Mining Life Cycle Explained: Unlocking Career Paths

In order to understand the opportunities to participate in the resources sector it is useful to have an understanding of the mine life cycle.  There are a number of ways to look at this, here is one for your reference.

Every mine has a life span which with stages from exploration to closure. The stage of the lifespan will determine what activities are undertaken and the job opportunities that may be available.

Understanding the mine life cycle can help you to identify where your expertise will best fit. 

1. Exploration & Appraisal

Searching for what’s hidden beneath the surface.

Exploration is where mining begins not with machinery, but with science and data.

This stage involves seismic surveys, drilling programs, sampling, and the early technical work that helps determine whether minerals exist in commercially viable quantities.

Opportunities include:

• Geoscientists

• Exploration geologists

• Drillers and offsiders

• Data analysts and GIS specialists

• Maintenance workers

• Field survey teams

  
  

This phase suits people who enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and being part of early discovery work that shapes the future of a potential mining project.

2. Design

Turning potential into a plan.

Once promising mineral resources are confirmed, the project moves into design. Companies secure investment, refine mine plans, and determine the most efficient and sustainable way to extract the resource.

Opportunities include:

• Mine planners

• Geologists

• Mining and civil engineers

• Construction design teams

  
  

This phase blends technical expertise with strategic planning perfect for people who want to shape how a mine will operate for decades to come.

3. Development

Building the foundation for a future mine.

Development involves the detailed studies required before construction can begin. This includes environmental assessments, geotechnical analysis, community engagement, and securing all necessary approvals.

Opportunities include:

• Environmental advisors

• Engineers (mine planning, civil, structural)

• Financial analysts

• Community engagement specialists

• Suppliers preparing for future construction demand

  
  

It’s a stage where science, engineering, social responsibility, and regulation all come together.

4. Construction

Transforming the landscape into an operational mine.

Construction is typically intense but relatively short compared to other stages, often lasting 2–3 years. It requires large numbers of workers, contractors, and specialized services.

Opportunities include:

• Civil construction crews

• Trades (electricians, fitters, boilermakers, welders)

• Communications and services

• Supervisors, engineers, and project managers

• Contractors across surface, underground, and processing plant builds

  
  

This is one of the busiest phases, offering some of the largest contract and employment opportunities.

5. Operations

Where the mine runs at full pace.

This is the longest phase of the mine life cycle and where you’ll find the highest volume of jobs. Minerals are extracted, processed, and transported, supported by large site-based workforces and shared services.

Opportunities include:

• Operators (haul truck, processing, underground)

• Trades (diesel mechanics, electricians, fitters)

• Technical professionals (engineering, geology, planning)

• FIFO/DIDO roles

• Business and site support services

  
  

If you’re looking for long-term career pathways, operations are where they usually live.

6. Decommissioning

Winding down with care.

When a mine reaches the end of its productive life, activities begin to scale back. Equipment is shut down, contractors complete final works, and the site transitions into a new phase

Opportunities include:

• Site monitoring

• Care and maintenance teams

• Shutdown specialists

  
  

This stage ensures the mine exits operations safely and responsibly.

7. Closure & Remediation

Restoring the land for the future.

Closure involves dismantling site structures, securing the area, reshaping landforms, and beginning long-term environmental rehabilitation.

It’s a technical and science-driven stage that ensures the land is stabilized and safe for future use.

Opportunities include:

• Environmental scientists

• Rehabilitation specialists

• Monitoring and compliance teams

  
  

Sustainability and responsible closure practices play a major role here.

Where Do You Fit?

Understanding the mine life cycle helps you see where your experience, qualifications, or aspirations best match the needs of the industry.

Whether you're hands-on in the field, technically minded, community-focused, or business-oriented, there’s a place for almost every skill set in the resources and METS sector.