If you want in on the pay rates, roster patterns and career growth that mining offers, the first hurdle is simple. You must be site ready. That means holding the right tickets, passing the medical, completing required inductions and being available when mobilisation kicks off. The good news: you do not need to figure it out alone. Mobilize helps workers across Australia move from “keen but unsure” to cleared, packed and on site.
Why Mining Work Is in Demand
Mining remains one of Australia’s most productive and well paid employment engines. Commodity cycles rise and fall yet core production, maintenance and shutdown work keep crews busy year round. Even when capital projects slow, recurring maintenance, statutory inspections and seasonal shutdowns create steady labour demand. Add remote operations that rely on fly in fly out (FIFO) rosters and you get constant turnover, which means constant openings for workers who are ready to mobilise.
Beyond wages, many workers choose mining for lifestyle reasons. Some prefer structured FIFO swings that bundle work time and leave blocks, others want local drive‑in drive‑out roles that let them sleep at home. Understanding which model fits you will save time when you apply.
Learn where Mobilize is placing crews now on the Mining & Resources page.
What Mining Employers Are Hiring For
Mining operations need a broad mix of blue collar and technical support roles. Common categories:
- Mobile plant operators (haul truck, loader, excavator, dozer)
- Production and processing operators
- Mechanical fitters and fixed plant maintenance
- Electricians with mining experience
- Boilermakers / welders for shutdown works
- Trades assistants and offsiders
- Drillers and blast crew support
- Sample technicians and lab assistants
- Stores, warehousing and logistics support on site
- Camp maintenance, cleaning and utilities (varies by site)
Do not self‑exclude too early. Many mining sites run training pathways for motivated workers who hold base tickets, good safety records and solid references from construction, industrial or civil backgrounds. If you have experience around heavy industry, talk to a recruiter before assuming you are under‑qualified.
Minimum Tickets, Medicals and Site Requirements
Site requirements vary by mine owner and state, but most Australian mining roles involve some or all of the following. Use this section as a checklist before you apply.
1. Core Industry Inductions
- Standard 11 (Queensland surface and underground coal)
- Mining Induction (site specific modules, often vendor delivered)
- White card (if civil construction interface)
- Confined space, working at heights (role dependent)
2. Licences and Competencies
- HR or MC licence for haulage and water carts
- RII mobile plant competencies (eg RII20220, check current code)
- Forklift (LF), EWP, dogging, rigging or crane where relevant
- Trade qualifications with evidence (AQF statements, licences)
3. Pre‑Employment Medical
Most mining employers require a comprehensive medical that can include:
- Full health questionnaire and doctor exam
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Spirometry (lung function)
- Audiometry (hearing)
- Musculoskeletal functional assessment
- Fitness for work clearance
Clear communication matters. Declare previous injuries honestly. A conditional clearance is usually better than being removed later for non‑disclosure.
4. Vaccinations / Health Documentation
Some remote sites or camp operators specify vaccination standards (flu, COVID era policies, region specific). Confirm current requirements when screened.
5. PPE and Workwear
Typical: steel cap boots, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high‑vis FR clothing if required. Many employers supply some gear at mobilisation, but you may need basics up front. Ask before buying.
How Mining Mobilisation Works: From Application to Site Start
Mining recruitment moves in waves. Projects and shutdowns open, recruiters assemble shortlists, compliance teams chase documents, and mobilisation teams book travel. Here is what the process typically looks like when you apply through Mobilize.
Step 1: Apply or Upload CV
Submit your resume and any current tickets at /candidates/submit-resume/. Include availability window, preferred roster types and current location.
Step 2: Screening Call
A Mobilize recruiter reviews role fit, verifies experience, and checks which tickets you already hold. If gaps exist we flag the training pathway.
Step 3: Compliance Pack
You receive an online pack to upload licences, competency statements, and ID documents. Accuracy here speeds everything else.
Step 4: Medical Booking
If a pre‑employment medical is needed we book you with an approved clinic near you. Attend ASAP. Results go directly to compliance.
Step 5: Inductions & eLearning
You complete online learning modules plus any classroom or virtual sessions required by the site operator.
Step 6: Travel & Mobilisation
Once cleared, our team books flights or directs you to site muster. Travel notes, PPE pick up and contact numbers are sent in writing.
Step 7: On Site Start & Check‑In
We confirm arrival, first shift, and issue your first timesheet instructions.
Pro Tip: Save digital copies of all tickets on your phone and cloud folder. When future projects open you can re‑mobilise faster.
Ready to work? Upload your CV now and our mining recruitment team will help you get site ready.
Pay Basics: Rates, Allowances and Rosters
Mining pay looks great on paper but it varies widely. Make sure you understand total earnings, not just the base hourly rate.
Common Pay Components
- Base hourly rate or day rate
- Penalty rates for nights, weekends or overtime classes
- Site allowance / remote allowance
- Tool, meal or travel allowances depending on agreement
- Camp or accommodation provided (reduces personal cost)
If you are paid via labour hire hourly margin, Mobilize will show the award or agreement reference so you can understand how rates are built.
Roster Examples
- 2/1 (two weeks on, one week off) FIFO
- 8/6 or 7/7 compressed rosters
- 5/2 local residential schedules
- Shutdown blocks (eg 10–21 day intensive periods)
Ask: Is travel paid? Is changeover day included? Are public holidays treated differently? Clarity avoids pay confusion in your first fortnight.
FIFO Life vs Local Roles: Which Fits You?
FIFO (Fly In Fly Out): Higher pay potential, structured swings, camp meals, remote lifestyle, travel fatigue, time away from family.
Local / DIDO (Drive In Drive Out): Sleep at home, daily travel, often lower allowances, suits those with local commitments or wanting consistency.
Consider total cost of living, family needs, and long term goals. Some workers start FIFO for savings then switch to local once skilled. Others build careers entirely in FIFO environments.
How to Apply with Mobilize
You can register interest even if you are still gathering tickets. Early registration helps us match you to training, partner RTOs and upcoming rosters.
Checklist before you apply:
- Updated CV with contact details and work history
- List of current tickets, licences and expiry dates
- Ability to travel for medical within 7 days
- Two recent supervisor referees
FAQs: Mining Jobs Australia
I have construction experience but no mining time. Can I apply?
Yes. Many entry pathways exist for people with transferable skills such as civil plant operation, mechanical trades or high reliability industrial work.
Do I have to pay for my own medical?
Depends on the site agreement. Some clients cover costs, others reimburse after a minimum period. Ask at screening.
What if my tickets have nearly expired?
Upload them anyway. We can help fast‑track refreshers where possible.
Can I choose my roster?
Selection depends on project needs. Tell us your preference and we match where we can.
What is the fastest way to get on site?
Have documents ready, attend medical promptly, complete inductions on time, and stay responsive to calls and emails.
Download: Mining Site‑Readiness Checklist (Free)
Offer a downloadable one‑page PDF summarising tickets, medicals, inductions, PPE and mobilisation steps. Gate it behind an email capture or bundle into your candidate onboarding flow.
Final Word
Demand for skilled, safe and reliable people in Australian mining stays strong. Workers who prepare early, keep tickets current and communicate clearly with recruiters mobilise first when projects open. Whether you want FIFO swings for savings or a pathway from civil into mining production, Mobilize can help you get there.
Not sure if you qualify? Talk to Mobilize.
