Mineral Resources

Australia's mineral resources industry encompasses the exploration, quarrying, mining and processing of minerals and rock to basic mineral commodity stage so it can be sold. This trade skill category covers occupations such as blast hole, seismic or offshore drillers, metal machinists, coal cutters and mine electrical engineers, just to name a few.

The mining industry specifically employs 127,500 people and 200,000 indirectly. Employment is concentrated in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory mainly outside state capital cities. It is currently experiencing an economic boom and job growth is projected to be 76% over the next decade, equating to more than 70,000 new positions.

The field of quarrying directly employs over 7000 people working in over 2500 quarries.

At present the skills shortage is often temporarily filled by semi-skilled workers from other industries such as agriculture giving rise to the demand for skilled workers doing training in mineral resources.

Salary conditions are also booming, with mining employees the highest paid across all industries ($1,738.00 average weekly total) according to the ABS.

If you're interested in geo-technology, minerals, metals or rock, want to work outside the city and in non-conventional settings, the field of mineral resources offers many opportunities.

The mineral resources industry as a whole is increasingly focused on training and improving standards as many employers strive to meet regulated safety, health and environmental requirements.

The Queensland Resources Council says accidents are relatively rare because most of the jobs involved in mining these days are involved with high-tech equipment inside control rooms or air-conditioned equipment.

SPOTLIGHT - What careers are there?

Employers in the resources sector seek people who are willing to relocate, have a positive attitude, willing to learn and are physically and mentally strong. They value relevant experience and skilled technical or trades people with TAFE training.

Geoscience Technician - Geoscience technicians assist geologists, engineers and geophysicists to fin and develop mineral and fuel resources. In the minerals industry this may involve managing field survey equipment, managing small field camps, marking outlines of ore, waste and drill hole patters, collecting samples, doing surveys and using advanced computers to create maps and sections. This job requires a Diploma or Trade Certificate and you can move up to become a Hydrologist or Geologist with further training.

Boilermaker - Boilermakers mark off, cut, shape, assemble and fix metal to produce or repair storage tanks and other high-pressure storage vessels. In the minerals industry their role includes interpreting scale drawings, drawing accurate guidelines on metal for cutting, cutting metal using hand tools or cutting torches, shape and bend pipes or assemble parts and structures by welding, bolting or riveting. This is a traditional trade with modern-day applications and training may be achieved in Sheetmetal, fitter and blacksmith trade courses. Trades qualified staff often become team leaders and may eventually move to management.

Tenement Manager - Tenement managers on a mine site are involved with acquisition, retention and eventual disposal of title to areas of land required by the minerals industry; particularly during the exploration, mining and processing activities. Training such as a Diploma or a Certificate in surveying, health and safety or industrial relations ideal as they deal with local authorities, negotiate access with landowners and monitor the tenement once granted. They are often drawn from other professions e.g. drafts people, surveyors, administrators or lawyers so there are good opportunities for career-changers.

The main areas of the mineral resources industry are:

• Quarrying - extracting earth materials such as sand, gravel, crushed rock and clay and processing them into inputs for building, agriculture and industrial processes
• Coal mining - brown and black coal
• Metalliferous mining - metals, industrial and metallic minerals and semi-precious stone
• Civil construction - civil engineering work on infrastructure-related projects
• Construction materials - quarrying, recycling of material and processing systems
• Drilling - the use of heavy machinery to break through the earth's surface.
  

DID YOU KNOW?

Australia continues to rank as one of the world's leading mining nations and is the top producer of lead, bauxite and alumina, diamonds (by volume), and mineral sands.

The mining industry is responsible for significant infrastructure development.

Since 1967, the industry has built 26 towns, 12 ports, 25 airfields and over 2,000 kilometres of railway line.

WHERE CAN YOU WORK?

• Mining companies
• Quarries
• Construction materials companies (e.g. concrete, cement, stone, tile, sand, brick suppliers)
  
• Contract firms working with mining companies or quarries

SOURCES - Staffing the Supercycle: Labour Force Outlook in the Minerals Sector, 2005-2015; Careers Advice Australia; Mineral Council of Australia; Institute of Quarrying Australia; ABC News, Institute of Quarrying Australia.