Jobs boom in mining

Mining employment has continued to surge with female participation reaching record levels, up from 19 per cent in November 2021 to 21 per cent in February 2022.

The combination of strong demand and need for advanced skills has seen total direct employment reach more than 274,000.

This is an increase of 25,000 jobs in the past 12 months and a new record high.

Mining has helped sustain the economy and the budget throughout the pandemic and continues to prepare for the demands of the future world – high tech and lower emissions.

The strong labour market has resulted in labour and skills shortages.

To sustain the economic recovery, the MCA calls on the government to increase investment in skills and training.

Mining has supported more than 5000 new apprenticeships in the last 12 months.

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program has been instrumental to increasing apprenticeships in the mining supply chain.

Next week, the Federal Government has an opportunity to continue this program to support even more apprenticeships.

There has never been a better time to join Australia’s mining industry.

If you want a highly rewarding, highly paid career I encourage you to choose a career in mining.

Currently, there are thousands of opportunities available across Australia.

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Mining jobs fast facts:

• 99 per cent of mining workers earn above-award wages and conditions
• 88 per cent of mining workers are permanently employed and 96 per cent are full-time
• Over the past decade, the share of casual workers in mining across Australia has averaged 13 per cent, compared to 24 per cent for all industries
• Average full-time adult total earnings in mining was $144,000 in 2021, compared to $94,000 across all industries
• In the last five years more than 52,000 new jobs have been created by mining.