If you are interested in a mining job in Australia and have talked to a few miners, you might have heard that some people make a lot of money doing so. However, there are a few things you need to do to make it easier to land a mining job in Australia. In this guide, we will look at what you should know beforehand if this is the route you want to take.
Benefits of Getting a Mining Job
Although there are lots of different things that can make a job seem more attractive to you, a lot of people value good pay very highly. Even at the entry level, mining jobs in Australia pay very well. This is because the mining industry in Australia is massive. Additionally, most mines are located in very remote areas, which helps push the salaries up.
Another key benefit stems from the fact that most of the work is done on-site and in remote areas, in two or four-week shifts and a week off. Because of the location of the mines, accommodation is provided by the mining companies, meaning that there is the chance to save a lot of money.
Getting a Mining Job
Although there are lots of opportunities in the mining industry, these positions are often reserved for those with enough qualifications and experience. If you are looking to get your first mining job, you will have to be patient and persistent when applying. To ensure you get a job, you should try as many avenues as possible and exhaust all options before giving up on landing a mining job.
As mentioned, if you already have the right qualifications and some experience, things will be much easier for you. Also, if you already have a trade, you are already a lot further ahead than applicants who do not.
A great way to find a mining job is to talk to people who are already in the industry. This includes establishing contacts and networking every chance you get, especially when you do not have the qualifications or experience. If you can, do get in touch with expats near you so they can tell you who to get in touch with and what you need to do to improve your chances.
If you have the necessary qualifications or a trade, you can get in touch with a recruiting agency. If you do not have either of these and do not have any skills, you will need to get in touch with a labour-hire agency. The hiring agency should be located in the town you are interested in working in.
In some cases, it might be a good idea to travel to mining towns and try your luck there. However, it is not advisable to travel across the country looking for a mining town. This is because they are located all over Australia and there is likely one closer than you think.
You can also try your luck by being in the right place at the right time. Some mining companies need people who do not have skills or qualifications for short-term work. If you can be there when these people are being hired, this could be your chance to land a mining job.
Mining sites shut down from time to time to do repairs, upgrades and for maintenance. During these shutdowns, many of them hire temporary workers. Much of the work requires unskilled labour and does not last too long. These types of jobs are a great option for those who want to see if getting a job as a miner is a great option for them, or for backpackers who are just passing through and need a little money. If you want to get a job as a miner, these shutdowns are a great opportunity to get some valuable experience.
There are also lots of positions for growth and career improvement. Once you have the right qualifications and experience, and depending on your employer, you might find yourself doing complex work. For example, you will find yourself working with drill rigs a lot or servicing surface drill rigs that need Cubex parts. It is therefore a good idea to familiarise yourself with the different drill rigs, drill rig parts and other mining machinery and parts sold by companies like Complete Field Maintenance.
Conditions for Workers
The conditions at different mining sites vary depending on where you work and who you work for. Because most Australian mines are located in remote locations, you might have to work on a fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) basis. This means you will fly in, work for a few weeks and then fly out to take a break, usually for a week.
One advantage of working for a good mining company is that the on-site camps will usually have all the amenities you need. These can include pool tables, gyms, swimming pools and others to help you relax after a long day.
Also, on site-camps provide miners with cooked meals. This means that you do not have to worry about getting food after a long day. Lastly, you also get access to a phone, internet and TV.
A major complaint by a lot of workers is that the work is monotonous and laborious which can be very challenging for underqualified or inexperienced miners. Also, there is nothing else to do apart from work and go back to the camp considering the mines are usually remote with nothing else to do or anywhere else to go.
A job in mining is very rewarding, but make sure you do your research beforehand so that you know what you are going into.
