Choose a career that makes an impact.

289k

People employed directly in the resource industry in 2021-22.

$2733

The average full-time weekly wage in the resources industry in 2021.

Vital for renewables

Renewable energy solutions are driving demand for natural resources. Australia is fast becoming the supplier of choice for a low carbon future with silver, silicon, copper, lithium and more being essential for the manufacturing of solar panels, electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Advances in technology

AI, big data, automation and connectivity are core business for mining today. Technology makes workplaces safer and healthier, and is enabling industry to employ more people in roles ranging from virtual reality to mechatronics and environmental advancements.

Alex Bertram

Manager of Digital Operations // Previously worked in analytics

“The mining industry in Australia is leading the way using technology to make front line work safer, easier and more inclusive.”

Kiara Reddingius

Community and Environmental Liaison // Previously worked in teaching and elite sports

“School doesn’t teach you that there are more jobs out there than being a lawyer, doctor, engineer or a nurse. Do the work to find out what you need and talk to the right people. I didn’t know this job existed and it actually fits me perfectly.”

James Cowin

Senior Mining Engineer // Previously worked in partnerships coordination

“For whatever role I played, I’m proud to say that person is still working in the mining industry to this day. I would encourage people not to feel afraid of being part of the mining
industry because they identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community.”

Claudia Haugg

Digital Integrated Mine Researcher // Previously worked in analytics

“As a mechatronics engineer with a love of technology, it’s an absolute dream come true to be part of innovating future technologies with a world leader in mining automation. I’ve had the opportunity to apply my skills to a variety of autonomous fields within the business. Tech terms like machine learning and AI are all involved with my day-to-day work.”

Alex Bertram

Manager of Digital Operations // Previously worked in analytics

“The mining industry in Australia is leading the way using technology to make front line work safer, easier and more inclusive.”

Kiara Reddingius

Community and Environmental Liaison // Previously worked in teaching and elite sports

“School doesn’t teach you that there are more jobs out there than being a lawyer, doctor, engineer or a nurse. Do the work to find out what you need and talk to the right people. I didn’t know this job existed and it actually fits me perfectly.”

James Cowin

Senior Mining Engineer // Previously worked in partnerships coordination

“For whatever role I played, I’m proud to say that person is still working in the mining industry to this day. I would encourage people not to feel afraid of being part of the mining
industry because they identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community.”

Claudia Haugg

Digital Integrated Mine Researcher // Previously worked in analytics

“As a mechatronics engineer with a love of technology, it’s an absolute dream come true to be part of innovating future technologies with a world leader in mining automation. I’ve had the opportunity to apply my skills to a variety of autonomous fields within the business. Tech terms like machine learning and AI are all involved with my day-to-day work.”

Find the job that's right for you

Metallurgists

Graduate

$56k - $110k

Experienced

$85k - $155k

Role: Metallurgists

Metallurgists oversee all aspects and processes used in extracting metals from their ores, and processes used to create metals and alloys for products.

Opportunities

Metallurgists are essential to extract, process and refine metals and minerals so future demand is strong.

Other industries

Oil and gas, manufacturing and professional, scientific, technical services.

Primary education pathways

  • University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering)
  • Curtin University – Bachelor of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Science Honours

Other pathways are available through a bachelor degree in science or engineering, majoring in metallurgy or chemical engineering. An honours year may be required, depending on the specific degree. Postgraduate courses in metallurgy are also available. More pathways are available here.

Electrician

Graduate

$52k

Experienced

$76k - $180k

Electrician

Design, install, repair and safely maintain electrical systems and equipment.

Opportunities

Be part of the electrification of mine sites and equipment.

Other industries

Construction.

Primary education pathway

  • Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician through a vocational educational provider – with opportunities for recognition of prior learning.

Environmental Officer

Graduate

$61k

Experienced

$160k

Role: Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study, assess and develop methods to minimise the effects of mining on the environment and support land management and rehabilitation programs.

Opportunities

Contribute to the delivery and monitoring of environmentally sound operations at all stages of the mine lifecycle.

Other Indsutries

Arts and Recreation Services; Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services; Professional, Scientific, Technical Services; Public Administration and Safety.

Primary education pathways

  • Environmental Science Degree
  • Applied Science Degree with a major in environmental science, natural
    resource management, geography, marine science or related field.

Geologist

Graduate

$53k - $130k

Experienced

$103k - $260k

ROLE: Geologists

Geologists study the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth.

Opportunities

Geologists lead the discovery of new ore bodies.

Other Indsutries

Construction

Primary education pathways

  • Bachelor of Geology – James Cook University
  • Bachelor of Science – University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Applied Geology – Curtin University
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) University of New South Wales
  • Bachelor of GeoScience – University of New England
  • Bachelor of Science – University of Adelaide

More pathways are available here.

Mining Engineer

Graduate

$56k - $122k

Experienced

$122k - $153k

Role: Mining Engineer

Plan and direct the engineering aspects of locating and extracting minerals, petroleum and natural gas from the earth.

Opportunities

Mining engineers are critical to ongoing operations so future demand is strong.

Other Indsutries

Oil and gas, civil consturction, manufacturing, and professional, scientific, technical services.

Primary education pathways

  • University of New South Wales –Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours)
  • University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • Curtin University – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (Mining)
  • University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) (Honours)
  • University of Wollongong – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • Federation University – Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) (Honours)
  • Monash University – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • University of Western Australia – Bachelor of Science (Engineering Science)
  • Central Queensland University – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Other pathways are available here.

Data Analyst

Graduate

$56k - $122k

Experienced

$122k - $153k

Role: Data Analyst

Data analysts identify, collect and analyse data to improve decision making across a diverse range of mining systems to improve efficiencies and gain a competitive advantage.

Opportunities

Be part of the data-driven solutions that deliver improvements to safety, productivity and profitability.

Other Indsutries

Cyber security, oil and gas, manufacturing, professional, scientific, technical services, telecommunications, transportation and logistics and healthcare.

Primary education pathways

  • A degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, information management, finance or economics.

Dump Truck Operator

Graduate

$61k

Experienced

$160k

Role: Dump Truck Operator

Transporting raw materials on site, from one site to another in a localised area. Duties may include cleaning the truck, performing daily vehicle checks, and verifying material weight.

Opportunities

Dump truck operators ensure the safe transportation of large amounts of materials on a mine site. Exposure to different truck types and sizes builds highly transferable skills across many industries.

Other Indsutries

Manufacturing, construction, electricity, gas, water, waste services, wholesale trade, transport, postal and warehousing.

Requirments

  • Drivers licence (potentially a HR or MR licence depending on vehicle)
  • Construction induction card – depending on state
  • Relevant courses from the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package delivered through a vocational education provider.

Video library

Why work in mining?

30 Things: The Futurist

What surprised you about the mining industry?

Join us and make a difference

30 Things

What do you love about your job in mining?

Before it was yours, it was mined

Learn about the future of mining, and the opportunities that awaits

More Resources

Page

Make Your Career In Mining: A Guide

Take a look at our comprehensive careers guide that covers trade and tertiary roles

Read

Page

Recruitment Websites

Take a look at our member company recruitment websites to kickstart your career in mining

Read

PDF

30 Things: The Futurist Edition

Whatever shape the future takes, Australia’s minerals industry will be at the forefront of making the imaginable possible

Download

Curious for more about careers?

skills@minerals.org.au