Mining sector enjoys further jobs growth

New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows growing job opportunities in Australia’s mining industry, says Minerals Council of Australia chief executive officer Tania Constable.Across the mining industry, including oil and gas, average employment grew by 11 per cent – the equivalent of 23,794 jobs – in 2018-19."This has been underpinned by substantial employment growth in metal ore mining, where strong growth in production and exports has substantially boosted job creation," Ms Constable said."Australian mining continues to do the heavy lifting in generating highly paid, highly skilled jobs, particularly in regional and remote communities." In Queensland, resources jobs rose 12 per cent compared to the previous year, with 70,000 people employed in the mining , gas and oil sectors. Coal mining jobs rose 20 per cent to almost 30,000 workers and Queensland jobs in the metals mining arena rose by 70 per cent to about 15,000 workers. MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable. Ms Constable said continued jobs growth in Australia’s world-leading resources sector and exports relied on Federal and state governments to support policies that delivered greater investment, enabling Australian companies to be more productive. "MCA advocates faster project approvals, lower taxation and flexible workplace relations to help the mining industry deliver growth, support regional communities and increase Australian living standards," she said. Welcome start for Adani Ms Constable also welcomed the start of construction at Adani’s Carmichael coal project as "tremendous and long-overdue news" for Queensland jobs and regional communities."Survey work has now commenced onsite, with geotechnical work and water management also set to begin soon," she said. "With the construction phase now underway, more than 8000 new direct and indirect jobs will now flow into central Queensland."The Carmichael mine will allow thousands of Queenslanders to get highly paid, highly skilled jobs close to where they live, which is a big win for central Queensland and Australia." Adani today released new images of work getting underway at the Galilee Basin mine site after receiving the final environmental approvals required one week ago. Initial construction activity included clearing and surveying for access on to the mine site in line with Stage 2 construction approvals, the company said. Fencing works, geotechnical work, water management and clearing activity have also commenced. “All activities are being conducted safely and in line with Adani Mining’s environmental requirements, including have wildlife spotters onsite monitoring all construction activity," a spokeswoman said. “Approximately 60 people are currently onsite undertaking construction activity including work on the mine access road. Works will continue to ramp up over the coming of weeks and months." A view from the Carmichael coal mine site in Central Queensland.

Mining sector enjoys further jobs growth

Industry Queensland

Related News

QAL upgrade attracts $94m federal grant

Bridge damage under scrutiny after excavator mishap

Quick fire – industry news briefs

Get access to breaking mining news, now.