
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
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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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
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

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

Coming Soon
Career insights from the mineral resources sector – coming soon.
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