Career Pathways
The mineral resources industry offers diverse and rewarding career paths from hands-on operational roles to high-tech innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
Whether starting as a operator, technician, engineer, or data specialist there are clear pathways for growth, allowing individuals to build meaningful careers that power global industries and shape the future of sustainable resource development.
Jump to our career guide to find out more about the roles in the mineral resources industry.
Career Pathways
Mineral Resources offers diverse and rewarding career paths from hands-on operational roles to high-tech innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
Whether starting as a operator, technician, engineer, or data specialist, there are clear pathways for growth, allowing individuals to build meaningful careers that power global industries and shape the future of sustainable resource development.
Jump to our career guide to discover the various roles in the mineral resources industry
What career pathway is for me?
There are many different pathways into the mineral resources industry.
Everyone’s journey looks different depending on their background, skills, and career goals.
Below are a few of the most common pathways, summarised, to help you understand where you might fit and how you could get started.
01
Entry Level
Entry-level roles are perfect for people new to mining. They provide foundational skills, confidence, and an understanding of site procedures while working alongside experienced team members. Many companies offer “new to industry” pathways, meaning no previous mining experience is required.
02
Operator
Operator roles are suited to people with the required tickets and experience to operate heavy machinery in production or development. These roles focus on safe, efficient excavation, haulage, and site work in fast-paced environments. Most positions require RIIs, equipment tickets, and a VOC, though some sites offer on-the-job training.
03
Trade
Trade roles ensure mining equipment and infrastructure run safely and efficiently. Suitable for qualified tradespeople or apprentices, they support production and reduce downtime. Most roles require trade qualifications plus training like RIIs, inductions, or high-risk licences.
04
Professional
Professional roles in mining require specialised qualifications and focus on planning, optimisation, and ensuring safety and production standards. They guide teams, solve complex problems, and offer pathways to leadership and specialist roles.
What career pathway is for me?
There are many different pathways into the Mineral Resources industry.
Everyone’s journey looks different depending on their background, skills, and career goals.
Below are a few of the most common pathways, summarised, to help you understand where you might fit and how you could get started.
01
Entry Level
Entry-level roles are perfect for people new to mining. They provide foundational skills, confidence, and an understanding of site procedures while working alongside experienced team members. Many companies offer “new to industry” pathways, meaning no previous mining experience is required.
02
Operator
Operator roles are suited to people with the required tickets and experience to operate heavy machinery in production or development. These roles focus on safe, efficient excavation, haulage, and site work in fast-paced environments. Most positions require RIIs, equipment tickets, and a VOC, though some sites offer on-the-job training.
03
Trade
Trade roles ensure mining equipment and infrastructure run safely and efficiently. Suitable for qualified tradespeople or apprentices, they support production and reduce downtime. Most roles require trade qualifications plus training like RIIs, inductions, or high-risk licences.
04
Professional
Professional roles in mining require specialised qualifications and focus on planning, optimisation, and ensuring safety and production standards. They guide teams, solve complex problems, and offer pathways to leadership and specialist roles.
What career pathway is for me?
There are many different pathways into the Mineral Resources industry.
Everyone’s journey looks different depending on their background, skills, and career goals.
Below are a few of the most common pathways, summarised, to help you understand where you might fit and how you could get started.
01
Entry Level
Entry-level roles are perfect for people new to mining. They provide foundational skills, confidence, and an understanding of site procedures while working alongside experienced team members. Many companies offer “new to industry” pathways, meaning no previous mining experience is required.
02
Operator
Operator roles are suited to people with the required tickets and experience to operate heavy machinery in production or development. These roles focus on safe, efficient excavation, haulage, and site work in fast-paced environments. Most positions require RIIs, equipment tickets, and a VOC, though some sites offer on-the-job training.
03
Trade
Trade roles ensure mining equipment and infrastructure run safely and efficiently. Suitable for qualified tradespeople or apprentices, they support production and reduce downtime. Most roles require trade qualifications plus training like RIIs, inductions, or high-risk licences.
04
Professional
Professional roles in mining require specialised qualifications and focus on planning, optimisation, and ensuring safety and production standards. They guide teams, solve complex problems, and offer pathways to leadership and specialist roles.
Find a training provider in your region
This guide provides details of training providers in your region that offer training and development related to entry level roles in the mineral resources industry.
Select your location on the map or download the document to find the education providers in your region along with skills and training they offer, specific to the mineral resources industry.
Specialist skills providers may not be available in your region, contact us for more information on these providers. Completing training courses can give you the skills, knowledge, and certifications that many mining employers value.
However, training does not guarantee a mining role. Verification of competency may also be required when you commence employment which is likely to require additional training and assessment to ensure alignment to site requirements.
Were can I get the skills I need?
Select your location on the map to find the education providers in your region along with skills and training they offer, specific to the Mineral Resources Industry.
Specialist skills providers may not be available in your region, contact us for more information on these providers. Completing training courses can give you the skills, knowledge, and certifications that many mining employers value. However, training does not guarantee a mining role.
Mining Companies in South Australia
Mining Companies in South Australia
Tier One Mining Contractors South Australia
While there are many mining contractors operating across South Australia, the contractors engaged can change quickly depending on project scope, timelines, and workforce requirements.
The list below is intended to help get you started on your search, it does not cover all mining contractors, and it may change as projects evolve.
Tier One Mining Contractors South Australia
While there are many mining contractors operating across South Australia, the contractors engaged can change quickly depending on project scope, timelines, and workforce requirements.
The list below is intended to help get you started on your search, it does not cover all mining contractors, and it may change as projects evolve.
Tier One Mining Contractors South Australia
While there are many mining contractors operating across South Australia, the contractors engaged can change quickly depending on project scope, timelines, and workforce requirements.
The list below is intended to help get you started on your search, it does not cover all mining contractors, and it may change as projects evolve.
Resources Hub
Mine Geologist ↗ Exploration Geologist ↗ Mine Surveyor ↗ Mining Engineer ↗ Geotechnical Engineer ↗ Drill & Blast Engineer ↗ Metallurgist / Process Engineer ↗ Environmental Scientist ↗ Hydrogeologist ↗ Ventilation Officer ↗ OHS Advisor ↗ Radiation Safety Officer ↗ Mine Planner ↗ Production Engineer ↗ Reliability Engineer ↗ Maintenance Planner ↗ Mechanical Fitter ↗ Heavy Diesel Mechanic ↗ Electrician (Mining)