanning many mining job disciplines. In many cases, you can remain in steady, continuous employment by working one contract after another, where you may be employed directly or via a third party arrangement.
Job Types in the Mining Industry
Over 230,000 people are employed in the Australian mining industry. It provides well paid jobs for men and women, from entry level to experienced professionals in career areas like:
- Operational roles like plant operators, trades, maintenance and apprentices
- Functional roles like human resources, finance, marketing, health & safety, management
- Technical roles like engineering, geology, robotics and IT
- Supply Chain roles like logistics and procurement
Due to the nature of the mining industry, the sector comprises mainly medium and large mining employers. There are also several specialist mining recruitment agencies who manage the permanent, contract and labour hire requirements of mining companies across Australia.
Is the Mining Industry Embracing Diversity?
Many mining employers are transforming the workplace into a diverse and inclusive environment for all.
Workplace diversity refers to a work environment that employs women and men from multiple races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, age groups, and religious affiliations.
As the millennial workforce becomes the majority, and technology enables new ways of work, the mining industry is changing dramatically. An inclusive workplace is more important now than ever.
Companies who show their commitment to embracing diversity will attract more highly qualified candidates than companies who do not, thereby making them more successful. What’s more, inclusive, diverse teams are known to be safer, more productive and make better decisions.
Naturally, there is still a long way to go, but here are some of the initiatives we are seeing:
• Diversity built into talent acquisition strategies, noticeable in many of the job ads you will see for example.
• Socially conscious engagement strategies that reflect the communities where mining companies operate.
• Strategies to represent women and indigenous women in the mining industry, including more flexible work options.
• Improved opportunities for Indigenous Australians by providing training, employment and development pathways.