Mining Jobs for Backpackers
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Most Recent Jobs
21d ago
Work where your skills are valued – Regional NSW lifestyle Bogan Mechanical Industries (BMI) is seeking a qualified Vehicle Mechanic to join our team in Nyngan,...
21d ago
• ASAP start • Counts for Visa Extension • Sponsorship considered after probationary period We are looking for a Cook/Chef to join our friendly team . Working...
1mth ago
We are looking for a friendly, hard working new team member to join our team in Newman. Red Sands is situated in the outback (Western Australia) - 1200kms north of...
1mth ago
We are looking for friendly, hard working new team members to join our amazing team in Newman. Newman hotel is situated in the west Australian outback 1200kms north of...
2mth ago
Hi, We have an opportunity for a caring and flexible person to work and live in a mixed enterprise in the best location in Australia. The position is available...
2mth ago
Seeking contract exploration geologist for minimum 6 month role supervising gold and copper exploration drilling programs. Starting February 2026 on 12/9 roster....
2mth ago
We are seeking an experienced, caring and reliable live-in nanny to support our 11 year old daughter who has a rare genetic neurological condition. The ideal...
2mth ago
☕️ EXPERIENCED BARISTAS WANTED ☕️ We’re looking for TWO experienced baristas to join our team at Opal Street Cafe in the heart of Lightning Ridge, NSW. As we...
4mth ago
The Kalgoorlie Overland & Miners Rest Motel is seeking an experienced bar and restaurant superstar to join our front-of-house team. We are a high-volume motel with...
5mth ago
We’re hiring 1 flexible all-rounder (hospitality / hotel background ideal) Start within 7 days. Before you scroll past: 1. Ever been on a stargazing tour before in...
5mth ago
The Client Our client specializes in major mechanical, fabrication and vehicle body repair, overhauls, rebuilds and major accessory fit outs of trucks mainly used...
7mth ago
1 Full Time receptionist Position available in Doctor's Surgery in remote NSW town of Cobar (Mining Town). Current vacancy needing a person ASAP. Job involves...
8mth ago
Exploration company working in the Pilbara and based in Perth is seeking an experienced person to work as field assistant supporting the geologists and assisting with...
8mth ago
A unique opportunity for a working holiday makers or backpackers to spend time in the great Aussie Outback, working for a friendly organisation restoring period homes....
8mth ago
Chefs/Camp manager wanted to cook for ~10 people in an exploration camp near Emerald, QLD. 350/day with accommodation and food paid for. Cook meals and help out with...
8mth ago
Casual Sales Development Role with a View to Grow - Terrigal (Central Coast NSW) OR Sydney CBD - Hybrid: Work from anywhere + 1–2 days in-office - 10am–2pm AEST |...
8mth ago
Casual Sales Development Role with a View to Grow - Terrigal (Central Coast NSW) OR Sydney CBD - Hybrid: Work from anywhere + 1–2 days in-office - 10am–2pm AEST |...
11mth ago
we are looking for heavy filters as well as light car mechanics and truck also looking for ex heavy fitters with cat ex for FFO for the mining sector sponsership...
1yr+ ago
This is your chance to join the mining industry! No Experience Needed! ✈︎ Our goal is to help YOU to secure your first FIFO job in the mining industry >> We offer...
1yr+ ago
About Us: Precision Laser Cleaning (PLC) is Australia’s leading provider of advanced laser cleaning solutions, streamlining the way industry undertakes maintenance,...
1yr+ ago
Great opportunity to join our team at a dynamic busy Local IGA in Wiluna Northern Goldfields Western Australia. Wiluna is the gateway to the pristine desert...
1yr+ ago
Calling all international tradies to work in beautiful Cairns North Queensland - Boilermaker or Welders Dawsons Engineering has a minimum of 6 months full time work...
1yr+ ago
Are you looking to explore regional Australia while enhancing your skills and earning an above-award rate? Travel nursing might be for you! We are on the hunt for...
1yr+ ago
Explore the stunning landscapes of Western Australia effortlessly with Wanneroo Rentals, your trusted source for vehicle hire in Perth. Whether you're planning a...
1yr+ ago
Durock Drilling Pty Ltd is an Exploration Drilling company based in Dubbo NSW, that services clients Australia wide. Durock Drilling specialises in Reverse Circulation...
2yr+ ago
The team here at Add Business Group are seeking skilled laborers to help deliver a number of key projects building and installing mining camps around Western...
2yr+ ago
We are searching for experienced site-based riggers & boilermakers for our current and upcoming project works in Sydney. Our clients Construction and Maintenance...
2yr+ ago
Exploration drilling/ field work. Camping out Good$$ food and accommodation supplied. Must have drivers licence, physically fit and able to pass drug tests and daily...
2yr+ ago
About Us We are seeking highly motivated Marketing professionals that are HIGH PERFORMING to create appointments in the Gold Coast region. Ausuntech Solar is a...
3yr+ ago
We are currently seeking food and beverage staff for our various clients, including catering companies, premium restaurants, and larger events now. POTENTIAL...
3yr+ ago
Hey there travellers! We are seeking our 6th AUPAir to join our adventurous family in North West Regional WA. We are located in a sunny town on the coast...
3yr+ ago
Chefs , Food Service Assistant and FOH - TOP UP for Christmas About Us Chefs On The Run find work for Experienced Chefs, Cooks, Catering Assistants, Kitchen...
3yr+ ago
Looking to break into the oil, gas and mining sectors? We are looking for enthusiastic people to assist in our Dalby distribution centre. We supply the industry...
3yr+ ago
A great opportunity exists for a full time, Site Supervisor to join our dedicated team at HEH Civil based in Brisbane. About the role The Site Supervisor’s...
3yr+ ago
A great opportunity exists for full time, Site Supervisors to join our dedicated team at HEH Civil based in Cairns. About the role The Site Supervisor’s...
3yr+ ago
A great opportunity exists for full time, Site Supervisors to join our dedicated team at HEH Civil based in Cairns. About the role The Site Supervisor’s...
3yr+ ago
A great opportunity exists for full time, Plant Operators to join our dedicated team at HEH Civil based in Cairns. About the role We are currently looking for...
3yr+ ago
A great opportunity exists for a full time, Project/Site Engineer to join our dedicated team at HEH Civil based in Cairns. About the role The Project/Site...
3yr+ ago
A great opportunity exists for a full time, Engineering Project Manager to join our dedicated team at HEH Civil based in Cairns. About the role The role of an...
3yr+ ago
Fender Geophysics is looking for casual field staff on geophysics crews. The role offers great opportunity for travel as we undertake surveys all over Australia and...
4yr+ ago
Pacific Hotels Group is an Australian owned and operated company with 5 hotels across the country, and we are growing! Our Seasons Hotel Newman in the Pilbara is...
4yr+ ago
Does your family have plans to move to the Pilbara region in Western Australia? Has your partner secured a role in the resource sector? Western Australia has...
4yr+ ago
The Gerald Apartment Hotel was established in 2018. We are a 40 room boutique hotel. Included in our venue is Bobs Boutique bar, Old Man & The Sea – Rooftop Bar and...
4yr+ ago
The Cambridge Kununurra, is undergoing major renovations to become the hotel of choice, so we are calling out to all Chef de Parties … we want you! Our newly...
Mining Jobs in Australia
We can all agree that Australia is big and empty. Unless you know what you're looking for...
The truth is that Australia is very mineral rich. From coal and iron ore to some of the world's most sought-after gems, Australia's mining industry is one of the biggest in the world, which is great news for backpackers on a 417 or 462 visa looking for work.
Where are most mining jobs located?
Australian mining jobs aren't exactly in convenient locations. Most of the jobs are found in regional, hard to access parts of the Australian mainland - places where minerals have been left to slow cook for millions of years, and where the opening of a huge open cut mine won't be met by much, if any, resistance. Mount Isa, Queensland's largest mining town, is a 20 hour drive from the state capital of Brisbane, for example.
With the greatest amount of land at their disposal, it makes sense that Australia's two biggest states, Western Australia and Queensland, are the country's mining powerhouses.
What are FIFO jobs?
If you're looking for a mining job, you've probably heard the term FIFO, which stands for 'fly in, fly out'. Because most Australian mining jobs are seriously remote, it makes sense for mining companies to fly their workers in and have them work non-stop for weeks at a time, before flying them out again for an extended break.
A FIFO worker's schedule will depend on the company and the job. Some FIFO workers will work two weeks on before getting two weeks off, others will have three on and one off, etc.
What mining jobs are available to working holidaymakers?
While many mining jobs require a university-level education, there are a number of entry-level positions open to willing working holidaymakers that require no experience. Examples include:
- Labourer: Such a large scale project as a mine needs plenty of hired hands to do simple labouring tasks.
- Truck driver: Ever felt the desire to drive a vehicle as big as a house? Being a driver on a mine site grants you the opportunity!
- Cleaner: Things can get dirty and dusty on a mine site, and someone's got to clean it!
- Admin/ in-office jobs: If you're not a fan of dirt under the nails, there are always a wealth of in-office roles available, including administration, payroll, procurement, reception and scheduling.
What qualifications are needed?
When you combine big machinery with a notable lack of medical facilities, safety becomes all the more important. Mining sites are some of the most red tape filled workplaces in the world, and for good reason.
The 'tickets' - the qualifications and licences - that you'll need will depend on the job that you're going for. As a minimum you'll have to show a white card, the same card necessary to step foot on any construction site in Australia, and a police security clearance.
From there the necessary tickets become job-specific, like a heavy vehicle (sometimes called a 'heavy rigid' or HR) licence for drivers. The necessary tickets should be stated on the job description.
If you get through the first few stages of the interview process, you'll most likely be asked to undergo a pre-employment medical to ensure that you are fit to work in what can often be challenging conditions.
What is the pay like?
In short? Really good.
If you're willing to put up with the less desirable aspects of the job, you can often earn more as an entry-level worker in the mines as you can as a highly trained professional in the city. It's common for a cleaner or labourer to earn $40 an hour - double Australia's world-leading minimum wage. On top of that, many mining jobs, in particular FIFO, will see living expenses like accommodation and food paid for. You also won't be tempted by a trip to the mall or cinema, because there is no mall or cinema.
Pros and cons of mining jobs
So, is a mining job the right choice for you, the working holidaymaker? Let's sum up the pros and cons.
Pros
- Great pay
- Counts as specified work for your second and third year visas
- Living costs are often taken care of
- Forced saving, as there's minimal temptation to spend
- Work hard, play hard: extended breaks for FIFO workers
Cons
- Away from civilisation (perhaps a pro to some!)
- Limited ways to unwind and relax outside of work hours
- FIFO workers will work for weeks at a time (before getting an extended break)
- Work and live with a small group of people
So while Australian mining jobs are terrific for your bank balance and your visa extension, the more human sides of the job can be a challenge.
The pay and limited amount of jobs can mean it's a competitive space to get work in. But if you can, there's almost no better way for a working holidaymaker to make good, fast money.