High paying jobs in mining for people without experience, and qualified miners

Want a change in 2025? See our list of high-paying jobs in mining, some offering as much as $120k for new starters and $200k+ for those with experience.

Take a look at some of the jobs on offer in mining.

There are an array of jobs are on offer across Queensland in the mining industry from truck operators to cleaners, administrators and now is the perfect time to get your foot in the door.

With over a hundred open positions in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions we have compiled a list of some of the best options whether you have years of experience or are just getting started.

Scroll for the full list.

MPU TRAINEE WorkPac

WorkPac is seeking a Trainee Bench Hand / Shot Firer Assistant for a role with one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers.

The traineeship pays $38.87 per hour with a pay increase after 6 months and after your traineeship is signed off.

The role will be on a 7/7 rotating roster, with camp and meals provided whilst on shift.

The opportunity promises career progression and a lot of learning and development opportunities.

Successful candidates must be located within 3 hours or less of Moranbah, have a proven history of working outdoors in physically demanding environments, and have a positive, team-oriented attitude with the ability to look out for teammates.

A current Heavy Rigid driver’s license would be preferred for the role but is not essential.

Click here to learn more.

AUTO ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICESHIPS

BHP

BHP is currently offering 2 year Auto Electrician Apprenticeships schedule to commence in May 2025.

This is a paid program based at Mackay FutureFit Academy.

Apprentices study to complete a full trade qualification (Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology AUR) to become a qualified Automotive Electrician at BHP.

During the training the apprentice will work on a roster of 7 Days / 7 Off / 7 Nights / 7 Off with day shift hours being 6am to 4:30pm and night shift hours 1:30pm to 12:00am.

Once successfully completing your studies, you will continue your employment with BHP based at one of their mine sites.

The training program involves applying knowledge of automotive/ mining electronics, engines, and chassis with the ability to diagnose and repair automotive/mining electrical and air-conditioning systems.

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MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATE TRAINEESHIPS | DIESEL FITTING

BHP

BHP are seeking applicants who want to be paid while they train to become a Heavy Diesel Maintenance Association.

This is a 12-month training program based at Mackay FutureFit Academy.

These are permanent opportunities, and once studies are successfully completed trainees will continue their employment with BHP based at one of their mine sites.

The training will equip participants with a Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology and help them become familiar with maintaining specific mining equipment.

The main responsibility of the Heavy Diesel Maintenance Associate is the maintenance and servicing of heavy diesel mobile mining machinery including inspection and servicing, removing and replacing major components on the largest pieces of mining equipment in the world.

While training applicants would be working a roster of 7 Days / 7 Off / 7 Nights / 7 off, with day shift hours of 6am to 4:30pm and night shift hours of 1:30pm to 12:00am.

Candidates must be based near Mackay during the training along with a genuine interest in fixing, repairing or tinkering and the understanding this is a physically demanding role where you will be working with machinery parts that involve grease and dirt.

Click here to learn more.

SHOT FIRER

WorkPac

WorkPac is seeking a Shot Firer for Australia’s largest producer and supplier of seaborne metallurgical coal based in the Bowen Basin.

The role pays between $57.11 and $63.35 per hour working on a 7/7 roster.

Busses are available from Mackay or Rockhampton and a $200 reimbursement per flight is available for those further out.

The successful applicants main duties will include preparing blast patterns, prepping holes, and setting up blasts.

Applicants must have and SSAN, assistant shot firer or shot firer license, a standard 11, a coal board medical, and a driver license.

Click here to learn more.

WAREHOUSE OFFICER

WorkPac

WorkPac is looking for a warehouse officer for a role based in the Bowen Basin.

The role pays $54 per hour with the successful applicant working a 7/7 roster.

Camp and meals are provided along with access to $200 flight reimbursement.

Previous experience in a warehouse or logistics role will be necessary, preferably in a mining or heavy industry setting along with a standard 11, a coal board medical, and a driver license.

Valid forklift license is preferred but not essential.

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INEXPERIENCED MINER / TRADES

Mastermyne

Mastermyne’s Inexperienced Program introduces people to Underground Coal Mining, providing a stepping stone to a career in Underground Coal Mining.

The program gives participants the opportunity to undertake hands-on training before commencing on site.

The position is full-time with an equal time roster.

Applicants should have a genuine interest in working for Mastermyne in an underground coal mine, and experience in a labour intensive role such as trade qualified backgrounds, agriculture, labouring, or construction.

Click here to learn more.

TRADE ASSISTANT 

Evoke Maintenance Services Pty Ltd

Evoke Maintenance Services Pty Ltd are seeking Trade Assistants for Short Term Works starting January 2025.

The roles will pay $45 to $55 per hour for 12 hour day shifts during longwall relocation surface works.
On a pro-rata basis, that is as much as $120k annually.

There are multiple positions available with 7/7 or 5/2 rosters.

Applicants must have a Coal Board Medical and Standard 11 - Surface but it would also be desirable to have Fitzroy Surface Induction.

The successful applicants will be physically fit and able to do manual tasks

Click here to learn more.

ACCOMMODATION ADMINISTRATOR 

Sodexo

Sodexo are looking for an Administrator and a great communicator with a passion for people and service.

Sodexo have an opportunity for an Accommodation Administrator with reporting and IT skills to provide support to Managers and staff at Dysart Village.

The full time position pays $78,298.19 per year and contributes to the day-to-day operations of the accommodation site.

This position is a Local hire role from the Mackay region only, applicants must have their own car.

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PRODUCTION OPERATORS 

BHP

BHP Operations Services Production team currently have multiple job opportunities for Production Operators to work with their team at Peak Downs Deployment.

They are seeking experienced Operators who can operate the following equipment:

Excavators - EX 5600, Liebherr 9800 or similar size equipment

Dozers - CAT D10, D11

Grader - CAT 24M

Haul/Dump Trucks - CAT 793, CAT 797, Komatsu 930E, T282 and/or equivalent equipment

Water Truck - CAT 785

This is a permanent position with all the benefits of full-time work including funded flights provided from Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns to Bowen Basin and an annual bonus.

Click here to learn more.

Nobul

Nobul are looking for experienced production operators for multiple full time positions across the Bowen Basin.

Earn up to $170,000 a year on a 7/7 roster with accommodation, meals, and PPE provided.

This is a drive in drive out position with a free bus from Mackay and Townsville.

Applicants need 2 plus years experience in Open Cut Production Mining, a current Driver’s Licence, relevant and contactable references, LMS/Training Transcripts with proven experience operating machinery, current Standard 11, and current Coal Board Medical.

Click here to learn more.

EXCAVATOR OPERATORS 

Protech 

Protech are hiring experienced Excavator Operators to perform work at Lake Vermont Mine.

This role will work on a rotating 7 day on, 7 day off roster, alternating between day and night shifts with 12.50-hour shifts.

Paid flights from Brisbane are available as well as a bus service from Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, and Townsville.

Full camp facilities are provided in Dysart or a local living allowance.

Applicants have the opportunity to earn up to $151,813.84 excluding super plus up to $10,000.00 per year in retention attendance bonuses.

A minimum of 12 months of experience in open-cut production mining operating relevant machinery is essential along with a current Drivers Licence, training transcript signed by SSE or evidence of proficiency in relevant machinery, and a Standard 11 Certificate.

Click here to learn more.

Thiess 

Thiess is offering permanent full-time opportunities for experienced Excavator Operators to join their team at Lake Vermont.

The role provides the opportunity to earn $126,382.97 to $151,813.84 depending on skill plus up to $10,000 per year in retention attendance bonuses and up to $4,000 per 6 months in Individual Target/Production Coal KPIs.

Thiess can provide flights from Brisbane or a bus from Mackay, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Townsville, or Bundaberg.

The site operates on a 7/7 day/night rotating roster with 12.5 hour shifts.

12 months experience operating at least one production mining equipment on a mine site (Rear Dump Truck, Dozer, Grader or Excavator) is required along with an SSE signed skills list, a current open drivers licence, and a Standard 11.

Click here to learn more.

TRUCK OPERATOR

Thiess 

Thiess is offering permanent full time opportunities for experienced Truck Operators to join their team at Lake Vermont.

The role provides the opportunity to earn $126,382.97 to $151,813.84 depending on skill plus up to $10,000 per year in retention attendance bonuses and up to $4,000 per 6 months in Individual Target/Production Coal KPIs.

Thiess can provide flights from Brisbane or a bus from Mackay, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Townsville, or Bundaberg.

The site operates on a 7/7 day/night rotating roster with 12.5 hour shifts.

12 months experience operating at least one production mining equipment on a mine site (Rear Dump Truck, Dozer, Grader or Excavator) is required along with an SSE signed skills list, a current open drivers licence, and a Standard 11.

Click here to learn more.

CONTRACT MINE SURVEYORS

Contract Mine Surveyors

Experienced Mine Surveyors are needed for short-term and long-term contract work across Australia

The role pays $900 - $1200 per shift with various rosters options including 7/7, 8/6 and 14/7.

All meals and accommodation provided onsite at no cost with the option to fly in from anywhere.

Underground experience will be essential for this role.

Click here to learn more.

Originally published as High paying jobs in mining for people without experience, and qualified miners