Lyla Lindsey
Mining jobs in Australia are well-paid and often come with additional benefits such as discounted or free accommodation and lots of time off to recover and relax. While it is challenging to get a mining job in Australia without experience, it is not impossible. Qualifications in engineering, construction, geology, or mining will make it easier to find a job in the mines, and having a trade is also a valuable skill. In addition to traineeships and apprenticeships, there are pathways through vocational education in mining and drilling. For those without experience, it is worth getting a Construction White Card, which is cheap and easy to obtain, and networking with people who work on mining sites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salary | Average mining salary in Australia: $90,000+ per year for entry-level positions and $165,000+ per year for experienced workers. |
| Work Schedule | 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off or 1 week on, 1 week off. |
| Accommodation | Depending on the mining site, accommodation may be free or discounted. |
| Qualifications | Qualifications in engineering, construction, geology, or mining are advantageous. A trade is also a useful skill. |
| Experience | Experience requirements vary depending on the role and mine. Entry-level positions are available. |
| Licenses and Training | Certain licenses and training ("tickets") are required for specific mining jobs. Some tickets are expensive and not all are valid in different states. |
| Visa | Working in the mines can count towards eligible days for second and third-year visas. |
| Networking | Networking is important for finding mining jobs. Talking to people who work on mining sites and contacting expats from your country who work in the mines can be helpful. |
| Medical and Security Requirements | A pre-employment medical and drug/alcohol screen are typically required. A National Police Certificate (NPC) and other state-based security checks may also be necessary. |
| Sponsorship | Mining companies may sponsor senior roles or individuals with specialized or hard-to-find skills, but this is generally expensive for the company. |
| Education | Undergraduate or postgraduate courses in mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, metallurgy, or surveying can be advantageous. |
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What You'll Learn
Qualifications, experience and licences
Qualifications, experience, and licences are important factors when looking for a job in the mines in Australia. While some jobs may not require any prior experience, others may ask for at least 12 months of experience operating machinery on a mine site. Entry-level positions are available, but the experience required varies based on the role and mine. For example, some jobs may require labouring experience, while others may not.
Having qualifications in engineering, construction, geology, or mining will make it easier to find a job in the mines. A Construction White Card is a useful minimum qualification to have, as it is cheap and easy to obtain. Additionally, qualifications in complementary industries such as construction and infrastructure can be transferred to the mining sector. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mining are also available, as well as vocational education in mining and drilling.
Honours or Master's degrees can also be beneficial, especially if they are relevant to a company's projects. Some jobs may require you to have completed specific training, such as a two-to-three-day intensive course that covers workplace communication, first aid, compliance with WHS policies, and local risk control.
In addition to qualifications and experience, you may need special licences or "tickets" to work in the mines. These can include licences to operate loaders, excavators, water vehicles, trucks, cranes, and more. A driver's licence may also be required for certain roles. Some licences can be expensive, so it is recommended to secure a job first and then obtain the necessary licences.
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Job vacancies and recruitment agencies
Mining jobs in Australia are well-paid, with the average salary being around $90,000+ per year for entry-level positions and $165,000+ per year for experienced workers. Most mining jobs in Australia work on a 2-week on 2-week off or 1-week on 1-week off schedule, meaning you get lots of time off to recover and relax.
To get a mining job in Australia, you can either contact the mining companies directly or look at relocating to one of the regional mining centres, such as Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, or the Bowen Basin regions in Queensland. There are often more opportunities for inexperienced people in these centres than in capital cities.
If you don't have any experience, it is still possible to get a mining job, but it is more challenging. In this case, it is recommended to get a trade such as electrician, welder/boilermaker, mechanic, or plumber, or a degree in mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, or metallurgy. You can also look for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training, such as dump truck traineeships or driller's offsider roles.
To find job vacancies, you can check company websites, online job listings, and recruitment agencies that specialise in the mining sector. Networking is also an important aspect of finding a job in the mining industry. You can attend industry conferences and events, join networking groups, and connect with people on LinkedIn.
When applying for mining jobs, it is important to note that most mine sites will require a National Police Certificate (NPC) and other security checks, as well as a pre-employment medical and drug/alcohol screen. Make sure you fulfil all the site requirements before applying.
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Networking and connections
Networking is a powerful tool when it comes to finding a job in the mines in Australia. Here are some strategies to help you build a solid network and increase your chances of landing a mining job:
Talk to People in the Industry
Speak to people already working on mining sites, especially if you don't have any prior experience or qualifications. Ask around, including at hostels, as someone may have connections to the mining industry or might even be working in the mines themselves. Expats from your country who work in the mines can be a great source of information and guidance. They can advise you on who to contact and what steps to take. Don't be shy to ask as many people as possible.
Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Networking events, industry conferences, and career fairs are excellent opportunities to connect with professionals in the mining industry. AusIMM, for example, holds networking events and student chapter events throughout the year, where you can interact directly with company representatives. Participating in such events can provide valuable insights and help you expand your network.
University Connections
If you're a student or a recent graduate, take advantage of your university's industry connections. University departments often have relationships with companies and may be notified when these companies are hiring graduates. Keep an eye on university job boards, attend career fairs, and industry nights organised by your department. These events can be excellent platforms to meet potential employers and showcase your interest in the mining industry.
Online Presence
Maintain a strong online presence, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Connect with individuals already working in the industry, and don't hesitate to join online communities or groups focused on mining in Australia. This can keep you informed about job opportunities and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the sector.
Contact Companies Directly
Don't hesitate to contact mining companies directly. Express your interest in working in the industry and inquire about any upcoming vacancies or graduate programs. Some companies may offer valuable advice or even direct you to specific departments or roles that align with your skills and qualifications.
Relocating to Regional Mining Centres
Consider relocating to regional mining centres, such as Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, or the Bowen Basin regions in Queensland. These areas serve as significant employment hubs for the mining industry, and being physically present in these regions can increase your chances of finding entry-level opportunities or graduate roles.
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Salary and benefits
The mining industry in Australia is known for its above-average salaries. The average mining salary in the country is around $90,000+ per year for entry-level positions and $165,000+ per year for experienced workers. Median earnings are $2,649 per week, higher than all industries' median earnings of $1,700. Some roles, such as Sample Preparation Assistant positions, offer an Incentive Allowance where you get paid just for showing up for work.
Many mining jobs in Australia offer discounted or free accommodation. This benefit can help you save a significant amount of money, as you won't have to worry about finding and paying for housing on your own. Shutdowns, or temporary closures of mining sites for upgrades, maintenance, or repairs, often lead to temporary employment opportunities. These positions can be a great way to get your foot in the door and don't require a full-time commitment.
Most mining jobs in Australia work on a 2-week on, 2-week off, or 1-week on, 1-week off schedule. This means you'll have ample time off to recover and relax between work periods. In some cases, this time off can also count towards your eligible visa days if you're looking to obtain a second or third-year visa.
While qualifications and experience in fields like engineering, construction, geology, or mining can make it easier to find a job in the mines, there are still plenty of entry-level positions available that offer attractive pay rates and the opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills. Some jobs may require specific licences and training, often referred to as a "ticket". It's important to check the requirements for the role you're interested in, as obtaining these tickets can be expensive and may not be valid in different states.
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Health and safety checks
Health and safety are paramount in the mining industry. Mining is physically demanding and dangerous, even with health and safety measures in place. Therefore, workers need to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment to ensure they are fit and healthy and to minimise the risk of workplace injuries. This is a legal requirement governed by occupational health and safety laws, state-specific mining regulations, and industry standards. The medical assessment may include driving, vision and hearing tests, and physical fitness tests. Some employers may also require drug and alcohol testing.
In addition to the medical assessment, most sites in Australia require applicants to have a National Police Certificate (NPC) at a minimum. Some sites may also require security clearance, depending on the location of the site and what is being mined.
To work in the mines, you must be at least 18 years old, although you can start at 16 years old if you take on an apprenticeship or traineeship. There is no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy and able to fulfil the role's requirements.
Some specific employers may require you to undertake their own company training. However, there are also some general training courses that can give you an edge when applying for mining jobs. These include high-risk work licences, construction induction cards, and specific mine site induction programs. Well-trained machine operators are often in high demand in the mines, so licences to operate loaders, excavators, water vehicles, cranes, and other machinery can be very useful.
Experience in health and safety in an industrial environment is highly regarded, especially in heavy industry, aerodromes, hospitality, and food safety. Safety auditing qualifications and demonstrated experience in data analysis, trending, and reporting are also desirable.
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Frequently asked questions
Qualifications vary depending on the type of role and mine. Having qualifications in engineering, construction, geology, or mining will make it easier to find a job in the mines. A trade skill is also a useful asset. A degree in mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, metallurgy, or surveying can help you land a role in Australian mining.
The average mining salary in Australia is around $90,000+ per year for entry-level positions and $165,000+ per year for experienced workers. Some roles offer remuneration of $110,000 - $130,000 + bonuses + superannuation.
Networking is key. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and attend industry events to meet people in the industry. Consider moving to a regional mining centre such as Kalgoorlie in Western Australia or the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, as there may be more opportunities for inexperienced people in these centres. Contact mining companies directly to inquire about vacancies and reach out to recruitment companies that specialise in the mining sector.
