Demand in Australia for Mining Engineers in 2024

Australia needs Mining Engineers!

As a global leader in the exportation of lead, coal, zinc and other minerals, Australia’s mining sector is booming. Mining Engineering has long been a key aspect of Australia’s constant growth - and the demand in Australia for Mining Engineers in 2024 has never been higher.

According to a report by the Australian Government’s Department of Jobs and Small Business, there will be a rise in overall employment for Mining Engineers between 2022 and 2030. As a result, the processing of an Australia PR Visa from India, China, UK and other eligible countries - for Mining Engineers is given the highest priority.

Are Mining Engineers in Demand in Australia?

Historically speaking, Australia has had a high demand for Mining Engineers, and the same trend is expected to continue in the future as well. With the evolution of Mining Engineering, the sector is focusing on developing the latest equipment and techniques that not only prioritise safety but are also environmentally friendly.

Mining Engineers are crucial in supporting & sustaining Australia’s growth. The job growth for Mining Engineers is projected to increase by 17.1% in the next 3 years. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the employment projections for Mining Engineers will reach 18,800 by 2026.

Some of the main industries where Mining Engineers are employed in Australia include Mining, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services, and Construction.

Apply for Australia PR as a Mining Engineer

Highest Paying Cities in Australia for Mining Engineers

• Brisbane QLD - $154,823 per year
• Mackay QLD - $153,928 per year
• Sydney NSW - $151,199 per year
• Perth WA - $147,532 per year
• Moranbah QLD - $142,787 per year
• Melbourne VIC - $139,102 per year
• Kalgoorlie WA - $139,041 per year
• Adelaide SA - $136,632 per year
• Mount Isa QLD - $116,154 per year

Average Salary of Mining Engineers in Australia

The average salary of Mining Engineers in Australia is $147,850 per year or $75.82 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $116,952 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $190,000 per year. The average salary is based on experience and area of specialisation.

Best Companies for Mining Engineers in Australia

There are several small and big organizations in Australia - that offer great prospects for Mining Engineers. The top 10 Mining Engineering companies in Australia include:

• BHP
• Rio Tinto
• Fortescue
• Newcrest Mining
• South32
• Mineral Resources
• Northern Star Resources
• Pilbara Minerals
• IGO
• Whitehaven Coal

Mining Engineer Job Responsibilities in Australia

Working as a Mining Engineer in Australia, you are responsible for:

• Conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Geologists, Geophysicists, other mineral scientists and other engineers to determine the resources present, the feasibility of extracting the reserves, and the design and development of the extraction process
• Preparing operation and project cost estimates and production schedules, and reporting progress, production and costs compared to budget
• Determining the most suitable methods of ore extraction taking account of such factors as depth of overburden, and attitude and physical characteristics of deposits and surrounding strata
• Preparing plans for tunnels and chambers, location and construction of mine shafts, layout of mine development and the application of appropriate mining techniques, often using computer modelling
• Assessing the natural, technical, financial and safety risks associated with the phases of the project development, construction and operations
• Determining the safety of processes, order of extraction and safety of mine walls, evaluating the risk of slippage and advising on the prevention of slippage and rock falls
• Planning and coordinating the utilisation of labour and equipment consistent with efficiency targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions
• Planning and conducting research and providing advice on engineering operations for the exploration, location and extraction of petroleum and natural gas
• Determining the location for drilling
• Deciding on types of derrick and equipment including seabed platforms
• Devising methods for controlling the flow of oil and gas from wells

How to Immigrate to Australia as a Mining Engineer?

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Australia, selects candidates to immigrate to Australia based on the details they provide in their Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. Before applying for PR, candidates must first get a Skills Assessment done by a regulatory body in Australia - and gather the required documents.

Based on the supporting documents and the details provided in the EOI profile, the DHA issues invitations to eligible candidates through frequently conducted invitation rounds. Once having secured the invitation letter, candidates can then submit a complete application to apply for Australia PR Visa.

Check Your Eligibility for Australia PR

Australian Visa Options for Mining Engineers

As a Mining Engineer, you may apply to work and/or obtain PR in Australia through one of the following visas:

• Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa
• Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa
• Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
• Subclass 485 - Graduate Temporary Visa
• Subclass 491 - Family Sponsored Visa
• Subclass 407 - Training Visa

Although there are many options available as well apart from these, for Mining Engineers applying for an Australia PR Visa from India, China, UK and other eligible countries, the best option is to apply under the Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa. This visa lets invited candidates with skills needed, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

Eligibility to Immigrate to Australia as a Mining Engineer

To be eligible to immigrate to Australia as a Mining Engineer under Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa, you would need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Occupation & Skills: Your occupation (Mining Engineering or related job profile) must be mentioned on the eligible Skilled Occupation List (SOL) aka Australia Occupation In-demand List. The ANZSCO code for Mining Engineers is 233611. You are also required to have a Skill Assessment done through an authorized assessing body in Australia - to prove that you have the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to work as a Mining Engineer.
• Points Test & Invitation: To be eligible to receive an invitation for PR, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). As Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa has a point-based selection process, you are required to score at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation. However, invitations are usually issued to candidates with higher scores than 65 points.
• Language Proficiency: You are also required to provide proof of sufficient English language skills which will be measured by your score on the OET, PTE, TOEFL or IELTS test. The higher your score is, the more points you will be awarded in the 65-point calculator for Australia PR.
• Age: At the time of application submission, you must be under 45 years old when you are invited to apply for PR under Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa.
• Health & Character: Lastly, you must also submit a medical clearance and police background check reports stating that you are in good condition to immigrate to Australia and that you hold no criminal background.

Australia PR Points Calculator

Process for Australia PR Visa as a Mining Engineer

The process to apply for an Australia PR Visa as a Mining Engineer can be carried out in 5 easy steps.

STEP 1: Before you apply: The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect. This will notify the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that you are interested in applying for this visa. The SkillSelect will then calculate your points and eligibility based on the details provided in your EOI. To be eligible for an invitation letter, you must score at least 65 points.

STEP 2: Gather your documents: Once eligible, you will need to gather certain documents which will help prove the claims you made in your EOI. You will generally need the following documents:

• Copy of Passport.
• CV/Resume.
• Education Credentials.
• Employment References.
• Payment Evidence.

STEP 3: Apply for the visa: If you’re eligible under SkillSelect and have the required documents, you can then continue to apply for Australia PR Visa online. This must be done within 60 days of receiving your invitation letter.

STEP 4: After you apply: Once you submit your complete application, the DHA will let you know that they have received your application. If eligible, you will receive a notification of your visa grant.

STEP 5: Visa outcome: If the DHA grants your visa, they will notify you of your visa grant number, the date your visa starts and other visa conditions. If they refuse your application, the department will let you know the reason for refusal and whether or not you can reapply. In case of refusals/rejections, your application processing charges are not refunded.

Cost to Immigrate to Australia as a Mining Engineer

The following are the costs to immigrate to Australia as a Mining Engineer under Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa:

• Primary Adult Applicant - AUD 4,640
• Additional Adult Applicant (more than 18 years) - AUD 2,320
• Dependent Child (fewer than 18 years) - AUD 1,160

Processing time for Australia PR Visa as Mining Engineers

The Australian PR process for Mining Engineers usually takes 9-12 months. However, the processing time may vary from case to case. The processing time is also based on several other factors including points score, ANZSCO code, visa subclass, and other individual circumstances.