How to become a Miner

Also called: Mining Operator, Mining Plant Operator

Operates plant to excavate, load and transport coal, ore, rock and other minerals in an underground or open-cut mine.

Main tasks

• Operates mining equipment to excavate coal, ore, rock and other minerals
• Loads materials onto trucks or conveyors for transportation
• Inspects equipment and performs routine maintenance and repairs
• Follows mining plans and procedures to extract minerals from the earth
• Assists in the installation and maintenance of underground support systems
• Collects and analyses samples to determine the quality and composition of minerals

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations (RII30120); Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations (RII30220); Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining (RII30320); Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations (RII21222); Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations (RII20220); Certificate II in Underground Coal Mining (RII20320); Certificate II in Underground Metalliferous Mining (RII20420); Certificate III in Mining Exploration (RII30520)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $151,216 a year
• About 64,100 people work in this job group now, and about 67,900 are projected by 2035. (+5.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Shot Firer
• Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
• Engineering Production Worker
• Wastewater or Water Plant Operator
• Boiler or Engine Operator
• Bulk Materials Handling Plant Operator

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Miner?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations; Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations.

How much does a Miner earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $151,216 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Miner a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 64,100 to about 67,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Miner?

Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations; Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Miner?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04