Australia’s mining industry is gearing up for one of its biggest expansions in decades. With billions in new projects lined up, the sector will create tens of thousands of jobs, offering opportunities for workers from all walks of life. As the demand for natural resources grows, the future of Australia’s mining workforce has never looked more promising.
A Massive Job Surge
The Australian mining sector is on track to add over 22,000 new jobs by 2030. These positions will be spread across nearly 100 major projects, collectively valued at AU$129.5 billion. This isn’t just about new positions in existing mines; many of these jobs will come from new projects and expansions, pushing the workforce to meet the rising global demand for resources like gold, alumina, and tin.
Which Sectors Are Creating Jobs?
The bulk of the job creation will come from new developments, including 62 fresh projects, 27 mine expansions, and 7 reactivated sites, details Investingnews. In particular, gold, phosphate, and uranium will see a major boost, with alumina projects also taking the lead. As the industry evolves, workers with the right skill sets will find themselves in high demand—especially those with experience in specialized fields.
Where will all these new jobs be? Western Australia leads the charge with 42 projects, followed by Queensland with 17. The Northern Territory and South Australia will see 9 projects each, while New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania will add 19 more projects. These new ventures will significantly impact local economies, creating job opportunities in both urban and regional areas.
A Growing Workforce
As of August 2025, Australia’s mining workforce stands at around 299,200, and this number is only set to rise. Notably, women make up 20% of this workforce, a figure that’s steadily growing. However, with the median age of workers currently sitting at 41, the industry faces the challenge of attracting younger talent to fill these new roles. Fortunately, training and educational programs are expanding to meet the demand for fresh workers.
While job numbers are soaring, there’s a growing emphasis on specialized skills. Automation, environmental management, and renewable energy integration are becoming increasingly crucial to mining operations. This means that, while general labor is essential, specialized positions will offer the most growth, requiring workers to continuously update their skills. It’s a good time for those interested in mining to look into training and certifications in these areas.
Gender Equity and Pay Progress
One of the other bright spots in the mining industry is its push for greater gender equity. In just a year, the gender pay gap in the mining sector decreased by 1.6%, which is a significant step forward compared to the national average of 0.2%. This reflects a growing recognition that diversity isn’t just good for fairness—it’s good for business, too.
