Mining & Extractive Skilled Migration in Australia

Which mining occupations are in demand?

Australia’s resources sector relies heavily on both tertiary-qualified technical specialists and licensed tradespersons to support extraction, civil works, and processing operations. The following table highlights key mining occupations frequently targeted for international recruitment:

Which visas are available for mining workers?

Selecting the appropriate visa pathway depends on the applicant's skill level, location, and whether an Australian employer is willing to provide sponsorship. The key employer-sponsored and skilled migration options available to resource personnel include:

Can mining companies sponsor overseas workers?

Mining and extraction companies in Australia have the ability to sponsor foreign employees if all requirements for approval from the Department of Home Affairs are met. A business wishing to nominate international staff must initially receive approval to be a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) through the Department of Home Affairs.

After receiving SBS status the sponsor will need to demonstrate that the position being offered is authentic, it is needed by the business to operate and it aligns with the industry's common market rates. Employers sponsoring a visa holder must provide them with compensation equal to or greater than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) rate or the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) rate depending on which one is larger. Additionally, employers must meet their Labour Market Testing (LMT) obligation by showing that no qualified local worker could fill the job after an appropriate period of time of national advertising.

Where standard skilled occupation lists or standard visa streams fall short, construction businesses may also explore company specific labour agreements. Company specific labour agreements or Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) allow businesses to negotiate customised terms directly with the Department of Home Affairs, securing tailored occupation inclusions and specialised salary or age concessions.

Which regional areas have the greatest demand for mining workers?

The concentration of major resource deposits in remote parts of Australia creates localised workforce shortages, making regional areas the primary destinations for skilled international mining personnel.

How do DAMAs support mining employers?

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an agreement between the federal government and local authority in designated regions of Australia. The DAMA provides a unique pathway for the labor force needs of that region which cannot be met through the standard immigration framework.

Therefore, DAMAs help mining employers as they can use a wider range of occupations than those listed under the standard skilled occupation list. In addition, DAMAs allow for flexibility in terms of age restrictions, English language requirements, salary thresholds, and the required level of skills testing. Some examples of regional DAMAs which support the extractive industries include:

How Australian Migration Lawyers can support your mining business