The mining industry is diverse and offers many worldwide job opportunities.

Mining is one of Australia’s most important industries, especially in QLD and WA.

However, a career in mining is no easy feat. Here are some things you should know about the mining industry before you decide it’s the career for you.

Careers in mining

You’ll likely be away from home

If you want to pursue a career in mining, expect to move away from home, often to regional areas – you may not even have heard of them! A mining location is a unique experience. Often you will be living ‘on site’ and this can take some adjusting.

You’ll work long hours

Mining can pay well, but you have to work for it. Most mining activities run over a period of 10-14 days and 10-12 hour shifts. There will be days off which will vary depending on your roster but there is no sugarcoating it, mining is hard work and takes commitment.

Men and women both work in the mines

20% of mining workers in Australia are women and this number is growing. No longer is mining a ‘mans world’.

Qualified or skilled workers have a better chance of landing a job.

There is a broad range of mining jobs available; some require qualifications and/or experience, some put you through on the job training and some require no qualifications or experience whatsoever. However, the better paying jobs will require some level of qualifications and/or experience.

If you have decided that you want to pursue a career in mining, the first step is to ascertain what skills you need for the job and what qualifications you can get that will make your application stand out from the crowd.

You don’t need to get a full trade, but up skilling in certain areas that are desirable in the industry is a good idea.

Courses such as Construction White Card, Working at Heights, EWP and Electrical Spotters, to name a few, will all look good on your resume!

Is a career in Mining right for you?