How To Get A Job In The Australian Mines?

Getting a job in the mines can be lucrative because mining is big business in Australia. Resources companies like BHP, Woodside, and Rio Tinto make up a significant proportion of the Australian stock market’s value, and our precious commodities contribute strongly to Australia’s export earnings.

The mining industry delivers the highest weekly income in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Mining also pays well due to the risk, remote locations and demanding work schedules employees must accept.

How can you pursue a six-figure mining salary with minimal industry experience? Discover how to get into mining jobs in Australia.

Which Professions Do Mines Employ?

The workforce needed on mine sites is varied, from exploration to extraction and processing to closing down mine sites.

Mining companies want employees with technical, scientific, and trades-based skills, which can include:

What If You Lack Pre-Requisite Skills?

If you don’t have a degree qualification, professional experience or a trade, you can still get a job in the mining industry.

Additionally, inexperienced workers are often hired to ensure mining camps run smoothly. Roles in hospitality and cleaning are almost always available.

What Are The Requirements For Mining Jobs?

Regardless of the job, if you’re looking for a mining job that involves on-site work, you’ll need to:

This is the bare minimum.

Requirements For Entry-Level Mining Jobs.

Even entry level roles like trades assistants, truck drivers or plant operators may also require basic certifications. For example:

Some mines may offer on-the-job training in specific machinery like boggers, coal cutters, and draglines. But you’ll stand apart if you can demonstrate on your resume that you’ve got experience with heavy machinery or equipment operation.

Requirements For Skilled Mining Jobs.

Skilled professions and tradespeople are more in demand, but you’ll still need an exhaustive list of qualifications, certifications and tickets.

Let’s say you’re an experienced electrician but you’ve only worked in residential settings.

In addition to being a licensed electrician in the state you’re seeking to work in, you’ll have a better shot at landing a mining gig if you also possess:

Where To Find Mining Jobs?

Mining jobs are advertised on job boards like Seek, LinkedIn and CareerOne. But if you don’t have a sought-after qualification or years of experience in mining, you’ll need to work harder to get into the mines.

Here are three steps to help you find mining work.

1. Mine Your Mining Contacts.

Knowing someone already in the industry can be helpful. If you have a friend, relative, or former workmate who has a connection in the mining industry, ask if they’ll refer you.

Otherwise, consider joining networking events where you can potentially meet mine managers or supervisors, or people who recruit on their behalf.

2. Move Closer To Mines.

While fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) is a thing — it’s designed to make on-site work more appealing to experienced workers.

For many jobs, your proximity to mining operations does matter.

If you’re not living in WA yet, you’re a less attractive candidate for a remote Western Australian mine. Consider whether you can move states or closer to a mining town.

Living within a remote community that supports a nearby mine can make it easier to find entry-level roles through labour hire companies looking to fill positions quickly.

3. Build Relevant Mine Site Experience.

Getting any experience on a mine site and having been through a company’s induction process previously gives you a huge advantage, so securing short-term contracts and backfill positions is a great place to start.

You can look for work via:

Labour hire companies that specialise in mining workforces include:

Common FAQs About Jobs In The Mines.

Getting a mining job can take time and perseverance. Make sure you understand what you’re working towards — here are answers to common questions people have about joining the mining industry.

What’s It Like Working In The Mines?

Maybe you’ve seen a clip on social media glamourising the on-site mining lifestyle.

Many camps now boast comfortable accomodations; extensive facilities like entertainment rooms, gym and pool; and great food with diverse and tasty options.

But the fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) lifestyle is also notoriously hard.

Some downsides to working on-site at mines to consider:

What Can You Earn In An Entry Level Mining Job?

Entry-level roles typically pay more than average, but it’s unrealistic to expect big bucks for unskilled or temporary work.

Once you’ve got a foot in the door and demonstrated your ability to work hard and be dependable, you can move into higher-paying and more permanent positions.

What’s It Like For Women Working On Mine Sites?

Mines in Australia are equal opportunity employers and many specifically seek to bolster the number of women in their ranks through hiring, special programs and mentoring support.

No industry can guarantee you won’t be exposed to these risks—but mine sites may be more intimidating for women than other workplaces.

Get Ahead With A Job In Mining.

By getting into the mines, you can get ahead financially if you secure a high-paying role.

To get the best mining jobs without years of experience, be prepared to develop your skills and patiently earn a reputation in the industry through temporary or contract roles.

Jody