Underground Mining Jobs
Search current underground mining jobs in Australia. From entry level nipper and offsider positions to experienced bogger and jumbo operator roles, find underground careers at leading mining contractors.
Top Employers Hiring Underground Miners
Underground Mining Roles
Underground mining offers a clear career progression from entry level to senior production roles. Nippers and offsiders provide support to production crews, learning the fundamentals of underground operations. Truck drivers move ore and waste through the decline. Production roles include bogger (LHD) operators who load and haul broken ore, charge up crews who load explosives, and jumbo operators who drill development headings and production holes.
Entry Level Underground Jobs
The most common entry point into underground mining is as a nipper or underground truck driver, particularly in the WA Goldfields around Kalgoorlie. Entry level candidates need a manual car licence, underground induction and demonstrated knowledge of underground mining operations. Employers look for candidates who understand mining terminology, safety systems and how an underground mine operates.
Pay & Career Progression
Underground mining pays well at all levels. Entry level truck drivers and nippers start on $120,000 to $140,000 per year. Service crew and pace crew roles earn $140,000 to $170,000. Senior production roles like bogger operators and charge up crews earn $170,000 to $250,000, while experienced jumbo operators can earn $250,000 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into underground mining with no experience?
Start by getting your underground induction and a manual car licence. Learn about underground mining operations, safety systems and terminology. Apply for nipper or underground truck driver roles, particularly in the WA Goldfields where entry level positions are most common.
What is a nipper in mining?
A nipper is an entry level underground mining role that involves supporting production crews by delivering supplies, operating light vehicles, maintaining equipment areas and assisting with various tasks underground. It is the most common starting position for people entering underground mining.
How much do underground miners earn in Australia?
Underground mining salaries range from $120,000 for entry level truck drivers to over $250,000 for experienced jumbo operators. Bogger operators and charge up crews typically earn $170,000 to $250,000 per year.
Where are most underground mining jobs in Australia?
The WA Goldfields region around Kalgoorlie has the highest concentration of underground hard rock mining jobs. Other underground mining areas include the Queensland coal fields (longwall and board and pillar operations) and NSW Hunter Valley coal mines.