How to become a Mining Support Worker
Performs routine tasks in mining and mineral ore treating operations, such as assembling, operating and dismantling mining equipment, taking ore, rock and dust samples, and mixing ore treating chemicals and catalysts.
Main tasks
- Assembles and operates mining equipment according to instructions
- Dismantles mining equipment and ensures proper storage and maintenance
- Takes ore, rock and dust samples for analysis and testing
- Mixes ore treating chemicals and catalysts according to specified ratios
- Assists in the transportation of ore, rock and other materials within the mining site
- Cleans and maintains work areas and equipment
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Mining Exploration (RII30520); Certificate III in Resource Processing (RII30420); Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations (RII30120); Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations (RII30220); Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining (RII30320); Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations (RII32220); Certificate II in Mining/Field Exploration (RII20620); Certificate II in Resource Processing (RII20520)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 7,900 people work in this job group now, and about 8,000 are projected by 2035. (+1%)
- 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.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Mining Support Worker?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Mining Exploration; Certificate III in Resource Processing.
Is a Mining Support Worker a growing career in Australia?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 7,900 people now and 8,000 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Mining Support Worker?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Mining Exploration; Certificate III in Resource Processing.
Will AI change the work of a Mining Support Worker?
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