How to get a start in the mining industry

We find the best way to get a start in the industry is to contact the mining companies directly, or if possible look at relocating to one of the regional mining centres. In Western Australia for example the most obvious one is Kalgoorlie. In NSW the Hunter Valley and in Queensland the Bowen Basin regions have several major regional towns which act as large employment bases for the mining industry. There are often a great deal more opportunities for inexperienced people based in these centres, rather than trying to get a fly in fly out position from a capital city at the outset. Usually any roles that do become available are entry level traineeship or graduate roles and each company has their own procedures and recruitment area for these roles.

Below are a few options to get you started. Firstly it would be advantageous to complete the following (the names may vary from state to state):

• A HR-X licence (truck licence) and a current drivers licence.

Most sites will require you to have some if not all of these tickets before you will be considered for employment, however it is worth finding out the company procedures and requirements before committing to what is often costly and time consuming courses.

Some other web sites that also may be helpful are:

• www.seek.com.au
• www.jobsearch.gov.au
• www.careerone.com.au

For entry level Mobile Equipment Operator positions (Truck, Road Train, Dump Truck etc) a HR-X licence is usually a good start as this is a basic requirement of any operator position. However, with regards to specific training most companies have their own requirements and training, so it is advisable to check this before signing up for training courses.

Usually internal training and entry level positions are advertised either directly from the company or as traineeship programs. We strongly advise contacting companies direct and keeping an eye on advertisements for these type of roles.

Most larger companies usually have a graduate program set up with a certain amount of places available. We would recommend getting in touch with companies that you are interested in early as these programs can be competitive and places highly sought after. A clear and concise CV with any academic credits or related work experience is also usually required.

Occasionally we have graduate positions available, however the reality is that often companies use their internal recruitment systems to process these sorts of applicants. Taking up work experience in your chosen field during study is often a good way to get a foot in the door with companies that you would like to work for.

Not all sites require the same qualifications. It is best to check with the company offering the position, and their requirements/qualifications needed for the role, before obtaining further tickets.

Site requirements can include vehicle licences, security clearances and medicals.

Vehicle Licences

Most mine sites require you to hold a current Australian manual drivers licence. You will need to check whether this is a requirement of the role.

Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence

Check first whether this is a required qualification of the role before committing to the costs of obtaining this licence.

Security Clearances

Some mine sites will have different pre-employment security measures based on the type of mineral they are mining and their location in Australia. Should you be considered for a role through us, we will advise you if you will need to obtain any of the below:

• Throughout Australia, most mine sites will require the applicant to have a National Police Certificate (NPC).
• Other state-based security checks.

Medical Requirements

A Pre-Employment Medical and other requirements are conducted upon successful job offer. All candidates are to fulfil site medical requirements before they are allowed to work on a mine site. The pre-employment Drug & Alcohol Screen must be completed within 14 days of arriving at the mine site. If the result is older than 14 days, you will be required to perform the screen again.

Pre-Employment Medical

The Pre-Employment Medical consists of questions that determine your medical condition and fitness to undertake the duties of the role. You will be required to answer questions in relation to your:

• Lifestyle
• Physical Condition
• Personal Health History
• Previous Employment History
• Age / Weight / Height
• Blood Pressure / Heart rate

Current photo ID must be presented to the clinic.

Drug & Alcohol Screen

All sites require you to pass a screen before you are accepted to go to site. While on site, this screen is conducted randomly on a regular basis. The Drug & Alcohol Screen is supervised at all times by medical staff.

Audio Test

An Audio test will provide accurate assessment of hearing and hearing loss, to assist in determining your fitness to perform the duties of the role. A period of 16 hours quiet time (free from noisy work sites, light plane travel, loud stereo use etc) is recommended to provide an accurate result.

Lung Function Test (Spirometry)

A Spirometry assessment gives an estimate of your lung function and capacity. It may determine if respiratory issues (such as asthma) or lifestyle factors (such as smoking) need to be addressed.

Musculoskeletal Assessment / Fitness Test

This assessment examines your full range of movement, strength and physical capacity. You will be required to provide information on existing or pre-existing injuries.

Medicals and Drug/Alcohol Screening

Note that Pre-Employment Medical Results and Drug/Alcohol Screen results are only considered valid for a certain period of time before they are not considered current. Therefore, we strongly suggest finding out site requirements before organising any tests to be done. The most common situation is that once you have been offered a position you are then required to complete the Medicals and Drug/Alcohol Screen - the results of which are used as confirmation of suitability for the role and ability to work. Completing these tests prior to seeking a job does not guarantee that you will be offered a role, so the information provided is on the basis of educating you on what is expected of you.

We do find it difficult to place entry level people into the mining industry. The majority of our clients typically require experienced employees who can seamlessly integrate and contribute immediately, especially when replacing someone who has recently left. Time constraints, safety considerations, and the need to maintain peak production drive this preference for experienced personnel.

However, we have observed exceptions, particularly in regional locations such as Kalgoorlie. In these areas, we have successfully placed individuals who are already based there into entry-level roles. This regional approach opens up opportunities for those willing to relocate and establish themselves in key mining centres.

If you are considering a career in the mining industry, relocating to regional mining hubs like Kalgoorlie, the Hunter Valley, or Bowen Basin could enhance your chances of securing entry-level positions. This approach proves more effective than seeking fly-in-fly-out positions from capital cities, especially at the outset of your mining career.

Our best advice for those aspiring to kickstart their journey in the industry is to proactively reach out to mining companies directly. Each company operates with its own procedures and recruitment areas specifically designed for entry-level roles. By establishing direct contact, you not only demonstrate initiative but also gain valuable insights into the company's requirements, increasing your chances of securing a role that aligns with your skills and aspirations.

Occasionally we have graduate positions available; however larger mining companies usually have a graduate program set up with a certain amount of places available. Work experience in your chosen field during study is often a good way to get a foot in the door and again, companies set up their own programs for these types of roles. We would recommend getting in touch with companies that you are interested in early as these programs can be competitive and places highly sought after.

Rules and regulations for working in Australia are governed by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and are quite complex. Because of this we are unable to give you accurate advice. We suggest that you have a look at the Australian Immigration website. However, there are two ways in which we may be able to help you get work in Australia:

1. If you were to come out to Australia on a temporary working visa AND you have mining skills and experience we may be able to find you work.
2. Getting sponsored by your employer: We do not do this directly, and mining companies will generally only do this for senior roles or for people with specialised or hard-to-find skills as it is quite an expensive process. We suggest you contact some of the major Australian mining companies directly as they may be able to give you more advice.

Yes, the following websites represent tertiary institutions that run specialised mining industry courses:

• West Australian School of Mines
• University of Adelaide
• University of New South Wales
• University of Wollongong
• University of Ballarat
• University of Newcastle
• University of Queensland
• University of WA
• Murdoch University
• Griffith University
• Curtin University

In addition to this, there are major universities in most Australian capital cities also running mining industry courses, either for 1st and 2nd year or, in some limited cases, for the full course length. The list above though is a good start.