Will my criminal record affect my mining career?

Career advice
FIFO

January 16, 2024

Having a criminal record makes getting a job difficult. So how do you get a mining job if you have a record?

Can You Get a Mining Job with a Criminal Record?

Anyone with a criminal record knows it can often throw up barriers, even when they’ve worked hard to turn things around.

If your criminal record is something from years ago or something you’re working to move past, finding employment can be tough. More than it is for others with similar skills.

So, what about the mining industry? Will a criminal record stop you getting a FIFO mining job?

Not necessarily.

Which Offences Might Prevent You from Working in Mining?

You’ve probably already guessed. The answer isn’t always black-and-white.

Firstly, here are some of the sorts of criminal histories that might cause a problem:

Murder
Rape
Assault
Stealing
Fraud
Serious driving-related charges (especially if you’re going for a job that involves driving)
Serious drug offences.

How Mining Companies Handle Background Checks

Keep in mind that every mining company and mine site has its own rules about which convictions they accept and which they do not. According to Shane Moore, MPI’s General Manager for Client Services and Major Project Delivery:

“If there's uncertainty about whether a police clearance will be accepted or denied, they'll be decided by senior management on site,” he says. “If any offences have taken place over the last 10 years, they'll be scrutinised.”

And that’s the next big factor to consider: when was the criminal record earned?

What to do if Your Record is Over 10 Years Old

When you apply for a mining job, employers will ask you for a National Police Certificate. But that doesn’t always have to be problematic.

If it has been more than 10 years from the date the charges were listed, you can request the charges be removed. Many people either don’t know this or just don’t bother to do it.

Having your old criminal record removed is slightly different in each state. In WA, you can apply for a “spent conviction.” This limits the disclosure of older crimes (although it doesn’t actually remove it from your full criminal record.)

It would, however, disappear from your National Police Certificate. But even then, it’s not straightforward. (Your most recent conviction must be more than 10 years or have had a fine of less than $500, including traffic fines.)

A quick Google search will help you find out how to go about it in your state. It’ll likely be on your state’s police, legal aid, or justice department website. And depending on the jurisdiction, there’s also Federal Police.

So, that might help you if your charges are old, but what if they’re not?

How to Talk to Recruiters About Your Criminal History

If you have a criminal history, be honest.

“Be upfront and explain the charges and situation to recruiters. They can discuss with the client before progressing the application,” Shane says. “That way, they can find out if it would be acceptable or not.”