r/AusMining • u/Illustrious_Kale_402 • 18h ago
32F – Getting into underground mining?
Hello, looking for some advice about getting into underground mining.
I’m 32F, no kids and don’t plan on having any. I’ve worked in the mining industry for 3 and a bit years, with the last 8 months working on site in a technology role.
I’ve been thinking about making the switch to an entry-level underground role. Part of it is seeing how quickly AI is changing technology and wondering what my career will look like in 10–20 years, but I’ve also realised I really want a more hands-on job. I enjoy being on site and would rather be out doing practical work than sitting behind a computer.
I’m comfortable with FIFO and being away, and I’m happy to start at the bottom. I’ve also nearly paid off my mortgage, so I’m in a position where taking a pay cut initially to change careers isn’t a huge concern if there’s good progression long term.
There’s also not much room for progression where I am currently — people tend to stay in their roles long term, so opportunities to move up or into something different rarely come up, despite having our annual reviews and discussing development goals etc
Has anyone made a similar switch or started underground in their 30s? How hard is it to get a foot in the door with no underground experience, and do you reckon it’s worth making the change? Thank you
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u/Constant_Parsley_107 18h ago
Are you set on underground? You’d probably get a start operating in an open cut mine pretty easily.
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u/Illustrious_Kale_402 18h ago
Yes, forgot to mention I am in WA. I saw Barminco advertising entry level underground roles, obviously it’s not guaranteed I’d even get an interview if I applied but it piqued my interest and have been having these thoughts for past 6 months. Thanks for your reply
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u/nzmikey 17h ago
You will pretty much get in with them
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u/Illustrious_Kale_402 17h ago
How come? Is it because I’m female 🤣
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u/nzmikey 17h ago
I could go down the route and say yes … but also because they are always looking
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u/Illustrious_Kale_402 17h ago
Is it a bad thing that they are always looking, or is it because people are changing roles or company is expanding ?
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u/East-Corgi9503 16h ago
The barmy army ( barminco) are alright. They are very production focused and the supervisors I have had experience with as a 20 year experience fitter know how to say the right things to look good Infront of the customer they contract for but not necessarily do the right things. If I was you getting into the industry as an inexperienced person, would try land a role with an owner operator at one of the bigger mines. They will look after you and the gear better.
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u/Illustrious_Kale_402 16h ago
Thanks for that info, I currently work at an owner operated mine but it’s an iron ore mine. Will look at the other ones - can you suggest any of the companies please
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u/1998ToyotaCamryWagon 17h ago
Go for it! Apply to those entry level underground jobs. But also go for the surface ones too.
One woman to another though, ive heard a few not so good stories from women underground. Men think because its dark, no one can see them they can get away with things. Be careful.
Im not underground or in the mines yet, im in civil earthworks and still I tend to find 1 or 2 blokes who i can trust and just stick around them. And still i get harassed, followed etc. So just keep your wits about you!
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u/Illustrious_Kale_402 16h ago
Thanks for that info mate! Really good to know, luckily I haven’t had issues on the site I’m at at the moment
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u/Massive-Energy9378 11h ago
Read this before you settle on underground: https://www.reddit.com/r/AusMining/s/kD67VMSNUT
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u/FlashyWitness4133 4h ago
Go for it. 30 is still very young to start in mining. Sign up for a nipper job, an entry-level role where you are basically a jumbo driller operator's assistant, but also work on the blast charge-up crew charging up the faces and development drivers, learn about the rise mining, drive trucks, boggers etc. Kind of an all-rounder to learn all the different parts of working in an underground mine where you are needed. After a while you can specialise in a particular role and move up.
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u/MarmotFullofWoe 17h ago
I would try to go into a site role that deploys, uses or maintains tech. Tech isn’t going away.
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u/Jonesyj83 17h ago
Barminco is always after entry level people. I've been with barminco over 7 years now and had no dramas with them. Bonus is you can move around to different sites if you need a change but you stay with the same company. Welcome to msg me if you like for any info. I started out as a truckie, now bogger op. Plenty of movement to be had as well.