Minerals

The minerals industry is a vital component of the Australian economy. It holds an important place in the history of Australia’s development and continues to make a substantial contribution to national income, exports and employment. A major contributor to employment and wealth within the community, the minerals industry employs a diverse range of graduates with skills in engineering, the sciences, business, commerce and, increasingly, information technology. Nevertheless, it is an industry which is highly susceptible to fluctuations in the global economy.

The work

Career opportunities for graduates interested in entering the mining industry are highly diverse. The dominant professional groups are mining engineers, geologists, geophysicists, surveyors and metallurgists/mineral processing engineers, with smaller numbers of petroleum and chemical engineers. Other professionals also provide critical support services, so there are also opportunities for graduates from disciplines such as Accounting, Business, Law, IT and Science.

People working in the minerals industry can be involved in a range of activities, such as: strategic management; exploration; extraction; environmental management; processing of minerals; community and indigenous relations; administration; and marketing.

As a major exporter of resource commodities, the Australian minerals industry has grown significantly in recent times. The increase in demand for minerals, particularly from China, has meant the industry has been in a boom phase and growth seems set to continue.

There is currently a significant skills shortage in the industry, which means strong career and employment opportunities for graduates. Overseas opportunities will grow, as many mining companies shift their focus onto their own international operations or to the provision of services to international mining companies.

What you need

For mining-related roles, an Engineering or Science degree is a standard requirement. For support positions in the industry, degrees in Environmental Science, Engineering, Accounting, IT and Marketing are highly desirable. Work experience is a component of many degree programs in Mining Engineering, Surveying or Geo-science and often leads to graduate employment.

Money matters

Graduate roles in the minerals industry are among the highest paid of all graduates jobs. Within the mining industry in general, the 2006 Australian Graduate Survey indicated that half of all bachelor graduates working in the sector earned $50,000-$75,000. For those working as mining or materials engineers, the equivalent range was $53,000-$78 000. Average salaries overall are in the range of $60,000-$80,000, although salaries over $100,000 are not uncommon for those with experience. Mine managers were earning up to $185,000 in 2005. See www.hays.com.au/ salary/ for more information on salaries for experienced professionals.

Significant stats
  • This industry is a major regional employer with a majority (64 per cent) of employment located outside capital cities.
  • Approximately 87 per cent of people employed in the mining sector are male.
  • The proportion of graduates seeking and finding full-time employment on graduation is high, at around 100 per cent (mining engineers) in 2006 (Graduate Destinations 2006, Graduate Careers Australia).

Source: except where indicated, figures from “Australian Jobs, 2007”, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

GCA would like to thank AusIMM for assistance with this industry profile.