Discover industries – Mining

Mining is a small industry, but an important one. Generally, workers study after school to be employed in the industry.

A person in a helmet a hi-vis vest stands with a coal mine in the background

About Mining

Mining is a small industry, with jobs mainly in Queensland and Western Australia, in regional and remote areas. 

The industry involves exploration and extraction of minerals, oil and gas. Activities include: 

  • mining preparation work 

  • underground or open-cut mining 

  • dredging 

  • quarrying  

  • well operations or evaporation pans. 

To work in Mining, workers generally require post-school qualifications. Some roles such as a Mining Engineer or Geologist, require a university degree. Some jobs in Mining involve physical labour, long work hours and working in potentially dangerous environments.

Source: Labour Market Insights, Jan 2024

Workforce share in Australia 

Percentage of workers who have their main job in this industry. 

2.1 %
Employed in Australia

The number of people this industry employs in Australia. 

298,107
Industry growth in Australia

This is the projected amount this industry will grow in Australia over the next 5 years. 

11.9 %

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), Employment Projections, May 2023.

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Current and future employment in Australia

See how Australia's Mining industry is projected to grow by 18.8% over a 10-year period compared to an average Australian industry growth rate of 14.2%. 

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Largest employing occupations

This table shows the top-10 occupations in Accommodation and Food Services by employment numbers. 

Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers
Metal Fitters and Machinists
Other Building and Engineering Technicians
Production Managers
Mining Engineers
Electricians
Truck Drivers
Earthmoving Plant Operators
Geologists, Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2021

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