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For University Students & Graduates

Industry

Starting your career into Mineral Resources

The mineral resources sector offers a wide variety of roles for students and graduates starting their careers. Whether you’re looking to apply your studies in a practical setting or explore new pathways, there’s a place for you. From technical and engineering positions to operational and support roles, the industry provides opportunities to develop valuable skills, gain real-world experience, and launch a rewarding career in one of Australia’s most important sectors.

The mineral resources sector offers a wide variety of roles for students and graduates starting their careers. Whether you’re looking to apply your studies in a practical setting or explore new pathways, there’s a place for you. From technical and engineering positions to operational and support roles, the industry provides opportunities to develop valuable skills, gain real-world experience, and launch a rewarding career in one of Australia’s most important sectors.

Pathway

Four stages on your mining pathway

Mining offers exciting career pathways. Whether you enjoy hands-on work, problem solving, technology, science, or working outdoors, there are roles to suit many interests.

Let us help step you through the process

1. Study

Building foundations

While completing your degree, explore opportunities to join student groups, societies, or projects that connect you with the minerals industry. Gaining exposure through these activities helps you understand different roles, develop relevant skills, and start building your professional network.

2. Work experience

Seeking industry exposure

Keep an eye out for internships and vacation programs in the mineral resources industry. These experiences let you apply your studies in real-world settings, build practical skills, and gain insight into different roles, helping you prepare for your future career.

3. Connecting

Building a professional network

Building a professional network 
Attend industry events, expos, and guest lectures, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Engaging with the minerals sector helps you learn about companies, discover career pathways, and start building a network that can support your transition from study to work.

4. Apply

Moving into the workforce

Take action by applying for graduate programs, or entry-level roles/programs that match your interests. You might not land your ideal role straight away and that’s okay. Starting in a role aligned with your goals helps you gain experience, build skills, and open doors to your future career in the minerals industry.

Pathway

Four stages on your mining pathway

Mining offers exciting career pathways. Whether you enjoy hands-on work, problem solving, technology, science, or working outdoors, there are roles to suit many interests.

Let us help step you through the process

Study

Building your foundations

While completing your degree, explore opportunities to join student groups, societies, or projects that connect you with the minerals industry. Gaining exposure through these activities helps you understand different roles, develop relevant skills, and start building your professional network.

Work Experience

Gaining industry exposure

Keep an eye out for internships and vacation programs in the mineral resources industry. These experiences let you apply your studies in real-world settings, build practical skills, and gain insight into different roles, helping you prepare for your future career.

Connecting

Building a professional network

Attend industry events, expos, and guest lectures, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Engaging with the minerals sector helps you learn about companies, discover career pathways, and start building a network that can support your transition from study to work.

Apply

Moving into the workforce

Take action by applying for graduate programs, or entry-level roles/programs that match your interests. You might not land your ideal role straight away and that’s okay. Starting in a role aligned with your goals helps you gain experience, build skills, and open doors to your future career in the minerals industry.

Resources

University & Graduate opportunities and support

There are many ways to access the information and guidance you need to start your pathway into mineral resources. From educational options and hands-on programs to scholarships, career advice, and industry events, support is available to help you explore roles, build skills, and take the first steps toward a rewarding career.

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BHP/Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships

This scholarship awards $10,000 to a student about to begin Honours in geoscience, mining engineering, or chemical engineering at a South Australian public university. It’s designed to support high‑achieving students entering the minerals industry, and preference is given to those likely to build their career in South Australia

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Seek Graduate Search 

SEEK Limited SEEK Graduate is a dedicated platform for students and recent graduates, offering access to entry-level jobs, internships, and graduate programs across a range of industries. It also provides career advice and employer insights to help early-career job seekers confidently transition from study into the workforce.

Networking Event Gathering

Industry Networking Events

Attend events to meet professionals, learn about companies, and discover opportunities. Networking helps you understand the industry and get a head start on your career.

Meeting

Career conversations 

Talking with mineral resources professionals gives you firsthand insight into roles, skills, and career pathways, helping you learn from real experiences and discover opportunities that suit your interests.

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AusIMM Education Endowment Fund (EEF)

Supports students and early-career professionals with scholarships, mentorship, and industry experience to build skills and launch a career in minerals and resources.

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Department for Energy and Mining/Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships

These scholarships award $10,000 each to students about to start third or fourth year in a core engineering degree (with a focus on mining or energy resources) at a South Australian public university. They’re supported by industry partners and the SA Government and help students connect with the resources sector while building skills for future careers

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Peak Iron/Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships

These scholarships offer up to $10,000 (for Honours students) or $5,000 (for first, second or third‑year students) to support students in mining engineering, geology, geoscience or environmental sciences at a South Australian public university. They include a paid 8–12‑week work placement with Peak Iron Mines, giving practical industry experience and helping build skills and networks in the resources sector.

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GSA/Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships

This scholarship offers two awards of $4,000 each to outstanding students about to begin a full‑time Honours year in earth sciences at a South Australian public university. It’s designed to support academic achievement and future careers in earth science and the resources sect

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AusIMM/Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships

These scholarships award $9,000 each (for one year) to outstanding students at South Australian public universities studying mining, geoscience, chemical or environmental engineering (from first year through honours). They support industry exposure and help students connect with the minerals sector as they progress their career.

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CEEC International/Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships

This scholarship offers $10,000 for one year to a high‑achieving student entering Honours or fourth year in science, engineering, geoscience, or environmental fields at a South Australian public university. It supports future leaders in the minerals industry with a focus on eco‑efficiency, sustainability, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles

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Alligator Energy Scholarship

The Alligator Energy Scholarship awards $10,000 to South Australian students in mining, chemical, or geoscience fields and includes a six-week industry placement with Alligator Energy.

Virtual Meeting Interaction

Mineral resources live webinars

Join industry webinars to hear directly from mining professionals, learn about different roles, career pathways, and gain insights into the skills and opportunities available in the sector.

Resources

My story your future

Coming soon on Hot Rubble, this series lets you hear directly from people working in the mineral resources industry. Discover their career journeys, experiences, and pathways to inspire your own future in the sector

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Coming Soon

Career insights from the mineral resources sector – coming soon.

Resources

My story your future

Coming soon on Hot Rubble, this series lets you hear directly from people working in the mineral resources industry. Discover their career journeys, experiences, and pathways to inspire your own future in the sector

Image for Facebook Page 7.jpg

Coming Soon

Career insights from the mineral resources sector – coming soon.

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