Profile

In Australia and Western Australia mining engineers usually undertake a four year Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering or Mining Systems), Bachelor of Engineering Science (Mining Engineering) or Bachelor of Science (Mining).

After completing their formal qualifications, graduate Mining Engineers usually undertake relevant education and on the job training. Subsequently they may also sit the examination for a Quarry Manager’s Certificate or a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate (required for underground mining), apply for registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia (after three years of approved industry experience) and membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (after five years). Registration may be required.

Overview

In relation to the mining industry in Western Australia, according to the Department of Mines and Petroleum website:

During the past ten years the value of Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum industry has grown strongly achieving average annual growth of 15 per cent.
The value of Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum industry reached a record $91.6 billion in 2010. Iron ore remained the State’s most valuable resource in 2010 accounting for $48.5 billion or 53 per cent of all mineral and petroleum sales. Iron ore, petroleum, and gold sectors continue to drive strong economic growth in Western Australia.
Western Australia leads all other states in Australia in relation to investment expenditure by the mining industry. In 2010, the State accounted for 62 per cent of Australia’s mining investment expenditure.
Mineral and petroleum resources dominate the State’s exports, contributing a substantial 91 per cent towards the State’s total merchandise exports in 2010. China remained the State’s largest export market accounting for 40 per cent of all merchandise exports.
Western Australia maintained its status as Australia’s leading exporter in 2010 contributing a record 44 per cent towards Australia’s merchandise export earnings worth $230.8 billion. Queensland followed with 22 per cent, New South Wales with 15 per cent and Victoria contributed around eight per cent.
Western Australia’s resources industry is expected to grow solidly in 2011 and beyond, with over $250 billion earmarked for development and expansions in major mining and petroleum projects. In addition, strong economic growth in developing economies including China and India is expected to underpin steady demand for the State’s mineral and petroleum products in coming years.

Department of Mines and Petroleum 2011, Western Australia’s Resource Industry reaches new heights, Department of Mines and Petroleum, Perth, viewed 6 August 2011, dmp.wa.gov.au/1525.aspx

Information on the variety of mineral resources mined in Western Australia is available on the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia website.

Salary details and job prospects

Information on salaries and job prospects for mining engineers in Australia is available at Job Outlook.

Where to look for a position

For information and advice about searching for jobs in Western Australia visit the section Find a job.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia website includes the contact details for member organisations. Some of these organisations advertise mining sector vacancies on their websites.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies includes links to their members’ websites. Some of these organisations advertise mining sector vacancies on their websites.

Registration

Registration may be required. For further information see the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) website.
<Link to: http://www.ausimm.com.au/ >
Alternative contact details for AusIMM are:

T: +613 9658 6100

Migrating to Western Australia

Mining engineer is listed on the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List.

State Sponsorship may also be an option.

You can find more detailed information about other pathways to migrate to Western Australia on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Information on skilled migration is also available on the Chamber of Minerals and Energy website.

Skills assessment

Before you can migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant you must have your skills assessed by the relevant national assessment authority. Engineers Australia is the nominated assessment authority for most engineering occupations, including mining engineer. The Engineers Australia website provides information on skills assessment.

A Migration Skills Assessment booklet is available on the Engineers Australia website.

Useful links

The Resources Industry Training Council is the organisation funded by the Western Australian Government to provide a range of information and advice on training and workforce development for the mining and resources industry in Western Australia. Find out more information on the Resources Industry Training Council website.
The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) represents most professionals in the minerals sector, primarily in the disciplines of mining engineering, metallurgy and geoscience. More information is available on the AusIMM website.
Engineers Australia represents workers in the minerals processing industry along with other groups. Further information is available from the Engineers Australia website.
The Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum provides information on the State’s mining sector.
The websites of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia and the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies have links to their members’ websites, with some companies advertising jobs online.