What you need to know before looking for a job in mining

If you want to work in the mines, then there are a few things you need to know before you start looking for a job.

First of all, you will only find a job where there are mines. So, you may need to relocate if you’re planning a career change. It’s a completely different life than the one that you are used to – it’s remote, you will live on site, and it can be lonely, even though there are plenty of other people around. Even though there is plenty on offer and the conditions are always proving, it’s much different from living in greater society. Unless, of course, it’s a corporate job you want.

Working in the mines is a labour intensive job, it’s physical, it’s hot, it’s dark, and it is hard graft. The industry never stops. You will be expected to work 12 hour days and may have to put in 14 straight days before you get a day off. Often, you will live on site for months before you get a break to go home.

The majority of jobs in mining require qualifications. There isn’t much call for youthful assistants to learn on the job. Though, you may find sites that have shut down will look for casual workers. It’s a complex industry now, the process involves more technology, thus more skill. Often, companies look for recent graduates that have focused on mine technology or programs focused on mining.

Something else to note, that while the mining industry constantly makes health and safety improvements, there are still dangerous conditions when compared to other industries.

Mine jobs are no longer dominated by men. Women make up 20% of the workforce in Australia’s mining industry. There are all different types of jobs in the mining industry, from IT, financial, secretarial, driving, and of course, technicians and engineers.

What Australian mines really need is engineers, particularly in drill and blast mines.