Diversity in mining

Employees can work hours that balance their work, family, study  and other commitments.

Options include:

• crib  relief shifts– typically a 38-hour week with flexible start and finishing times
• roster  system – 12-hour shifts either three days on, two days off or a block of shifts  to accommodate a longer break
• Fly-in  Flyout (FIFO) - while FIFO operations are not common in NSW, many NSW residents  work interstate on a roster such as three weeks working on location followed by  a week at home.

Watch women in the mining industry being  recognised for their contributions

Click here to view a video about women in videos from the Minerals Council of Australia

Mining is an international industry which relies on employment where the minerals are located. Additionally, some corporate and support roles may be based in nearby towns or cities. The industry provides opportunities for professionals to move across the state, the country and the world.

NSW has a rich and diverse mineral endowment with mining occurring in the Hunter Region, Central West, Far West, Southern Tablelands and Central Coast. As the demand for elements has changed over time, exploration has increased to meet demand.  More recently the increase in demand for battery metals and rare earth elements has meant significant exploration in central NSW with several projects at advanced stages of development.

Australian mines invest more in training per person than any other industry. Over the past decade, more than 5.5 per cent of payroll was spent on training, including more than $50 million of direct investment in higher education.

This high standard of training also means some roles can be easily transferred to other industries. For example, heavy equipment operators and tradespeople can be employed in the construction industry.

According to Safe Work Australia statistics, Australian mining is a safer industry than other domestic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, transport, postal, warehousing, construction and manufacturing. High safety standards in Australian mining driven by industry and government ensure miners reach home safely at the end of each day. There are many roles in health and safety to equip and ensure employees are complying with best practice procedures. As a result, Australia is considered an international leader in mine safety research in everything from automation to procedures and policies.

NSW prides itself on upholding a high standard of safety and environmental responsibility across the mining sector with the support of the NSW Resources Regulator’s safety and compliance officers. In fact, there are many environmental scientists and health and safety officer roles in industry and government to ensure the welfare of colleagues and the environment. Many environmental roles assist in ensuring the ecological impact is well understood before and during mining activities. Monitoring also ensures land is brought back to a suitable final landform or habitat after mining.

The industry takes cultural safety seriously as well. BHP, Anglo American and South32 all have Reconciliation Action Plans which include commitments to increasing cultural awareness in the workplace.

Hear Indigenous employees talk about their work and opportunities at Whitehaven Coal

All the trappings of modern living are either grown or mined. Mined resources underpin almost every aspect of modern lifestyles. Working in the mining industry means participating in the supply chain of modern necessities. For example, coal currently provides 80 per cent of the state’s electricity needs and is also an important element in making steel for construction, transport and manufacturing.

Mining also has a role to play in our transition to a cleaner energy future. High tech minerals are needed for wind turbines, electric cars and rechargeable batteries. For more information view the NSW High Tech Metals Map.

Women

• Diversity Council Australia

Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM)

• Mentoring program
• Women in mining network

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

• Women in engineering

Engineers Australia

• Women in engineering (branches in Newcastle and Sydney)

Women in mining and resources WA

• Annual summit

Aboriginal people

• Diversity Council Australia
• Aboriginal Resource Group
• New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)

The following organisations have Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) which include a commitment to increasing cultural awareness in the workplace.

• AngloAmerican
• BHP
• Glencore
• South32
• Whitehaven Coal

Other mining companies are also supportive of Indigenous people

• Newcrest
• Yancoal

Women

• Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Australian Government Office for Women
• Queensland Government career information for women
• Queensland Government office for women

Queensland Resources Council

• Resourceful Women
• Women on Boards
• Workplace Gender Equality Agency

Aboriginal people

• Ochre – community-focused plan for Aboriginal Affairs in NSW

General resources

• Mining Family Matters