Mine Site Electrician (HV)
$160,000 – $230,000
About the role
High Voltage Electricians on Australian mines work on the fixed plant electrical infrastructure — the substations, switchrooms, transformers, motor control centres and cable networks that power crushers, mills, conveyors and process plants. HV work carries a substantial safety premium because a single mistake with equipment operating at 11kV or 33kV can be immediately fatal. That is why every HV job on a mine requires a formal switching schedule, an authorised switching officer, and a full permit-to-work isolation process — and why HV Electricians can earn $180,000–$230,000 a year with a strong shutdown program. A typical week involves planned maintenance on switchgear, testing protection relays, terminating cables, commissioning new equipment, and responding to trips and faults during production. During shutdowns, HV crews perform large-scale motor overhauls and switchgear inspections that keep entire process plants offline until they are complete — so there is real pressure to work quickly without compromising safety. The role suits methodical, safety-focused electricians with strong documentation habits. Progression paths include Electrical Supervisor, Electrical Engineer (with further study), Reliability Engineer and Maintenance Superintendent. Every major operator across iron ore, coal, gold, nickel and lithium runs its own HV network and needs qualified electricians on rotation. The shortage of experienced HV trades in WA and Queensland has pushed remuneration well above general electrical trades and made it one of the most reliable premium trade tracks in Australian mining.
Certificates & qualifications required
- A-grade Electrical Licence (state-issued)
- HV Switching ticket / authorisation for the specific voltage class
- Standard 11 Generic Mining Induction
- Working at Heights and Confined Space
- Low Voltage Rescue and CPR (current)
- Cert IV Electrical – Instrumentation or Hazardous Areas is a plus
How to get a job in this field
- Complete an Electrical apprenticeship and get your A-grade licence.
- Work 2–3 years in industrial electrical work — process plants, factories.
- Complete HV Switching training and get authorised on site.
- Target mining electrical contractors and majors — Monadelphous, UGL, BHP, Rio Tinto.
- Add hazardous area or instrumentation qualifications to lift into the top of the band.
