How to get on the mining industry job ladder

A career in the mining industry can be a rewarding experience, with the opportunity to work in exotic locations with people from a range of backgrounds, and the thrill of being involved in the development of some of the world’s essential resources. Successful entry into the mining industry depends on the candidate’s commitment to gaining a combination of the right qualifications and experience.
Opportunities

The mining industry is booming and employers are feeling more and more optimistic about the economy, which is offering an improved job market for new graduates. Graduate career opportunities in the mining industry range from miners to engineers, technicians, geologists, geotechnical engineers, process engineers, nurses and health safety professionals.

Given the well-documented skills shortages in the industry, mining companies are keen to attract qualified candidates to exploration geologist roles and mining engineering roles and are especially trying to catch the attention of women into engineering and corporate roles. Women who represent an untapped skills source are crucial to bridging the skills gap. Consequently, there has never been a better time to enter the mining industry as a skilled candidate, but first you must gain the right qualifications.
Qualifications and qualities

Becoming a mining engineer requires that the candidate not only has a keen interest in technology, geology and the sciences but that they also have good people skills, as most positions involve a managerial aspect and working in small teams. Attention to detail and an aptitude for problem solving are also qualities required of mining workers.

A bachelor of engineering (mining engineering) degree is the essential university qualification for becoming employed as a mining engineer, which could lead graduates down a range of career paths – from research, design and development to more managerial roles.
Work experience

Work experience, internships and summer placements are also advantageous for candidates seeking first-time employment. Not only do such placements allow you to get a feel for the industry and gain insight into the areas you might prefer to work in, but they also give the company an opportunity to observe your performance and fit for the organisation, which, if suitable, will put you in good stead for landing a graduate position with them. Work experience is also incredibly valuable for your CV, as it is indicative of self-motivation and a personal commitment to bettering your career.
Graduate recruitment

As with other resources industries, companies in the mining industry typically have very thorough graduate recruitment programmes. Organisations such as Rio Tinto, BHP Biliton and Anglo American all actively recruit graduates every year, and even allow candidates to incorporate work experience into their studies. The details and closing dates of all programmes can be found on the companies’ websites. If you haven’t got a particular company in mind to work for, you may want to use the services of a specialist mining recruitment agency that can assist with finding work all over the world.
Further training

Those who secure graduate positions can expect on-the-job training that introduces them to different sectors within the company, followed by an ongoing developmental program that is aligned with the employee’s own career interests and progression. Following your placement, you could find your career taking off in directions you never expected. Progression up the career ladder typically takes several years; however, the path upward may be accelerated if in a smaller organisation.

Whether you are looking for work in the finance and management side of the industry; in laboratories and design offices or out in the field, with the above information and these suggestions in mind you’re sure to find a tremendously rewarding career in the mining industry.