How to Land Your First Mining Engineering Role in Australia: A Guide for Students and Graduates
The Australian mining industry continues to offer strong career prospects for engineers – particularly for those with the right skills, attitude, and strategic approach. Whether you're a student looking for vacation work or a graduate preparing to land your first full-time role, the competition is real – but so is the opportunity.
Here’s a practical guide to help you get your foot in the door and kickstart your career in mining engineering.
1. Get the Basics Right
Before anything else, make sure you've ticked the non-negotiables that show you're ready for the real world of mining:
Manual Australian Driver's Licence: Most sites require this as a condition of entry. If you can’t drive a manual, fix that now.
Working Through Uni: It doesn’t matter if it’s Coles, Woolies, or stacking shelves – employers want to see that you’ve worked while studying. It shows discipline, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Fit-for-Work Mindset: Mining is a demanding industry. Being physically and mentally prepared for remote work environments is key. This includes being punctual, drug and alcohol free, and ready to work in a team from day one.
These simple things may seem minor, but they form the foundation of your reputation—and that counts for a lot in a tight-knit industry.
2. Start Early and Be Strategic
Mining companies recruit early. Many vacation programs and graduate positions open between March and July each year. Waiting until after your final exams is too late.
What you should do:
In your first and second year: Learn who’s who in the industry. Familiarise yourself with company operations, values, and where they’re located.
By your second year: Apply for vacation work (typically 10–12 weeks over summer). This is one of the strongest pathways to securing a graduate position later on.
3. Don’t Obsess Over Postgraduate Study
Unless you plan on pursuing a career in academic research, most mining companies won’t place much value on a master’s or PhD. In fact, many will prefer a graduate with practical, hands-on experience over someone who’s spent another two years in a lab.
If you love research and want to dedicate your life to it, go for it. But if your goal is site-based engineering, operations, or leadership—get into the field and start building real-world experience.
4. Be Willing to Take Entry-Level Mining Roles
If you’re struggling to get a technical or vacation engineering position, don’t sit on your hands. Get into the industry in any way you can.
There’s huge value in doing:
Haul truck driving – a common entry point that gives exposure to mine operations and scheduling
Drill offsiding – long hours and hard work, but excellent experience in drilling fundamentals and site life
Pit tech, sampling, or field assistant roles – gives you access to technical teams and builds credibility
Processing plant operators or maintenance trades assistant work
This kind of experience does two things:
It proves you’re committed to working in mining.
It makes you more competitive for graduate roles later—because you already understand site life, systems, and culture.
You won’t be the only engineering student who drove a truck before landing a technical job. Plenty of successful engineers started out that way.
5. Get Real Experience (Even If It’s Not Glamorous)
Not every opportunity comes from a big-name miner. Small operators, contractors, and equipment suppliers can offer just as much—sometimes more—hands-on exposure and learning.
Look for:
Site-based internships or technical assistant roles
Sample prep, field assistant, or survey support roles
Opportunities with drill and blast contractors, exploration teams, or fabrication workshops
All of it counts—and it shows you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty.
6. Build a Resume That Reflects a Mining Mindset
Mining companies want people who can think practically, communicate clearly, and work safely.
Make sure your resume includes:
Work history (even non-mining jobs—just show you’ve held responsibility)
Technical skills (software like Surpac, Vulcan, AutoCAD, Deswik)
Group projects or site visits from uni that show initiative or applied problem-solving
A clear expression of your interest in mining and willingness to work remotely
Keep it simple, honest, and relevant. No fluff—just show what you can bring to a site-based team.
7. Network Like Your Job Depends On It (Because It Might)
Many jobs in mining come from referrals, not job boards. Building relationships while you’re still studying is critical.
Try:
Joining AusIMM, attending local technical talks and student chapters
Going to industry nights, careers fairs, and site visits
Reaching out to engineers on LinkedIn—particularly grads and site supervisors who’ve been where you are
Sending polite, purposeful messages to HR reps or grad recruiters
You’re not asking for a job. You’re showing you’re serious and asking for advice. That attitude goes a long way.
8. Target the Right Employers
There are more opportunities than just the big names like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Glencore. Mid-tier miners, contractors, and even OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) often provide faster exposure and more diverse experience.
Look into:
Mining contractors (e.g. Barminco, Byrnecut, NRW, MACA)
Smaller producers and explorers (often more accessible and flexible)
Service providers in maintenance, geology, and engineering tech
Build a list of 15–20 target companies. Track their opening dates for vacation and grad programs, and apply early.
9. Prepare for Psychometric and Video Interviews
Mining recruitment often includes online testing, video interviews, and group assessments.
Get ahead by:
Practicing common psychometric tests (numerical, spatial, and mechanical reasoning)
Preparing for video interview questions about teamwork, safety, conflict, and motivation
Being clear on why you want to work in mining, and why you're prepared to be FIFO or site-based
A bit of preparation puts you well ahead of the pack.
10. Be Willing to Go Remote
FIFO work, long hours, and remote sites aren’t for everyone—but if you’re flexible early in your career, you open doors others can’t.
Hot spots for opportunity:
WA: Pilbara, Goldfields, Mid West
QLD: Bowen Basin, Cloncurry, Mt Isa
NT & SA: Tennant Creek, Olympic Dam
Working remote as a graduate shows maturity, adaptability, and grit—traits the industry values highly.
Final Thoughts
Mining is one of the few industries in Australia where a smart, hardworking graduate can rapidly build a high-paying, impactful career. But it doesn’t happen by accident. The students who get ahead are those who show up, stay humble, and take ownership of their future.
Work during uni. Drive a manual. Go bush. Ask questions. Do the hard jobs. Take entry-level roles if that’s your foot in the door. Be known as someone who shows up, listens, and works hard.
That’s the real shortcut in mining.