Mackay and Coalfields mining jobs on offer totals almost 400

There are close than 1000 jobs offering salaries of at least $100,000 in the Queensland mining sector, covering a wide range of skills and expertise, and almost a quarter of them are in just one region.

Queensland Resources Council says there are 1346 mining jobs across the state on offer.

Mackay and the Coalfields has almost 400 jobs on offer in the resources sector with a number of those roles paying $100k plus per year.

The latest Seek employment data revealed there were currently 1346 Queensland mining jobs advertised with almost one quarter of those in this region.

These jobs include a site manager with WorkPac, excavator operators with Thiess, auto electricians with BHP and an underground coal geotechnical engineer with Blackrock Mining Solutions.

More than 70 per cent – or 970 – of those roles pay more than $100,000 per year.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resources sector had again defied the Covid-19 pandemic by adding new jobs to the state economy through companies investing in new projects and expanding existing activities.

The top three locations currently offering the highest number of mining industry jobs in Queensland are in the Mackay and Coalfields region at 390, followed by 358 jobs in Brisbane, and 159 jobs in Gladstone.

At Dysart jobs include operators with QLD Mining Services and electricians with Ellico Group. At Moranbah there are roles for scraper operators with Stokes Mining Services and experienced longwall move personnel at Carborough Downs.

“The resource sector continues to drive economic opportunities in all corners of the state with more coming through the pipeline,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“As these latest job ad figures show, in most cases resources companies and our supply chain partners are offering highly-paid jobs and a secure future, which is especially important because of the impact of Covid on other parts of the economy.

“I strongly encourage people, particularly young people, to consider a job in resources because they’re usually well paid, offer a safe and professional career path and include first-class education and training opportunities.”

Other major centres offering jobs in resources are Townsville with 115 jobs available, followed by the Western Queensland region at 79, Rockhampton at 84 and 55 in Mount Isa.

According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on Thursday, the mining industry has by far the highest average full-time earnings of any industry at $2674, per week, which is over $139,000 per year.

Mr Macfarlane said the benefits of a well-paid workforce flowed on to communities throughout Queensland.

“When you see that more than 70 per cent of current job vacancies will pay $100,000 or more per year, this is additional income that will flow through to the local butcher, baker, barista and barber,” he said.

“Resources is also the state’s largest private employer of indigenous people, and we’ve increased female participation in our sector by 52 per cent over the past five years, so job applicants can be assured resources companies are working hard to provide an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.”

“Our companies are also committed to transitioning to a low emissions future, to meet the challenges of climate change and ensure our sector has a long-term future.”