Australia’s mining industry is reputed to be one of the best in the world. This has come about as a result of focused and consistent technological development and innovation. The industry offers a wide range of employment opportunities to skilled and, in certain cases, to unskilled personnel as well. Mining workers are among the highest earners in Australia and skilled professionals and operators are in considerable demand.
A carefully planned mining career can turn out to be very motivating and rewarding. However, one needs to consider all aspects of mining employment in detail before arriving at a decision. Mines are usually located in remote areas and you might be required to put in long hours in challenging and hazardous environments. You will also need to follow safety instructions meticulously. Having said that, mining does offer certain advantages, which other careers do not. If you have the skills and coping mechanisms, love the outdoors and adventure, this might be the industry for you.
Most mining positions require skilled personnel, though a few openings are available to unskilled workers. Skill based employment can be broadly categorised as professional and operator / trade specific.
Professional roles are available in geoscience and engineering. In the trades and operator category, mechanical, metal and electrical tradespersons as well as skilled operators are in demand. Geoscience professionals are involved in the exploration of new sites in remote locations and the study of soil and ore bodies for mining operations. Engineers are highly sought after for mining operations as well as planning. They are paid very well and have a diverse range of roles to choose from. Highly skilled operators and mechanical and electrical trade functionaries perform critical operations in the mining industry.
Major Geoscience based roles in the mining industry are those of:
- Geophycisist – conducts soil studies and analyses to locate ground water and minerals
- Exploration Geologist – performs the critical function of exploring untapped territory and identifying mineral deposits for future mining operations
- Resource Geologist – plans and implements resource development systems and analyses ore bodies
- Mine Geologist – is involved in identifying and mapping ore bodies and grading them
- GIS Technician – provides technical support, deploying GIS systems, to discover and study mineral ore deposits
Mining Operations and Planning require diverse Engineering skills. Specialisations in demand are:
- Civil Engineer – is involved in the construction and operation of mine related structures
- Chemical Engineer – researches and develops ore extraction processes as well as alloying and casting techniques
- Mechanical Engineer – a mechanical engineer handles advanced mechanical and process plant equipment planning, design, operation and maintenance
- Electrical and Electronics Engineer – is responsible for managing the development, installation and operation of electrical systems on site
- Mining Engineer – takes care of the mechanical aspects of mineral location and extraction
- Surveyor – works in tandem with geoscience and engineering professionals to survey underground and open–cut mines
Operators perform crucial roles, which necessitate high skill levels. Essential roles are:
- Underground Miner and Open-cut Miner – they operate specialised equipment for excavation, loading and moving ore and other raw materials
- Jumbo Operator –assists in development and ground support installation
- Bogger Operator –transports or bogs ore, soil and other raw material to different points on mine sites
- Exploration Driller – handles the operation of drilling rigs and equipment
- Blast-hole Driller – is responsible for operation and maintenance of drilling rigs and equipment during open–cut and underground mining operations
- Trainee Operator –handles the safe operation and maintenance of specialised equipment
- Longwall / Continuous Miner Operator – they operate and maintain coal mining equipment to extract coal
- Mobile Plant Operator / Driver and Crane Operator – are responsible for the operation of mobile and stationary cranes as well as other equipment used in moving, lifting and placing material
Mechanical and Metal Trades have essential roles to play in mining operations support. Key roles are those of:
- Diesel Mechanic – services and tests mechanical parts and motors of heavy vehicles and equipment
- Automotive Mechanic – repairs and services vehicles used for mining operations
- Boiler Maker – is involved in the making and repair of heavy gauge metal devices
- Heavy Vehicle Mechanic – handles repairs, maintenance and testing of heavy vehicles and equipment
- Welder – is responsible for fabrication and repair of metal products using welding methods
- Maintenance Technician
Electrical Trade specialisations are required for critical functions such as:
- Electrician
- Electrical Fitter
- Maintenance Technician
The mining industry also offers employment in Management and Support functions such as:
- Accounting,
- Human Resource Development,
- Community Relations,
- Environmental Science,
- Health and Safety,
- Catering,
- Field and Laboratory Assistance.