Mining Engineer (Underground)
$170,000 – $260,000
About the role
Mining Engineers design and control how a mine is extracted. In an underground gold or nickel operation that means planning stope sequences, designing development headings, sizing ventilation, specifying ground support, scheduling drill and blast, reconciling actual against plan, and continually optimising the operation for tonnes, grade and unit cost. A graduate Mining Engineer typically starts on a rotation program with Northern Star, BHP, Rio Tinto, Newcrest or a mid-tier operator, moving through short-term planning, technical services, production engineering and eventually into supervision. Base salaries start at $100,000–$120,000 for graduates and climb rapidly — senior Mining Engineers with 8–10 years of experience commonly earn $200,000+, and Principal Engineers or Underground Managers with a WA First Class Ticket can reach $260,000 plus. The role suits people who enjoy applied mathematics, geology, physics and problem-solving under commercial pressure. Progression paths include Senior Mining Engineer, Principal, Superintendent, Underground Manager, Registered Manager and eventually General Manager or Consulting Principal. Australia's underground gold sector is a global leader and offers exceptional career opportunities.
Certificates & qualifications required
- Bachelor of Mining Engineering (accredited by AusIMM)
- WA First Class Mine Manager's Certificate for statutory senior roles
- AusIMM Chartered Professional status
- Standard 11 Generic Mining Induction
- Underground induction
- Drivers licence, First Aid
How to get a job in this field
- Complete a Bachelor of Mining Engineering — UNSW, UQ, Curtin, WASM, Adelaide, Monash.
- Do vacation work with a major operator each summer during your degree.
- Enter a graduate program — BHP, Rio Tinto, Northern Star, Newcrest, FMG all run one.
- Rotate through planning, technical services and production engineering in the first 2 years.
- Chase underground gold or nickel for the fastest technical development.
- Complete your WA First Class Ticket for senior statutory roles.
