Careers in mining and resources
Mining employs hundreds of thousands of Australians, many in remote areas and on fly-in fly-out rosters. The pay can be high, but so are the demands - long shifts, time away from home and strict safety rules. This guide covers the main jobs, how people get in, and what to check before you sign up for training or a job.
In short
- Mining jobs range from truck drivers and operators to electricians, fitters, engineers, geologists and support roles.
- Most jobs are in Western Australia and Queensland, often in remote areas, and many people work fly-in fly-out.
- Trades and machinery skills are in demand. Many entry roles still need relevant licences, tickets or experience.
- Safety is regulated by each state and territory, and every site has its own inductions and rules.
- Be wary of courses or agents promising guaranteed mining jobs for an up-front fee.
About the industry
The mining industry extracts coal, metal ores, oil and gas. According to Your Career, the government’s careers site:
- Most jobs are in Western Australia and Queensland, in regional or remote locations such as the Pilbara and Gladstone.
- Many employees work fly-in fly-out (FIFO).
- Post-secondary qualifications are often required.
- Most mining jobs are full-time.
Your Career shows current figures for employment, earnings and growth. Check it for the latest numbers.
Common jobs
| Area | Example roles |
|---|---|
| Operations | Truck driver, plant and machine operator, driller, miner, shotfirer |
| Trades and maintenance | Electrician, fitter, fitter and turner, diesel mechanic, boilermaker |
| Professional | Mining, mechanical and electrical engineers, geologist, surveyor, environmental scientist |
| Safety and health | Safety adviser, paramedic, occupational hygienist |
| Support | Catering, cleaning, camp management, administration, logistics |
Your Career lists truck drivers, electricians, fitters, miners, and fitters and turners as the top occupations by employment growth.
Ways in
- Trades: an apprenticeship in an electrical, mechanical or heavy-diesel trade is one of the most reliable routes. See Trades and apprenticeships.
- Traineeships and graduate programs offered by mining companies and contractors.
- Related industries first: experience operating machinery in construction, civil works, quarrying or agriculture is valued.
- Support roles: catering, cleaning and camp roles can get you on site and into the industry.
- Professional degrees in engineering, geology or environmental science, often with vacation work.
Many entry roles still ask for licences (such as a heavy vehicle licence), tickets, a clean driving record, medical checks and drug and alcohol testing.
Training and tickets
- Check courses on training.gov.au to confirm they’re nationally recognised and the provider is registered.
- Know what the job needs: some licences and inductions are specific to a state or to a site.
- Ask employers which qualifications they actually look for before you pay for training.
See Choosing courses and qualifications.
Safety
Mining has serious hazards, from heavy vehicles and machinery to working at heights and underground. Safe Work Australia notes that the Australian Government doesn’t regulate work health and safety in mining. Each state and territory does, with its own laws and mine safety regulator.
Expect site inductions, safety procedures, fitness-for-work checks, and strict rules on fatigue, drugs and alcohol. Speak up if something isn’t safe.
FIFO life
FIFO rosters vary, for example two weeks on and one week off, or eight days on and six off. Before you take a FIFO role, think about:
- Long shifts (often 12 hours) and night work
- Time away from family and friends, and how you’ll stay connected
- Camp life: shared facilities, rules and limited privacy
- Your health: sleep, fitness, food and mental health
- Money: high pay can bring high spending. Plan where it goes.
Many employers offer support programs. Free help is also available: in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Finding work
- Company career pages of mining companies and their main contractors
- Labour hire and recruitment agencies that specialise in resources
- Job boards and Workforce Australia
- Networking: many roles are filled by referral. See How to find a job.
Tailor your resume to the role, and list licences, tickets and safety training clearly. See Writing a resume that gets interviews.
Avoid job and training scams
Be wary of:
- Guaranteed jobs if you pay for a course or “placement”
- Up-front fees for job applications, uniforms or medicals arranged by a “recruiter”
- Job offers without an interview, or from personal email addresses.
Scamwatch explains how job scams work and how to report them.
Common questions
How do I get a job in mining with no experience?
Entry routes include apprenticeships and traineeships, labouring, cleaning, catering and other site support roles, and getting machinery licences and experience in construction or civil work first. Many people move into mining from related industries rather than straight from school.
What are the most common mining jobs?
Your Career lists truck drivers, electricians, fitters, miners and fitters and turners among the top occupations by employment growth. Mining also employs engineers, geologists, surveyors, operators, maintenance staff and support roles such as catering and administration.
What is FIFO work?
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) means flying to a remote site for a set roster, working long shifts and staying in camp accommodation, then flying home for your days off. Your Career notes that many mining employees work on a FIFO basis.
Should I pay for a course that guarantees a mining job?
Be very careful. No legitimate course can guarantee you a job. Check that any nationally recognised course is listed on training.gov.au, research the provider, and watch for job scams that ask for up-front fees.