A mining electrician is someone qualified to install, repair, maintain, test and inspect the electrical equipment and systems used in mining operations.
Mining electricians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems within underground mines. They ensure the relevant equipment is functioning properly and is safe in accordance with the site’s Occupational Health and Safety standards. A mining electrician must have the ability to read blueprints and schematics and understand electrical codes and regulations. They must possess deep knowledge of electric theory, need to be able to identify and troubleshoot potential hazards and rectify them as quickly as possible. Typically, they are responsible for installing, testing, maintaining, repairing and reporting on all electrical equipment used throughout mineral, gold and coal mines.
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Mechanical Fitter - Local
undefined: Henderson
undefined: Mining
undefined: Trade
undefined: 3 undefined
Perform general mechanical fitting and basic bolting workAddress breakdowns and carry out overhauls on heat exchangersAssist with high-pressure water jetting tasksComplete all onsite tasks related to heater overhaulsProvide fire watching support for welding operationsActively participate in safety meetings, hazard assessments, and adhere to safe work practicesTravel between two sites as required to complete tasks
Field Service Technician
undefined: Perth
undefined: Mining
undefined: Operations & Maintenance
undefined: 1 undefined
The successful candidates will play crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of Gas/Diesel power generation equipment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a suitably qualified Diesel Mechanic, Motor Mechanic or Mechanical Fitter seeking to transition into the power generation industry. The role offers extensive OEM certified training and support to apply your mechanical expertise, with responsibilities including;• Performing maintenance, Engine overhauls, diagnostics, and repairs on power generation equipment• Troubleshooting technical issues and implementing solutions to minimise downtime and ensure peak performance. • Collaborating with a skilled team to execute preventive maintenance schedules and inspections.• Maintaining accurate records of services performed, parts used, and repairs completed.• Adhering to safety protocols and industry regulations while working in diverse environments.• Contributing to a positive team environment and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
Principal Operational Readiness Engineer
undefined: Kwinana
undefined: Mining
undefined: Operations & Maintenance
undefined: 5 undefined
Provides input to the Owner’s execution strategy and ensures that execution plans are consistent with that strategy.Lead and manage the operational readiness team deliver a portfolio of brownfield projects, providing technical guidance and support.Develop and implement operational readiness plans, schedules, procedures and verification plans.Develop and implement change management strategies to support the transition of new and modified systems into the operate phase.Provide documentation, update systems, training, and support maintenance and operational staff to ensure they are fully prepared to operate and maintain new and modified systems.Collaborate with project managers, design and discipline engineers, commissioning team, construction team, OEM and equipment suppliers to prepare the operation readiness deliverables.Ensure proper handover documentation are completed.Demonstrate personal commitment to safety and the well-being of people.
Electrical and Control Systems Engineer
undefined: Perth
undefined: Mining
undefined: Project Management & Services
undefined: 2 undefined
Develop and implement electrical designs for defect elimination and operational improvement projects.Provide expert design review and assurance for capital projects.Ensure all designs adhere to Australian, and International standards.Offer technical support for operations and maintenance activities.Deliver technical guidance on protection and earthing systems.Manage both hardware and software aspects of Electrical and Control systems.
Dewatering Heavy Diesel Fitter - 2:2 Roster - Days Only
undefined: Pilbara
undefined: Mining
undefined: Operations & Maintenance
undefined: 3 undefined
Reporting to the Water Management (Dewatering) Supervisor, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of diesel generators and pumps. Your role will involve working closely with the Water Management team to uphold equipment reliability and support dewatering operations effectively. Collaborating within the department, you'll contribute to maintaining optimal water management strategies that are crucial to the site's operational success.Conduct regular preventative maintenance checks on diesel generators, diesel-driven transfer pond pumps, and in-pit trailer-mounted pumps to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential issuesExecute scheduled maintenance tasks for diesel generators, transfer pond pumps, and in-pit trailer-mounted pumps, following manufacturer guidelines and company protocolsProvide immediate and effective breakdown maintenance support to minimize downtime and ensure the quick restoration of generator and pump functionalityPerform the majority of maintenance tasks in the workshop or mechanical yard environmentAssist with and conduct inspections and repairs on multistage submersible pumps and standard single impeller pumpsEnsure all maintenance activities are carried out safely, adhering to safety standards and regulations
Experienced Blast Crew Operator
undefined: Perth
undefined: Mining
undefined: Trade
undefined: 2 undefined
Working as part of a drill and blast team, you will be required to:Prime and load blast holesMark up drill patternsSupport your team members to achieve the unit’s shared objectives.Monitor and set up blast zones QA/QC of blast holes - recording data to pass onto supervisorsWorking alongside drillers and shot firers to complete ad-hoc tasks such as refueling LVs and other machinery and general maintenance activities.Upholding safety regulations and protocol.
Experienced Blast Hole Drillers
undefined: Perth
undefined: Mining
undefined: Trade
undefined: 2 undefined
Operate blast hole drilling machinery, including rotary drills and down-the-hole drills.Ensure safe drilling operations by following strict safety protocols.Survey and mark drilling locations based on project specifications.Drill holes to specified depths and diameters according to geological conditions.Collect rock samples for analysis and maintain accurate drilling records.Perform routine maintenance on drilling equipment and troubleshoot mechanical issues.Communicate effectively with team members and report drilling progress.Adhere to environmental regulations during drilling operations.Stay informed about new drilling technologies and participate in training programs.Contribute to the success of mining and construction projects by providing accurate and efficient drilling services.
Hydrogeologist - 8/6 Roster - FIFO
undefined: Pilbara
undefined: Mining
undefined: Exploration & Geosciences
undefined: 2 undefined
Reporting to the Water Services Superintendent,you will play a central role in developing, implementing, and reviewing dewatering plans aligned with operational mine plans. This position requires strong communication, time management, and technical skills to ensure timely completion of robust hydrogeological assessments, vital for effective business communication.Review quarterly mine plans to develop monthly operational dewatering and water supply plans, monitoring progress using reports, water level interpretation, and operational water balancesProvide technical hydrogeological guidance and support to operational departments regarding mine water management and compliance with Environmental and Water Licence obligationsDrive improvement projects and collaborate on their execution, focusing on operational benefits and stakeholder satisfactionContribute to mine planning efforts related to dewatering, water supply, and depressurisation initiativesAssist in compiling End of Month data and KPI reporting for ManagementManage water monitoring data collection, QA/QC processes, and database (Envirosys) managementFoster collaborative relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders to enhance knowledge, scope development, system evolution, and risk awareness in water management decision-making processes
Resource Definition Geologist - 8/6 Roster - FIFO
undefined: Pilbara
undefined: Mining
undefined: Exploration & Geosciences
undefined: 2 undefined
Reporting to the Senior Mine Geologist, you will be responsible for providing quality geology services and working collaboratively with the broader Mining Team to maximise return from the operation.Monitoring safety compliance in the field alongside the daily supervision of Reverse Circulation drill rigs and management of drilling campaignsHigh quality logging of RC chips whilst ensuring sample quality on the rigsDrawing on experience to help drive innovation within the team whilst fostering a positive safety culture within the Resource Definition team through visible field leadership and adherence to Fortescue policies and proceduresComply with Fortescue site specific HSES and OH&S policies, work instructions, procedures and reporting protocolsReview and update these documents on a regular basis
Accounts Payable Assistant
undefined: Kwinana
undefined: Mining
undefined: Project Management & Services
undefined: 3 undefined
Manage daily processing of accounts payable transactions to ensure prompt and precise payments.Validate and verify invoices and requisitions for goods and services.Ensure all transactions comply with company financial policies and procedures.Prepare payment batches for data entry and secure necessary approvals.Enter invoice data for payments and produce payment list reports.Maintain an updated list of accounts payable and handle supplier records.Support monthly payment forecasts.Maintain the Goods Received Not Invoiced (GRNI) register.Verify and process expense claims.
What are the tasks of a mining electrician?
Mining electricians are responsible for inspecting, isolating, troubleshooting, and repairing all electrical components so that electric power is available at all times without interruption. In addition to handling the overall installation and maintenance of electrical systems, they ensure that all electrical components on-site perform optimally and safely. They must be able to install, maintain and repair specialised electrical mining equipment, and ensure that electronic circuit boards, chips, processors, as well as hardware and software – including programming and other applications – are functioning correctly. Often, mining electricians must also test and install other electrical systems used in operations, such as ventilation and lighting.
An electrical miner prepares electrical materials and equipment for projects, which can include cutting metal and the fabrication of wire or cable. Maintaining records of work performed and materials used in any repairs is also a critical requirement of the role. These specialist electricians need to review and understand equipment manuals and review both blueprints and drawings to determine the electric requirements for any project being undertaken. They take great care that any repairs performed on damaged equipment is done properly and in line with OH&S standards. An understanding of schematic drawings and electrical circuit diagrams is a must.
They will need to analyse electrical loads to assess the need for additional wiring and understand the principles of electrical circuits and associated risks. In underground mining environments, these electrical specialists will often need to conduct hazard assessments and obtain the required permits before work commences. Other common duties include writing detailed technical reports and designing plans for the layout of new systems. Mining electricians typically work closely with their site’s mining engineers.
What is the difference between a mining electrician and a mining technician?
Although the job title and profile of a mining electrician and mining technician sound similar, they are very different jobs. Technicians are involved in the care and repair of electrical systems, whereas fully qualified electricians are responsible for building and installing them.
Mining Technicians work on systems with guidance from blueprints and schematics. Generally, technicians gain most of their skills through on the job work experience. In most countries, there is no specific course or formal qualifications to become a mining technician. In comparison, a mining electrician training is more intensive and requires the completion of a formal electrical apprenticeship. Apprentice electricians need to accumulate a large sum of supervised working hours in combination with exam-based testing before they become a fully qualified electrician. As a result, mining electricians tend to receive a higher salary than mining technicians.
What soft skills should a mining electrician have?
Excellent levels of competence, strong technical knowledge and the necessary qualifications are all essential for the job. But, as is the case with many roles, soft skills including the ability to communicate effectively are also extremely important to perform the role well.
Communication skills, empathy and assertiveness
Mining electricians need strong communication skills to interact with colleagues in adjacent roles such as miners, technicians, journeymen and other electricians. These skills may be needed to explain technical information, to get others to see things from a certain viewpoint or to train new electricians.
Problem-solving skills, resilience and initiative
Problems will arise and the ability to offshoot these is a strongly desired skill in the workplace. Problem-solving capabilities can help identify the source of an issue and remedy it. Problem-solving skills also help with time constraints faced and help come up with the best ways to carry out a task, such as installing electrical equipment in more complex locations.
Physical strength and endurance
It is important to consider the physical nature of the job as mining electricians tend to work longer days than many other professions. Working full-time year on year can be tough and will require a high level of self-determination and endurance. The role will likely require some degree of heavy lifting, standing and working for extended periods, fitting in tight places, going up and down scaffolding and stairs, and bending and crouching down. Depending on the type of mine where the role is based, it may include working underground. Both excellent hand-eye coordination and good vision are essential due to the intricate nature of working on electrical wiring.
Important certificates and qualifications for a mining electrician
In most countries, an undergraduate course is required. Some countries and/or employers also require a master's degree in electrical engineering. To help stand out, a master's in electrical engineering, math, or science would be useful.
Additionally, an electrician needs to have relevant work experience, gained through jobs or an apprenticeship program, normally four years. This normally means you will get around 2000 hours of hands-on training, which may be attained underground on-site and in the classroom. They need to be familiar with OH&S.
As you might be working in different places around the world, some require you to pass local licensing exams. As an example, for working in Australia, you will need to pass an exam in a specific state. For example, with the UEE30820 Certification III in Electrotechnology, you will also need an Unrestricted Electrical License and another certification called the Hazardous Areas and Instrumentation and perhaps one in High Voltage Switching to be fully certified. In Canada, to be certified, it is the Red Seal certificate. In the USA it is the Electrical Engineering Professional Examination (EAPE). It is better to think about the country you are most likely to work in before you start a course and aim to be certified.
Some key skills that will be required:
- AC/DC Theory
- Motor Control
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy
- OSHA Construction Card Requirements
- AutoCAD Electrical
- Power Transmission
- To test Power Meters
- Facts about Electrical Energy
Industrial Automation
If you did not study electrical engineering as a bachelor's degree, you might be able to enter the profession by doing a second degree in this.
What does the career of a mining electrician look like?
Job prospects for fully qualified electricians are generally good and tend to offer good salaries. Full-time electrical roles can be found with many employers, not just in various types of mines themselves, but in a range related areas such as:
- Mining finance corporations and consultancy companies employ electricians to compile the estimated costs and assess the viability of new gold mines.
- Environmental consultancies employ electricians to provide them with information on the surface, and developments underground which may effect the environment. Such as reclamation of disused industrial sites.
- Quarrying and extraction corporations may employ mine electricians to plan and assess their quarrying operations and oversee and manage their sites. This is also true for manufacturing and construction companies who often search for individuals with this skill set.
At the start of their career, mining electricians will need to adapt to working on-site and learning important skills from more experienced colleagues. The nature of the industry means you will constantly be learning and expanding your skills. You may be encouraged to gain further qualifications in related fields such as geology or more advanced electrical courses.
Career stages
Career progression for a mining electrician may include stepping through multiple positions as your career develops. This could take a route similar to the following:
junior mining electrician
mine planning electrician
senior mining electrician
mine supervisor
resident manager
Promotion tends to occur every 2-3 years. Salaries can vary and pay reviews can be annual. Generally, bigger mining firms provide more well-structured development programs, higher salaries and more opportunities for promotion. Career patterns vary and you may work in a role for a year or more at a time with an annual review. In the UK for instance, they can work more in office-based roles, working for international firms. This may lead to management opportunities and a salary rise, but you need to search for these. It's possible to work in mine finance. You can also apply for careers in IT, and construction careers also beckon and offer good pay.
Where are mining electrician jobs and where are they employed?
Mining electrician jobs are generally available wherever mine sites exist. There are many coal and gold mines in Australia, the United States, Africa and some locations within Europe and South America. The United Kingdom does not have many mining jobs but does employ related roles in engineering. Most corporations are located in mineral reserves and quarries. Conditions on site can be challenging.
Where are mining electrician jobs and where are they employed?
Employers hiring mining electricians are usually seeking a combination of technical qualifications, hands-on experience and relevant soft skills such as communication. They will expect potential employees to not only have a strong grasp of electrical systems, components and devices, but also the ability to explain things in simple language to non-technical colleagues. Before attending an interview, practice explaining your knowledge without the use of acronyms and see if someone understands.
If you have studied abroad and have attained diplomas in non-English speaking countries, get them translated. If you are working for an international mine in a non-English speaking country, English is likely to be the predominant language, so practice your English.
Brunel specialises in supporting the workforce needs of the mining industry and has many opportunities to connect qualified electrical professionals with jobs in mines throughout the world.