How to get a start in the Australian mining industry

The best way to start in the industry is to reach out to mining companies. You might also consider moving to a regional mining area. 

In Western Australia, the most obvious is Kalgoorlie. In NSW, the Hunter Valley and in Queensland, the Bowen Basin regions have several major regional towns. These towns provide many jobs in the mining industry. There are often more job opportunities for new workers in these areas. It's better than trying to get a fly-in, fly-out job from a big city right away.

Most available roles are entry-level trainee or graduate positions. Each company has its own process and area for hiring for these jobs.

Here 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.

Many companies will ask for some or all of these tickets before you can get a job. It's important to check the company's rules and needs first. This can save you from spending time and money on courses that may not be needed.

Some other web sites that also may be helpful are:

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

To apply for entry-level Mobile Equipment Operator jobs (Truck, Road Train, Dump Truck etc), you typically need an HR-X licence. This licence is often a basic requirement for these mining jobs.  However, most companies have their own requirements and training, so it's a good idea 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 directly and keeping an eye on job advertisements.

Most larger companies have graduate programs set up with a certain amount of places available. We suggest contacting companies you like early. These programs can be competitive, and spots are often in high demand. A clear and concise CV with any academic credits or related work experience is also usually required.

Sometimes we have graduate jobs open. But many companies often use their own hiring systems for these applicants. Getting work experience in your field while studying is a smart way to start your career with companies you want to join.

Not all sites require the same qualifications. It's important to ask the company about the job and what qualifications they need before getting more 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

First, check if this license is a required qualification for the role before spending money to get it.

Security Clearances

Some mining sites have different security checks before hiring workers. These checks depend on the type of mineral being mined and where the site is located in Australia. Should you be considered for a role through us, we'll advise you if you'll 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're 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'll need to perform the screen again.

Pre-Employment Medical

The Pre-Employment Medical includes questions about your health. This helps decide if you can do the job well. You'll 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 check your hearing and any hearing loss. This'll help to see if you can do the job well. It's recommended you have 16 hours of quiet time. This means no loud work, plane travel, or loud music. This helps to get a correct result.

Lung Function Test (Spirometry)

A Spirometry assessment gives an estimate of your lung function and capacity. It can help find out if breathing problems, like asthma, or lifestyle choices, like smoking, need attention.

Musculoskeletal Assessment / Fitness Test

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

Medicals and Drug/Alcohol Screening

Please note that Pre-Employment Medical Results and Drug/Alcohol Screen results are only valid for a specific time. After that, they're no longer current. Therefore, we strongly suggest finding out site requirements before organising any tests to be done. Usually, after you get a verbal job offer, you'll have to take a medical exam and a drug/alcohol test. The results help confirm that you're fit for the job and can work safely.

Taking these tests before looking for a job does not ensure that you'll get a position. This information is meant to help you understand what's expected.

We often find it difficult placing 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's recently left. Time constraints, safety considerations, and the need to maintain peak production drive this preference for experienced personnel.

However, we've seen exceptions, particularly in regional locations such as Kalgoorlie. In these areas, we've 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 want to work in mining, moving to areas like Kalgoorlie, the Hunter Valley, or Bowen Basin can help you find entry-level jobs. This method works better than looking for short-term jobs in big cities, especially when you're starting your mining career.

Our best advice for people who want to start in the industry is to contact mining companies directly. Each company operates with its own procedures and recruitment areas specifically designed for entry-level roles. By making direct contact, you show that you take action. You also learn more about what the company needs. This can help you find a job that fits your skills and goals.

Occasionally, we have graduate positions available; however larger mining companies usually have a graduate program set up with a certain amount of places available. Gaining work experience in your field while studying can help you get a job later. Many companies have their own programs for these positions. We'd recommend getting in touch with companies that you are interested in early, as these programs can be competitive and places highly sought after.

The rules for working in Australia are managed by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs. They can be quite complicated. Because of this, we're unable to give you accurate advice. We suggest that you visit 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 don’t do this directly. Mining companies usually only support senior roles or people with special skills because it costs a lot of money. We suggest you contact some of the major Australian mining companies directly. 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

Also, most Australian capital cities have major universities that offer mining industry courses. These courses are available for first and second-year students, and in some cases, for the entire length of the program. The list above is a good start.