Mining is an important industry in terms of its export revenue, but it is a relatively small employing industry (accounting for around 2% of Australian jobs).
Employment is largely concentrated in Western Australia and Queensland, and the majority of jobs are located in regional areas. Workers are often expected to travel for work, with fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) arrangements relatively common.
Top Employing Occupations
| Occupation |
|---|
| Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers |
| Metal Fitters and Machinists |
| Truck Drivers |
| Other Building and Engineering Technicians |
| Electricians |
| Production Managers |
| Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers |
| Mining Engineers |
| Other Stationary Plant Operators |
| Earthmoving Plant Operators |
| Accountants |
| Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists |
| Contract, Program and Project Administrators |
| Other Construction and Mining Labourers |
| Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks |
| Storepersons |
| Structural Steel Construction Workers |
| Motor Mechanics |
| Human Resource Managers |
| Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals |
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Post-school qualifications are often required to work in Mining. Around 40% of workers hold a certificate III or higher vocational qualification, and 24% possess a bachelor degree or higher. One third of workers are Machinery Operators and Drivers, 26% are Technicians and Trades Workers and 18% are Professionals.
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work; Australia Government Department of Agriculture, ABARES farm survey results 2018, September 2019.