It’s been said that mining in Australia is a great career option if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding work environment. But if you want to confirm it yourself, we’re here to lay out the facts and let you know if it’s worth starting a career in the mining industry.
Australia is a major producer of minerals and metals. In 2021-22, export earnings are expected to rise by 33% to a record $425 billion which is great for the economy since it provides more jobs for skilled workers.
And with over 100 careers to choose from, including mine sites, high-tech remote mining centres, science and computer laboratories, and a variety of other settings, there is no shortage of career options for you.
You could manage a team, rehabilitate mine sites, handle engineering machinery, conserve native plants and animals, and or help tackle climate change.
However, there are some important things to remember as you consider a career in mining. Here’s a short list:
It’s not your usual 9-5.
If you don’t like sitting at a desk for 8 hours straight every single day, this might be the perfect career path for you. Depending on the type of work required for your role, you might have to fly into a remote location for a specific period of time and fly out.
But because you’ll be stuck in a remote location, you won’t be able to see your family or friends for weeks at a time, and sometimes, being isolated can cause stress and burnout. So make sure to find a company that also prioritises mental health.
You’ll be immersed in a unique work environment.
Not a lot of people can say that they work in a mine and for years, mines have been stereotyped as dark and cramped places with dangers lurking everywhere. That’s not the case because underground mining today is a unique experience due to its spaciousness and bright lighting. Occupational safety standards are strictly enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and training and personal protective equipment are provided.
There are plenty of opportunities for growth.
As mining technology and exploration advances rapidly, opportunities are endless for Australia’s mining sector. If you start out as a driller’s offsider one day and want to try out a new job, you can switch without worrying about entering a new industry.
And because each job is highly specialised in nature, you can expect to receive a highly competitive salary which you can use to provide for yourself or your family.
So is it worth it?
Like any other job, there will always be advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, deciding on whether or not working in the mining industry is worth it depends on so many factors, but we hope that the information that we provided will help you make a better decision so you don’t lose a good opportunity.
If you need more information about the different roles you can take on in the mining industry, Aston Advantage has other resources available. We have resources on crafting the best resume, techniques on answering interview questions, and job alerts to keep you up-to-date with the latest job opportunities.
Search available jobs in Australian mining now.
