Licence
No national licence; each site sets inductions, medicals and testing. Resources Safety and Health Queensland regulates Queensland sites
Mining jobs in Australia
Mining Operator jobs in Australia
Mining operators run haul trucks, excavators, dozers, graders and processing plant at open cut and underground sites. There is no national licence, but sites require inductions, a fitness for work medical and drug and alcohol testing. Many roles are fly-in fly-out or drive-in drive-out, and pay follows the Mining Industry Award or a site agreement.
How many mining operator jobs are open right now?
There are no open mining operator roles listed with CrossNation right now. New roles are added as employers brief us, so create a profile to be matched when one opens.
Live jobs
Open mining operator jobs
No open roles today. Create a profile or browse all jobs.
What machines and plants do mining operators run?
Open cut operators drive haul trucks that carry ore and waste, excavators and loaders that load them, dozers that shape stockpiles and graders that keep haul roads safe. Processing plant operators monitor crushers, mills, conveyors and control rooms. Underground operators run loaders, trucks and drill rigs in confined headings with ventilation and ground support controls. Many sites train new starters on the job, while others ask for experience on a comparable machine. Say which machine makes and sizes you have run, how many hours, and whether you have worked on 24 hour operations.
What do mine sites require before you start?
There is no single national mining ticket. Each site puts you through an induction, and requires a fitness for work medical and drug and alcohol testing before and during employment. Some roles need tickets for elevated work platforms or confined spaces, and state regulators set the rules for mines in their area, for example Resources Safety and Health Queensland and the WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. Operators are expected to follow fatigue and safety procedures and to speak up about hazards. Keep records of your medical, tickets and previous inductions ready.
What are FIFO and DIDO rosters, and which award applies?
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) and drive-in drive-out (DIDO) rosters mean working a block of days on site and then a block off, with accommodation in a camp or village. Roster patterns, shift lengths and travel arrangements vary by employer, so ask how flights or pick-ups work, whether travel time is paid and what camp conditions are like. Many operators are covered by the Mining Industry Award [MA000011], the Black Coal Mining Industry Award [MA000052] in coal, or a site enterprise agreement, which often has its own rates and allowances. We do not quote pay figures. Check the instrument that applies to your job.
Registration and award
Registration: No national licence; site inductions and medicals; state mining safety regulators (for example RSHQ in Queensland). Mining operators do not hold a national licence. Sites require inductions, a fitness for work medical and drug and alcohol testing.
Pay and conditions: usually the Mining Industry Award [MA000011] or an enterprise agreement. Check current minimum rates with the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
Official data
Key facts
Regulator in Western Australia
WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Source: WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Modern award
Mining Industry Award [MA000011]; Black Coal Mining Industry Award [MA000052] in coal
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a mining operator job with no experience?
Some sites train entry-level operators and labourers, but competition is strong. Experience on similar plant, a clean medical and a willingness to work rosters in remote locations improve your chances.
What is a fitness for work medical?
It is a health check the employer arranges before you start, to confirm you can do the work safely. Testing for drugs and alcohol is also common and continues during employment.
Are FIFO workers paid for travel?
It depends on the employer and the agreement. Ask whether travel time, flights and camp costs are covered and whether travel days count as work days.
Can CrossNation sponsor an overseas mining operator?
No. CrossNation is a recruitment agency, not a registered migration agent, so we cannot sponsor you, give visa advice or promise a job. Site medicals and inductions are set by the employer and are separate from any visa. This is general information, not migration advice; please speak with a registered migration agent.
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