A Beginner’s Guide to Working in Underground Mining in Australia

Working in underground mining can be a challenging and rewarding career choice. If you are new to the industry, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various roles and responsibilities involved. This guide will provide an overview of the basics of working in underground mining in Australia.

What is Underground Mining?

Underground mining refers to the extraction of minerals and resources from beneath the earth’s surface. This type of mining involves drilling, blasting, and removing rock and ore from underground tunnels and shafts. It is a complex process that requires specialized skills and knowledge.

Where are the Underground Mining jobs in Australia?

Here are ten companies in Australia that conduct underground mining, along with the type of product they are mining and the states where their mines are located:

1. BHP – Iron ore, nickel, and copper – Western Australia
2. Rio Tinto – Iron ore, copper, and diamonds – Western Australia 
3. Newcrest Mining – Gold and copper – New South Wales 
4. AngloGold Ashanti – Gold – Western Australia 
5. Evolution Mining – Gold and silver – Queensland and Western Australia 
6. Northern Star Resources – Gold – Western Australia 
7. Saracen Mineral Holdings – Gold – Western Australia 
8. St Barbara – Gold – Western Australia 
9. OceanaGold – Gold and silver – Victoria 
10. Resolute Mining – Gold – Queensland and Western Australia 

It’s important to note that many of these companies have operations in multiple states and mine multiple products. However, these ten companies represent some of the largest and most well-known mining companies in Australia, and the products they mine are some of the most important commodities in the country’s mining industry.

Requirements for Working in Underground Mining

Working in underground mining requires a certain level of physical fitness and strength, as well as specific training and qualifications. Some of the requirements for working in underground mining include:

• Completion of relevant training courses and certifications, such as a Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining or a Certificate III in Electrical Instrumentation.
• Good physical health and fitness, as underground mining can be physically demanding.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to safety protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and in potentially hazardous conditions.

Tips for Working in Underground Mining

If you are considering a career in underground mining in Australia, here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Take the time to learn about the different roles and responsibilities involved in underground mining.
• Seek out relevant training and certifications to improve your skills and knowledge.
• Pay close attention to safety protocols and procedures, and always prioritize safety in your work.
• Be open to learning and growth opportunities and seek out feedback from your colleagues and supervisors.
• Take care of your physical and mental health and seek support when needed.

What training and certifications do you need?

We recommend figuring out what your ideal job is. Once you know which job you want to target your next task is to figure out what training, skills and certifications you need. The surefire why to figure out exactly what you need is to analyse job descriptions and job advertisements by leading mining companies and take note of what skills experience and certifications they are looking for in an ideal candidate. Use that as your starting point and start to collect the certifications you need based on this research.

Summary

Working in underground mining in Australia can be a challenging and rewarding career choice. By understanding the basics of the industry, the different roles available, and the requirements for working in this field, you can set yourself up for success and find a fulfilling career in the mining industry.

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