MINING INSIGHTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
So, you want to work in mining? Here’s everything you need to know.
It’s no doubt - landing a job in the mining and resources industry is tough. The work is tougher, and the people tougher still.
We’ve gathered the best knowledge and advice from experienced industry professionals, the country’s largest agencies, and top tips from recruiters. The most common queries, popular questions, and all of your hard-hitting topics - finally answered, all in the one place.
How do I get a job in the mining industry?
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LinkedIn and Seek are the two best job listing sites. They’re most reliable for genuine listings, tend to be free from spam, and have great user interface. It’s simple to set up and maintain a profile, which you can use to easily and quickly apply to roles. Don’t worry about “missing” jobs on other sites like Indeed or Jora - listings are often duplicated across different job sites, so you don’t need to apply for everything everywhere.
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There are so, so many recruitment agencies and labour hire companies. Each have their own strengths and specialties, and you’ll hear feedback positive and negative. If you’re invested in getting in to the mining industry, recruitment/labour hire is one of the best ways in. Some of the largest, and which specialise in mining industry recruitment, include WorkPac, Hays, Sodexo, Compass and Perenti. You can create a profile with as many as you like.
Check out our comprehensive list of recruitment agencies and labour hire companies here
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Sometimes, yes. By applying directly with your dream company - for example, Rio Tinto, BHP, Glencore - you’ll be able to create a profile and be seen within their internal candidate database.
Check out our comprehensive list of mining companies, with links to their careers pages, here
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Type “entry level mining” or “trainee mining” in the search bar on job listing sites, and hit enter - yes, it’s really that simple! Large mining companies will sometimes run “new to industry” campaigns and traineeship opportunities - keep an eye out for these on LinkedIn, company websites and mailing lists.
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Entry level isn’t always driving trucks or cleaning - you’ll find a wide variety of roles, such as field assistant, lab assistant, trade assistant/TA, store person, administrator, utilities, nipper, drillers offsider and more. Make sure to read into more about these roles before starting.
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Entry-Level Positions: Many entry-level roles do not require formal qualifications. A high school diploma and a strong work ethic are often sufficient. (Note there may be state requirements, e.g. Standard 11 for Queensland, and many sites require a manual C-class Australian driver licence)
Skilled Positions: For roles like engineers, geologists and technicians, relevant degrees or certifications in mining, geology, engineering, or related fields are necessary.
Trade Roles: Trades such as electricians, mechanics and plant operators typically require certifications and apprenticeships.
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Given the competitive nature of the industry, it absolutely doesn’t hurt to show willingness to go above and beyond to stand out. Obtaining any of the following may help, depending on the roles you’re interest in: white card, first aid, CPR, heavy machinery licence, work at heights, confined space, forklift, basic rigging.
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1. Gain working experience in similar roles to those for which you are applying, for example civil construction, warehousing or trade assistant.
2. Consider relocating to a "residential" mining town.
3. Build your knowledge of mining operations, safety processes and industry news. Demonstrate this understanding during your interviews and in cover letters.
4. Start networking - create a LinkedIn profile, attend events, build your connections.
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Application: Submit a resume and cover letter. You may receive a phone call for an initial screening.
Assessment: May include aptitude tests, technical assessments, or practical tests.
Interview: A one on one or panel interview, either in person or via video call.
Medical Examination: Comprehensive medical and fitness tests are standard to measure candidate baseline health and fitness. Some may include specialised testing (blood lead levels, chest x-ray). Always includes drug and alcohol testing.
Background Check: Reference checks, police checks, and verification of qualifications and licenses.
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You will receive PPE, details of your flights, site, accommodation and more. Make sure to contact administration during this process if there is anything you are missing.
What is working in the mining industry really like?
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Yes, work in mining, especially site-based or FIFO roles, tend to pay higher than their city/suburban-based equivalents. Mining pays well because it involves physically demanding and often hazardous work in remote locations, requiring specialised skills and adherence to strict safety protocols. Additionally, the high value of extracted minerals and the industry's significant contribution to the economy enable companies to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified workers. Essentially, higher financial compensation is used to offset the inconveniences of mining work.
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• Entry level roles: Around AUD $70,000 - $90,000 per year.
• Skilled roles: Engineers, geologists, and trades can earn between AUD $100,000 - $150,000+ per year.
• Senior positions: Managers and senior technical staff can earn upwards of AUD $200,000 per year. -
• Working in remote locations, isolation, and time away from family and friends.
• Extended shifts, long hours and repetitive work, which can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring good fitness levels.
• Strict safety protocols and exposure to high risk work, up to and including fatality. -
Mine site operations typically run 24/7/365. This means day and night shift for a lot of roles - some roles may be days only, for example, administrative or management roles.
Working days are typically 12 hours, sometimes 12.5 hours. Your paid working hours do not include travel time to/from site/camp, which can vary greatly between operations. Some may have a ten minute trip from door to door, some up to 45 minutes and upward, from the time they leave camp to arriving on site and starting work.
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The most common types of mining rosters are:
• 8:6/7:7 - 8 days on, 6 off, 7 nights on, 7 off
• 5:2/4:3 - 5 days on, 2 off, 4 days on, 3 off
• 2:1 - 2 weeks on, 1 off -
Female representation is growing in the mining industry. As such, there is an increase in the support and acceptance of women working in mining. There is always legislation in place to protect everybody in the workplace, anti-discrimination laws and even company policies. A disturbing history of mistreatment, and recent increase in reports of harassment, has certainly driven employers to have some serious discussions around and take action to ensure gender equality.
Read more about gender equality in the mining industry here.
What is it like staying at a mining camp?
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You should consider how long your swing will be (7-14 days), what is already provided (bedding, facilities, meals etc), and the remote nature of site (i.e. you won't have access to regular shops). Break your list into essential/personal items, toiletries, and PPE/clothing.
Check out our FIFO Ultimate Guide, including a packing list, here.
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Carry on luggage allowance is typically 10kg per bag, and usually each person will bring just one bag up (you don't want to be lugging too much with you!). If you need more allowance for your first swing, contact your site admin, whoever sent details for your flights/travel, or supervisor. It's normally no problem to allocate more luggage allowance, and very common for new starters to bring extra items up.
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Camp accommodation isn't usually too flash - be warned, often times it is old, run down and the bare basics. Most rooms include a single bed, small bar fridge, air conditioning and wardrobe, ensuite with shower, toilet and sink.
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Some accommodation is referred to as "hoteling" meaning you'll be in a different room each time (there should be lockers for you to store items during your R&R, you can ask village admin for a key). You may have a "back to back" where you share with somebody on the opposite swing to you.
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Many camps or "villages" have a gym, maybe even a swimming pool, and recreational rooms with games, TVs and more. There could be basketball courts or meditation rooms - it really depends, but it is common for there to be some sort of health and wellness facilities. You can reach out to admin to find out more information, post a question to social media, or just wait for a surprise!
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Many mining camps have a small shop with basics/essentials, such as toiletries, snacks and sometimes items like phone chargers or magazines. Keep in mind, prices tend to be a little higher.
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Breakfast and dinner is served buffet-style in the "mess" - a large, open dining area. There is usually a wide selection of vegetables, meats, side dishes, and even dessert. Some may offer some made-to-order options, such as steak or grilled chicken. There are sometimes themes like "Mediterranean night" or "Greek week", and it's quite common for Fridays to be fish and chip night.
Take-away lunch options are laid out at meal times, and usually include a self-serve salad bar, pre-made sandwiches, meat pies, fruit and more.
There are varying opinions on the quality of food at mining camps, many being controversial or even negative. However, at the end of the day, somebody is cooking and cleaning up for you, preparing thousands of meals, lunches and snacks on repeat.
We’re always working on the most up to date information. Submit your questions here.
