A CHOSEN CAREER IN Mining

CAREERS CENTRE
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

A Chosen Career In
SERIES
INTRODUCTION
The Curtin Careers Centre, working
closely with employers and the university
community, sources, develops and
delivers career development programs
and resources. The purpose of these
professional and personal development
learning opportunities is to facilitate
successful career transitions; especially
study to employment and further study
and to enhance students’ ability to develop
lifelong skills in managing their careers.
The Careers Centre also provides accurate,
current authoritative labour market and
graduate recruitment information focusing
on society’s needs and aspirations.
The Careers Centre team has written a
series of occupation career booklets to
enable tertiary students to consider their
chosen field in more depth including
information on the current labour market,
associated professional associations,
pertinent job seeking avenues and samples
of relevant and related positions.
Whilst students are actively seeking
information about a particular field they
need also be aware of recruitment and se
ection methods and the need to develop
strategies to be competitive in their field at
graduate entry level.
Self-assessment is an essential component
of job seeking i.e. a student needs to be fully
aware of their interests, skills, attributes
and capabilities to be able to convey this on
paper (job application
documents) and in person (networking/
interviewing/promotion).
The purpose of this occupational booklet is
twofold. It will assist students to develop
knowledge of trends in employment and
current opportunities and to identify
existing skills and attributes required to
successfully pursue a career in this field.
A student may not be aware that whilst
using this resource that they are involved
in Career Development Learning (CDL). CDL
assists students to develop Self Awareness,
to Identify Opportunities, to learn how
to Make Decisions, to Manage Transition
from university and incorporate Lifelong
Learning.
This involves Curtin students working with
the Curtin Careers Centre towards the
attainment of required skills and knowledge
at a tertiary level to successfully manage
the changing contexts of life; incorporating:
• Personal Management
• Learning and Work Exploration
• Career Building

Contacting the Careers Centre...

Feel free to visit us at Building 303

Email us at careers@curtin.edu.au
Give us a call on (08) 9266 7802
Or check out our website at www.careers.curtin.edu.au

Stay connected to the Careers Centre with Jobs and Events Connect. Access
new jobs posted daily, workshop information, special events and employer
presentations.

2
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
A Chosen Career In
Mining
A Chosen Career In MIning
Within the next few years, Western
Australia’s mining and resources sector,
particularly in the petroleum division,
will require an additional 38,000 workers,
according the Chamber of Minerals and
Energy’s “People for the Future” website
(2010). The mining and resources sector
is one of the most diverse, rewarding
industries in the world today. With changing
technologies, expanding markets, improved
working conditions and opportunities
overseas, graduate roles in this area are one
of the most highest paying.
In 2008 – 2009, the value of Western
Australia’s mineral and petroleum industry
reached $71.3 billion, a 19% increase from
the previous year from which this growth
can be contributed to iron ore, petroleum
and gold. (People for the Future, 2010).
When considering what you would like to
do with your degree, think about what you
liked about your studies and units you did
well in. Look at your strengths and then
research what options are available to you.
Talk with people who work in the mining and
resources sector, network and research and
you will find yourself in an exciting, well paid
job with lots of career development.
What AM I Qualified For?
As a Curtin University of Technology
student you will have developed a number
of employability skills and attributes
that maybe you have not thought of or
recognised in your self. In fact, all Curtin
University courses are designed to ensure
you are given ample opportunity to
develop Curtin Graduate Attributes. These
attributes are defined as qualities, skills
and understandings that Curtin students
develop during their time at the university.
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They are designed to go beyond the
disciplinary specific expertise or technical
knowledge you gain at university. According
to the Graduate Attributes, Curtin graduates
show evidence that they can:
• Apply discipline knowledge, principles
and concepts
• Think critically, creatively and
reflectively
• Access, evaluate and synthesise
information
• Communicate effectively
• Use technologies appropriately
• Utilise lifelong learning skills
• Recognise and apply international
perspectives
• Demonstrate intercultural awareness
and understanding
• Apply professional skills
Combine these attributes with existing
skills gained from life and work experiences
and you will start to form a solid picture
of what you are capable of. If you are
having difficulty with outlining your skills
or recording your achievements logon to
Resume Express from Jobs and Events
Connect – Job Applications – Resumes -
Module
Analyse Your Skills, attend a workshop at
the Careers Centre or contact careers@
curtin.edu.au to make an appointment to
see a Careers Consultant.
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
Occupations and Roles
Occupational Roles
Depending on the degree you have studied
and your chosen area of specialisation, there
are many career options for you. Whether
you have studied engineering, geology,
units in the environment or surveying, there
are many career opportunities available to
graduates who have studied a mining degree
and its up to you to decide where you would
like your degree to take you. To get an idea
of the full extent of the career prospects, you
may need to do further research. Contact
professional associations, companies you
would like to work for and your faculty for
more ideas.
The ollowing occupations refer to graduates
who have studied:
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mining
Engineering)
• Bachelor of Science (Mine and operation of plant equipment, machinery,
Engineering Surveying) and
• Bachelor of Science (Mining)
N.B. There are also a number of Occupational
Bo klets you may consider referring to
that will assist you in researching career
pathways for you. Some of these include:
• A Chosen Career in Surveying
• A Chosen Career in Minerals and
Metallurgy
• A Chosen Career in Geology
• A Chosen Career in Mechanical /
Electrical / Civil Engineering
• A Chosen Career in the Environment
Mining Engineering
If you have studied the Bachelor of
Engineering, Mining Engi neering, not only
are you able to pursue careers outlined
below, you can also apply for engineering
roles within the mining and resources sector.
This degree you have studied is the only
course through the Western Australian
School of Mines that enables you to get
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accreditation with Engineers Australia and
meets the educational requirements for the
WA Department of Mines and Petroleum.
Mining Engineers plan and direct mining
operations. Mining Engineers also conduct
feasibility studies to determine the best way
to extract minerals, prepare layouts of the
mine and oversee the construction of the
mine. Technical roles include the design,
planning and use of drilling machines and
equipment, blasting processes, tunneling
techniques and mine ventilation.
If you have studied mining engineering,
you can choose from a number of specific
engineering roles with the mining and
resource sector. Below are just some of the
roles you can do, outlined by AusIMM (2010):
Mechanics
Mine Engineers plan, design and oversee the
fuels and energy, heating and storage.
Electronics
Mining Engineers plan and supervise power
generating equipment. Mining Engineers
who enjoy electronics can also work with
computers, communication systems and
motors such as those in earth moving
equipment.
Civil and structural
Plan, design, construct and maintain the
infrastructure of buildings, roads, dams
and water supplies for mining sites. Mining
Engineers can also be involved in surveying
the land prior to mine development,
feasibilities studies and reporting.
The Bachelor of Engineering is recognised
by the Australasian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy and is accredited by Engineers
Australia. After a set period of practical
experien in the industry graduates can apply
to the Department of Industry and Resources
(Western Australia) to sit for examinations,
qualifying them for various statutory
Certificates of Competency (Underground
Supervisor, Quarry Manager and First Class
Mine Manager).
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

Occupations and Roles

Mine Surveying
Students who have studied the courses
above, can pursue careers in surveying due
to units covered in each course, however,
further career opportunity can be increased
with postgraduate study and registration as
a Mine Surveyor. According to the Australian
Institute of Mine Surveyors (2010), each
state is responsible for regulating and setting
the standards to which mining must occur.
In Western Australia, surveyors who make
and draw surveys must be ‘Authorised Mine
Surveyors’. This authority is granted by the
Mines Survey Board and authorised Mine
Surveyor’s certificates are granted as either
Grade 1, allowing surveyors to supervise
work in underground and opencut mines or
as Grade 2 allowing surveyors to supervise
work in open cut mines only.
Further Information on Authorised Mine
Surveyors can be found on the Department of
Mines and Petroleum website: http://www.
dmp.wa.gov.au
Although mining is conducted in every state
and territory of Australia, not all states
require mining surveyors to have statutory
qualifications ie Registration/Authorisation.
A Mine Surveyors role is to plan, direct and
conduct surveying activities to determine
features necessary for successful mining.
Surveyors measure land to find specific
details about open cut and underground
mining, locate new mining areas and work
with local governments working on strategies
and negotiating.
Exploration Geologist
Exploration geologists discover mineral
deposits and determine if it’s feasible to
mine.
Geophysicist
Study the composition, attributes and
structure of the earth to locate minerals
Mine Geologist
Mine geologists locate, map and define the
grade of minerals for mining operations
Resource Geologist
Plan and implement resources developed
modelling and analysis for future mining.
GIS Technician
Use computer systems to support mining
operations and to analyse mineral samples.
If you would like more information on careers
in Geology, please read the ‘A Chosen Career
in Geology’ which is found on the Curtin
Careers website.
Graduates who study a degree in mining
can also choose from careers which are not
directly involved in the mining process.
Some of these
are:

Exploration and Geology

Students who are studying a degree in

mining and who have done units in geology,
can choose from a variety of careers in
the mining industry, working with the
earth, ex ploring, analysing and reporting
on geological matters. Mining Careers.
com (2010) outline the following careers in
geology within the mining industry:

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CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

Occupations and Roles

General Mining
Environment The Government

Graduates who have studied units in the
environment can work in the environmental
departments of mining companies and
relevant stakeholders (such as consulting
companies and government departments) in
areas such as exploration, land management
and rehabilitation.
Further information on careers in the
environment can be found on the faculty
specific resources section of our website.
Economics and Feasibility
Graduates who prefer the business aspect of
the mining industry, can choose a career in
the finance or accounting department of a
mining company. Graduates can analyse and
report on the financial operations of mining
and resource companies, assist in developing
and using financial systems, conduct
costings, participate in financial analysis
and evaluate the requirements of a mining
operation.
Quarry / Mine Manager
Mining Engineers work for government
in policy planning and administration
organizations determine if mining activities
can go ahead. Mining Engineers ensure that
companies, who are mining, follow legislation
and regulations, work on environmental
impact and occupational health and safety
policies. Oth ers include, computer software
development and information management
systems, merchant banking, stockbrokerage,
financial planning and research and
development.
Health and Safety
Health and safety professionals develop
and co-ordinate systems and strategies
to minimize hazards at mine sites. Health
and Safety Officers assess the risks and
make recommendations to ensure the
safety of all people working on a mine
site. New legislation and the recent media
focus on health and safety in the mining
and resources sector has made this career
pathway a popular one with university
graduates.

Graduates can be responsible for managing

and co-ordinating the business operations of
a mining company, managing the financial
activities, supervising staff, developing and
implementing policies and procedures and
reporting on activities.

Consulting / Computing

Mining Engineers who work as consultants

are often involved in a wide variety of
projects, mining methods and different
technical areas. They use computer
programs to model the mining process and
design and can work on both open pit and
underground developments.

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CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

Occupations and Roles

Labour Market Information departments can have a starting salary of

Information gathered from Get Access
(2010), suggests that Mining Engineers work
in offices, laboratories and on site. There are
many opportunities to travel, as there are
mining operations situated around the world.
Graduates can find work with government
organisations, consulting companies and
large and small mining operations. Work can
also be found with engineering companies,
equipment suppliers and manufacturers.
As the mining industry grows in Western
Australia and around the world, students
who have backgrounds in the mining and
resources sector gain employment working
on the stock market and in financial
positions such as those in lending, analysis
and accounts.
Fly in and fly out roles are commonplace in
the mining and resources sector. To increase
your employment opportunity, you may be
expected to invest some time in a role such
as this. There are many variations of the fly
in, fly out role and its important to consider
the benefits and negatives on your career
and the impact on your life this may have.
Income can vary depending on the area
pursued. If you would like to know more
information about annual earnings for
graduates, you can visit:
$60,000 and up to $100,000 after 5 years.
Mine Surveyors can start as Juniors, move to
senior Surveyors and then to Chief Surveyors
and have a starting salary of $70,000 and
earn up to $130,000.
Professional Development and
Associations
It is very important that students know their
professional associations and affiliations.
There are often student membership options
which provided you with valuable industry
specific information and professional
development opportunities and open you up
to a vast network of professionals in your
chosen area of expertise.
Some professional associations you could
join are:
Engineers Australia
http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au
Association of Professional Engineers,
Scientists, Managers Australia
http://www.apesma.asn.au

• http://www.miningcareers.com Australasian Institute of Mining and

Metallurgy
• http://getaccess.wa.gov.au
http://www.ausimm.com.au
• http://www.joboutlook.gov.au
Spatial Sciences Institute
• http://wwwgraduatecareers.com.au http://www.spatialsciences.org
According to Mining Careers.com.au, (2010)
graduates who pursue a career in mining The Australian Institute of Mine Surveyors
engineering can expect to earn between http://www/minesurveyors.com.au
$55,000 — $95,000 in their first 2 – 3 years
and up to $110,000 — $145,000 as a Senior
Mining Engineer.

Health and Safety Officer can have a starting

salary of $70,000 - $110,000
and once in
management, can earn between $85,000 -
$140,000.

Graduates who work in environmental

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CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

Graduate Programs AND ASSOCIATIONS

Graduate and Vacation Work
Graduate programs are available to final
year students and recent graduates.
Applications can open as early as February/
March of each year. Programs can be
from one year to three years in duration,
depending on the discipline. Graduate
Programs generally offer training and
development, job rotation through
various departments of the organisation,
challenging roles, mentoring, and social and
networking opportunities.
you meet this type of criteria, it is likely
that you are already in the professional
employability stakes. If not, then you know
what you have to do leading up to your
graduation - increase your employability
stakes.
Some companies that have Graduate
Programs are:
Abigroup
http://www.abigroup.com.au/Careers/
Graduates/

Vacation programs are available to BHP Billiton

penultimate and final year students and http://www.bhpbilliton.com/
can be offered in either Winter or Summer. bbpeopleEmployment/graduates.jsp
Winter programs will be approximately four
weeks in duration and summer programs GHD
can be up to twelve weeks. Vacation http://www.ghd.com/careers
programs offer paid positions and training
pertinent to your discipline, the application Hatch
of theory to the workplace and may also http://www.hatch.com.au/careers/
lead to selection for a Graduate Program. graduates/default.htm
Applications are generally open in Semester
I for Winter Vacation Programs and this can
tie in with the advertising of the Graduate
Programs. Summer programs are often
advertised mid-year, June to August.

Both public and private sector employers

target final year students from all
disciplines. Have a look at what they have to
offer.

See http://www.graduateopportunities.com.
au and http://www.unimail.com.au for an
A-Z listing of employers offering graduate
and vacation programs.

Note: You may not wish to apply for

a Graduate Program but the position
descriptions will give a good indicator of
what type of graduate and graduate skills/
attributes employers are seeking from
prospective candidates. If you believe that

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CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
The JOB SEARCH & Getting Started
Set up a Desktop Folder and add a Favorite
Internet Explorer folder.
Download jobs of interest for future
reference. This allows you to keep a track of
who is hiring in your field and the types of
positions available.
NOTE: Don’t just save the link as the details
will disappear once the position has been
filled. Copy the advertisement or any
additional files onto Word and keep in your
desktop folder. *This is also a useful tip for
when you begin working in your field, keep
an eye on pertinent positions at all times.
Look at positions available around the
country and not jus t in Perth. This will give
an idea of who is recruiting and where and
differing salary scales.
Register with websites for specific job alerts
Consider search terms e.g. geologist,
mining, GIS, environmental etc. This will
ensure that email alerts of appropriate jobs
are sent directly to you. If positions on the
job search websites give the name of the
recruiting company – go directly to their
website and check for oth er employment
opportunities. Apply directly from the
company website if possible.
General Job Search Engines
(all provide hits on the above search terms)
http://www.seek.com.au
http://www.careerone.com.au
www.careerjet.com.au/
http://mycareer.com.au/
http://www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au/
Review job advertisements and job
requirements – pay attention to the job
description form (JDF) or job requirements
and to the selection criteria.
9
NOTE: Selection criteria may be included
in a JDF as for government jobs or may
be ‘hidden’ in the advertisement. If no set
selection criteria are asked to be addressed
– target your letter to the position. Don’t
just limit yourself to reviewing entry level
or graduate positions, look at the variety
of positions in your field at various levels
and view the requirements. This will let you
discover what will be expected of you at
higher levels and the type of experience that
you will hope to gain at earlier stages in
your career. Consider lifelong learning and
developing your career.
Specific Job Search Engines
Check out appropriate organizations/
companies in your field and look for Career
or Employment pages. See the Careers
Resource Officer for assistance if required.
Attend the Curtin Careers Festival (held
semester one each year) and other career
related events throughout the year to gain
more information on the employers hiring
graduates in your field. This information
is also available online at www.careers.
curtin.edu.au . You should be investigating
individual employers throughout your
studies to be able to identify those which
you may wish to work for when you
graduate.
Mining Careers Australia
http://www.miningcareers.com
Mining Plaza
http://miningplaza.com.au
Mining Jobs
http://www/miningjob.net
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
Further Information
further your career with
postgraduate study
Postgraduate study can enhance your
career opportunities by allowing you to
develop more specialised expertise in a
particular area. If you are considering
careers in academia, or industry-based
research and development, you will almost
certainly need to complete honours and
undertake a postgraduate research degree
(Masters or PhD). Some management roles
also require postgraduate coursework or
research experience.
It is also possible to complete shorter
coursework degrees (graduate certificates
and graduate diplomas) in a wide range
of areas. These allow you to expand your
career options by gaining knowledge of
areas that may be specialized or unrelated
to your undergraduate degree . Competition
for graduate employment is intensifying so
postgraduate qualifications are increasingly
important to prospective employers in some
industries. In many cases, salary is also
indicative of your level of study.
Postgraduate study may be greatly
enhanced by the knowledge you gain from
being in the work force before, or during
your study. Many postgraduate courses
are offered in a range of delivery modes to
accommodate the needs of students who
are working and studying at the same time.
Look for courses that allow you to enrol
part-time and/or as an external student.
Some postgraduate courses you could study
at Curtin are:
• Graduate Diploma in Mining
• Graduate Certificate in Mining
Geomechanics
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research at Curtin
Higher degree by research differs from other
postgraduate degrees in that the main part
of your work will be in the form of a thesis
written under the guidance of a supervisor
and associate supervisor(s)
Some research areas in mining are:
• Surface and Underground Mine Planning
and Optimization
• Mine Waste Dump Scheduling
• Long and Short Term Mine Scheduling for
Surface and Underground mines
• Maintenance management of mine
and plant machinery – Surveying the
reliability and availability of mine and
plant equipment and establishing their
productivity
• Identifying the causes/reasons for
frequent failures of an equipment which
lead to poor productivity
• This information is also useful for
material/spares management,
contractor management, developing
skills of the crew etc.
For more information, please visit:
https://mining.curtin.edu.au/research/
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE
Further Information
Work Experience
Gaining work experience is essential to your
career development. Here are some of the
benefits:
• Insight on the working environment
and relevant industries
• Development and acquisition of new
skills
• Creates career networks and
integration into the labour market
• An opportunity to demonstrate
discipline knowledge, skills and
abilities
• Highlights and informs career choices
• Professional grooming and
development
By viewing position descriptions you will
get a clear idea of what will be required
in a specific role for a specific industry
or field and you can start to address any
skill shortages prior to completion of your
studies.
Employers look for students who are ‘all-
rounders’. These are students who, whilst
still performing well academically, can also
demonstrate an interest in their chosen field
beyond the textbooks. The Curtin Careers
Centre has many services to assist you in
finding a work placement. These are:
• Download the “How To” Guide for
Gaining Work Experience to give you
all the tips and hints you need to find a
placement http://www.careers.curtin.
edu.au/workexperienceprograms.html
• Attend a Work Experience Workshop
conducted by the Careers Centre. Please
see Jobs and Events Connect for a
full schedule of upcoming workshops.
http://www.careers.curtin.edu.au/
studentlogin.html
• You can email us at careers@curtin.edu. available for you please contact the Curtin
au or phone (08) 9266 7802 to make an Careers Centre for an individual career
appointment.
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No matter what type of work placement
you are on accident insurance is essential.
Accident insurance covers you if you hurt
yourself on a work site. If a work experience
opportunity is not paid the employer’s
Personal Accident Insurance does not cover
you. The Curtin Careers Centre provides
students free appropriate accident cover.
Some companies that have work experience
programs are:
Aurecon
http://www.aurecongroup.com
Boral
http://www.boral.com.au/graduates
GHD
http://www.ghd.com/careers
AMEC
http://www.minproc.com
Additional Resources
Mining Jobs
http://www.miningjobs.com.au
Jobs 4 Mining
http://www.jobs4mining.com/graduates
Mining Employment
http://www.miningemployment.com.au
Career FAQ’s Mining and Resources Careers
http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/career-
paths/47/Mining-and-resources-careers
The Australasian Institute of Minerals and
Metallurgy http://www.ausimm.com.au/
Still Confused?
If you are a current or recent Curtin
graduate and you are still unclear about
your career directions and the opportunities
counselling session.
CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

Example positions

Graduate Mining Engineer

[Employer] is a leading Western Australian based provider of services to the resources

sector. The range of specialist services provided includes: Civil Infrastructure Projects, such
as site preparation works, rail formation, road construction, bulk earthworks and tunnel
construction; with Mining Services including, earthmoving, waste stripping, load and haul
operations and related ancillary serves.

[Employer] recognises that graduates hold the key to our future. We look for people who
share in the pursuit of a well-balanced and rewarding lifestyle and share our passion for
our clients and our culture. Graduates at [Employer] will be exposed to challenging work
and a practicable training program in their first year with their company. We are looking
for successful and capable people to grow their careers with us. We will be employing
people who have a demonstrated commitment to zero harm and the capacity to work
flexibly, professionally, collaboratively and be accountable for their work.

[Employer] currently has a vacancy for a recent Mining Engineering Graduate to work
onsite in the North West of WA.

• Mining Engineering Graduates must have recently completed a B Eng (Mining.)

• Academic results should reflect a consistent effort and application to studies at

University.

• Graduates with overseas qualifications/ degrees which they wish to be considered

must have them assessed prior to interview b y a recognised professional organisation
such as Engineers Australia and be assessed as the Professional Engineer level.

• Graduates will need to have a current drivers license.

• Applicants must be Australian Citizens or hold Permanent Residency at the time of

applying.

• Some work experience onsite in a similar role will be highly regarded

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CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

Example positions

Environmental Student / Graduate

• ASX 200 Company

• Roster of 14 days on/7 days off

• A competitive daily rate

[Employer]

We are seeking applications from a recently graduated, or about to graduate

Environmental student to work at our Savannah Project.

The offer includes:

• A three month contract;

• FIFO roster from Perth, Darwin or Broome;

• Accommodation and meals provided; and

• The chance to obtain practical experience in a successful mining operation in the

Kimberley.

Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment medical , be flexible to travel and

available to work over the December 2010 to February 2011 break. In addition to this, you
must have safe work practices and have a can-do attitude with a willingness to learn.

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CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

References

Australian Institute of Mine Surveyors. 2010. What is a Mine Surveyor.

http://www.minesurveyors.com.au/whatisaminesurveyor.htm (accessed September 3,
2010).

Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. 2010. Career Paths: Mining Engineering.
http://www.ausimm.com.au/content/default.aspx?ID=147 (accessed
September 3, 2010).

Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. 2010. Minerals Industry Careers. Rich in
Discovery.
http://www.ausimm.com.au/content/default.aspx?ID=147 (accessed September 3, 2010).

Get Access. 2010. Career Profiles: Mining Engineer.

http://getaccess.westone.wa.gov.au/careers (accessed September 3, 2010).

Mining Careers.com. 2010. Working in Mining.

http://www.miningcareers.com/working_in_mining (accessed September 3, 2010).

Mining Jobs.com. 2010. Job Search: Mining and Resources.

http://www.miningjobs.com.au/ (accessed September 3, 2010).

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Contacting the Careers Centre...

Feel free to visit us at Building 303

Email us at careers@curtin.edu.au
Give us a call on (08) 9266 7802
Or check out our website at www.careers.curtin.edu.au

Stay connected to the Careers Centre with Jobs and Events Connect. Access
new jobs posted daily, workshop information, special events and employer
presentations.