Australia’s mining industry is expanding fast, and it needs skilled people from around the world.
If you are a qualified tradesperson, engineer, operator, or safety professional, there are real opportunities to earn strong salaries, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career.
This guide explains where the jobs are, what employers want, how visas work, and how to set yourself up financially and safely for a move Down Under.
Why Australia’s mining sector is hiring
- Massive projects: Iron ore, coal, gold, copper, lithium, and rare earths drive ongoing investment across Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
- Skills gaps: Tight labor markets mean employers look offshore for experienced technicians, engineers, and operators.
- Long project life: Multi-year contracts and expansions mean stable, often well-paid roles with overtime and allowances.
Roles in demand (and typical pay)
Salaries vary by site, roster, and experience. The ranges below are indicative in AUD per year, excluding bonuses and allowances.
- Heavy diesel fitters and plant mechanics: $120,000–$180,000
- Auto electricians: $120,000–$170,000
- Drill and blast operators: $120,000–$180,000
- Dump truck and haul truck operators: $100,000–$160,000
- Electricians (mining/industrial): $120,000–$180,000
- Mechanical and electrical engineers: $110,000–$170,000
- Geologists and geo‑techs: $100,000–$160,000
- Metallurgists and process engineers: $120,000–$180,000
- HSE advisors and safety coordinators: $110,000–$160,000
- Surveyors: $120,000–$170,000
- Procurement, logistics, and supply chain: $100,000–$150,000
- IT/OT, networking, and automation specialists: $120,000–$180,000
FIFO (fly‑in fly‑out) rosters can increase earnings through site allowances and overtime. Residential roles may offer stability, schooling options, and community life.
Visa pathways and sponsorship
Many international workers arrive with employer sponsorship or skilled visas. Common pathways include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482): Employer‑sponsored, faster entry if your occupation is on the skilled list.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Permanent residency through employer nomination.
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190): Points‑tested pathways for in‑demand occupations.
- Working Holiday (subclass 417/462): Short‑term entry for eligible nationalities; useful for entry‑level site support roles.
- Training visa (subclass 407): For structured workplace training in some cases.
You may need skills assessments (for example, Engineers Australia or Trades Recognition Australia), English tests, police checks, and medicals. Visa rules change, so consult a registered migration agent for tailored advice and to avoid costly mistakes.
What employers want
- Verified experience: Recent site experience with references.
- Tickets and licences: Examples include Working at Heights, Confined Space, First Aid/CPR, HR/MC driver’s licence, High Risk Work Licences, and forklift/EWP.
- Safety record: Clean drug and alcohol tests, incident‑free history, and strong knowledge of safe work procedures.
- Fitness for work: Pre‑employment medicals and functional capacity tests are common.
- Clear communication: Practical English, radio protocol, and paperwork accuracy matter.
Certifications and medicals to consider
Requirements differ by state and commodity, but common ones include:
- White Card (construction induction)
- Standard 11 (for Queensland coal)
- Coal Board Medicals and site‑specific inductions
- Confined Space Entry and Gas Test Atmospheres
- Working at Heights and High Risk Work Licences
- MSIC (for port access roles)
- First Aid/CPR and LVR for electrical workers
Investing in the right training through reputable RTOs can make your application stand out.
Where the jobs are
- Western Australia: Pilbara and Goldfields for iron ore, gold, lithium, and nickel. Major employers include large miners and contractors across FIFO hubs like Perth.
- Queensland: Bowen Basin and Surat Basin for coal and gas; growing critical minerals activity.
- New South Wales: Hunter Valley for coal and integrated processing facilities.
- South Australia: Olympic Dam and copper projects, plus new critical minerals investments.
- Northern Territory and Tasmania: Smaller but steady demand for operators and trades on specific projects.
Critical minerals such as lithium and rare earths are fueling new roles in processing, maintenance, and automation.
Pay, rosters, and benefits
- Rosters: Common patterns include 2/1, 2/2, 8/6, and 7/7. Longer swings can boost earnings but affect work‑life balance.
- Overtime and allowances: Site, meal, travel, and tool allowances can add up.
- Superannuation: Employers typically contribute at least the legislated minimum to your super fund.
- Bonuses: Safety and production bonuses are common on some sites.
- Insurance and protection: Many workers take out private health insurance, life insurance, or income protection to safeguard high earnings.
Speak with a licensed financial adviser about insurance coverage, and choose a superannuation fund that fits your risk profile and fees.
Taxes, banking, and money management
- Tax file number (TFN): Apply after arrival to get taxed correctly.
- Tax returns: A registered tax agent can help you claim legitimate deductions for tools, travel, uniforms, and training.
- Superannuation: Keep track of your super accounts to avoid multiple fees, and nominate beneficiaries.
- Banking: Open an Australian bank account early. Compare international money transfer fees when sending funds home.
- Budgeting for FIFO: Plan for uneven cash flow, higher regional prices, and breaks between rosters.
Setting up properly can reduce stress and improve your net pay.
Housing and relocation
- Accommodation: FIFO roles provide camp‑style rooms; residential roles require rental or purchase near the site.
- Rentals: Regional vacancies can be tight; secure temporary accommodation while you search.
- Home loans: If you plan to buy, speak to a licensed mortgage broker about lending criteria for FIFO income.
- Vehicle and contents insurance: Remote driving and accommodation changes can affect policies and premiums.
- Family moves: Consider schools, childcare, healthcare access, and partner employment options.
Relocation packages sometimes cover flights, temporary housing, or shipping—ask during negotiations.
Safety culture and wellbeing
Mining employers prioritize safety and expect you to do the same:
- Follow procedures: Take part in toolbox talks, JHAs, and pre‑start checks.
- Speak up: Report hazards and near misses early.
- Fatigue management: Respect rest times and hydration, especially in heat.
- Mental health: FIFO life can be isolating. Use employee assistance programs and plan regular family time.
- Fitness: Maintain medicals and keep vaccinations up to date if required.
A strong safety record protects your career and your teammates.
How to apply and get noticed
- Target your resume: Use clear, ATS‑friendly formatting. List mine sites, equipment models, tickets, and production metrics.
- Highlight results: Reduced downtime, improved safety stats, or cost savings are powerful.
- References: Provide supervisors who can confirm your role, equipment, and roster.
- Platforms: Check company career pages, industry job boards, and specialized recruiters.
- Timing: Apply before major shutdown seasons and project ramp‑ups.
- Interviews: Be ready to discuss safety incidents, isolation procedures, lock‑out/tag‑out, and your approach to teamwork.
If you lack Australian experience, emphasize transferable skills, international standards you’ve worked under, and readiness to complete local tickets.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without required tickets or right to work.
- Ignoring safety questions in interviews.
- Overstating experience with certain equipment—verification checks are thorough.
- Forgetting medical and police clearances until the last minute.
- Not preparing family finances for FIFO rosters and time away.
Quick checklist for international candidates
- Confirm your occupation is eligible for skilled migration or sponsorship.
- Gather verifiable references, licences, and trade papers.
- Book skills assessments and English tests if needed.
- Update resume and LinkedIn with site-specific detail and tickets.
- Line up private health insurance and consider income protection.
- Open an Australian bank account and plan for international transfers.
- Speak with a migration agent, tax professional, and financial adviser.
- Prepare for medicals, drug and alcohol testing, and site inductions.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need mining experience?
Not always. Entry‑level roles exist in labouring, hospitality, and cleaning on sites. However, trades, operators, and engineers with proven experience get faster results. - Can I get permanent residency?
Many workers transition from a temporary sponsored visa to permanent residency via employer nomination or points‑tested visas, subject to eligibility. - Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes. The industry is actively improving diversity and offers training and mentorship for women in operations, trades, and leadership. - Can I bring my family?
Some visas allow dependants. Residential roles suit families better; FIFO can be challenging without support. - How soon can I start?
If you already have work rights and core tickets, onboarding can be quick. With sponsorship and skills assessments, allow extra time.
Final thoughts
Mining in Australia offers strong salaries, structured career paths, and exposure to world‑class operations. International workers who prepare well—visa planning, safety training, and smart financial setup—can secure rewarding roles and long‑term stability. Focus your applications on your proven skills, keep your certifications current, and treat safety and wellbeing as non‑negotiable. With the right strategy, you can turn Australia’s mining boom into your next big career move.