Mining and Resources Jobs Defy Economic Crisis

Nov 28th 2008 – By Matt

With our own government speaking of “temporary budget deficit” to stimulate our economy, it’s yet another symptom of the global financial crisis.

Yet the mining boom is defying the downturn – and the resources sector as a whole remains a healthy employer of Australian jobseekers.

Unprecedented growth in mining areas has meant many Queensland towns are prospering, despite the bleaker scenarios emanating from Wall Street.

Moranbah, a township approximately 200km west of Mackay, is surrounded by seven open-cut coalmines and is a major base of operations for coal seam gas producer Arrow Energy.

With a population of around 11,000 people, Moranbah residents continue to enjoy fantastic employment prospects and healthy incomes, pointing towards the fact that the mining industry is continuing to flourish.

Amid the Wall Street hysteria and global economic crisis, 2008/2009 remains a great era for jobseekers looking to work in the mining sector.

The township of Dalby, about 200km west of Brisbane (and another Arrow Energy base), has a proposed $100 billion worth of industrial projects being considered for commencement over the next five years. This includes open-cut coalmines and coal seam gas operations, which could result in 16,000 miners working in the region by 2015*.

It’s a beacon of light among the seemingly relentless barrage of economic doom and gloom – the continuing rewards of the mining boom will provide further growth and prosperity for regional towns, with more jobs, services and infrastructure.

The region is also being earmarked for 11 power stations, including a $1.4 billion wind farm. The resources sector is continuing to match their monumental production rates with essential environmental measures, which makes these industries attractive prospects for jobseekers.

Continued high incomes, finely honed company cultures and endless streams of opportunity are combining to maintain the mining sector’s status as an influential contributor to the recruitment industry.

The mining industry, and the resource sector as a whole, continues to provide a massive range of career opportunities – not just for miners but for engineers, construction workers, drivers and more.

So, if you have qualifications ranging from heavy vehicle operation to electrical trade skills to engineering and beyond, now is a good time to consider the mining and resources sectors for your next career step.

* Information from The Sunday Mail, October 26 2008