The resource industry in Queensland seems to be working it’s magic throughout the mining regions of Queensland – a new report has revealed.
Last financial year, there was a whopping $38 billion spent by mining and energy companies in Queensland, flooding the state with much needed cash, allowing local communities that service the mine sites to flourish.
Independent economics experts, Lawrence Consulting, in their report has stated that direct spending by mining companies made its way to a lot of the Queensland Local Government Areas and generated an additional $37.7 billion in `second round value-add` economic activity.
1 in 5 jobs in Queensland are mining and resource related
The additional activity is another affirmation that Queensland mining and resource sector was responsible directly and indirectly for one in every four dollars in the state`s economy. There is further good news for the industry as the report went on to mention that around one in every five jobs were�Queensland mining jobs.
With an initial count of 43,000 direct employees (excluding contractors), an extra 400,000 full-time equivalent jobs were generated in the last financial year because of Queensland mining companies and mining activity. The Brisbane region accounted for around 50 percent of the total jobs created.
A high level of expenditure by mining companies has created the mining jobs activity. When companies invest in mining at intense levels, the benefits ripple across other industry sectors such as construction and transport.
The rippling effect of mining investment and activity is another reminder that�Queensland mining jobs have a bright future because of a diversified and highly active minerals and energy sector.
Spending by the Queensland coal industry accounted for about half the sector`s $37.9 billion cash-flow into Queensland in 2012-13. Other industry sectors like oil and gas increased to a 31 per cent share whilst metals contributed 14 per cent.
The $11.7 billion contributed by the rapidly expanding Queensland oil and gas industry was a huge factor in offsetting the trimming of�Queensland mining jobs owing to mining companies cost cutting initiatives and the slowdown of investment in the coal industry.
LNG exports to begin in 2014
In 2014 we’ll be witnessing the maiden exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG)� from new the 3 processing trains on Curtis Island, off Gladstone in the state’s North.
In terms of additional investment, the 2013-14 period is quite positive and Australia can expect to see another 12 months of sustained investment in the oil and gas sector.
In the coming years , the challenge for Queensland is to translate� the golden days of massive investment into remaining competitive in a global market and build on the past success and reputation of the industry.� As with any business, strong sales must be achieved and new revenue channels from developing countries.
Strong competition will be a major driving force for the industry where it can leverage Queensland expertise and compete with the very best in the world, backed by the technology developed to tap into the natural resources that are abundant in the Sunshine State.
Resource sector spending in Queensland in 2012-13 jumped 81 per cent to $2 billion
An ABS report into resources sector spending across Queensland in 2012-13 revealed an almost 81 percent jump in investments to a staggering $2 billion in the Darling Downs region and an increase of 13 per cent in the Brisbane region to $16.5 billion.
Gas exploration and development expenditure has been the driving force behind the Darling Downs increase while goods and services purchases drove the impressive Brisbane result.
In the North, the Mackay region, which consists of the city of Mackay and the northern Bowen Basin coal region, suffered a 12 per cent drop in spending owing to the coal industry`s belt tightening.� Mining hotspots in the� North West of Queensland also felt the whiplash from weakening global markets, the high Australian dollar and high mining production and logistics costs.
Despite the weakening of the coal market, new Queensland mining jobs have been created owing to new investment in the development of major coal assets such as the BMA $5 billion Daunia mine opening and the ramping up of the mining company’s Caval Ridge coal mine.
GVK Hancock have also moved closer to the reality of opening up the Galilee Basin coal deposits by agreeing on a rail network that will benefit local communities and the Queensland government.
Indian power and energy company Adani are awaiting the results of an Environmental Impact Statement to accelerate their plans to also open up the Galilee Basin coal deposits.
All in all, the future looks good for the state of Queensland in terms of mining jobs and a long-term commitment by mining companies to continually invest in the region. The mining and resource sector has an exposure to market volatility which could tip the balance either way.
It would be foolish to guaranteed a bright future, free from disturbances and challenges – however, all Queenslander’s who are currently employed in the mining and resource industry continue to work together for the common good of the development of the region’s coal and mineral assets. Building solid communities is one of the focuses of the major mining companies in Australia because in most cases they prefer to hire local workers.
Preparing for Queensland mining jobs
Job opportunities are ever-present for people with the right mix of skills, experience, training, qualifications and mindset.
Mining companies operate like any� other business, they need customers, they need to make a profit and most of all – they absolutely need the best people to help them achieve their operational goals. Mining is a hard industry to break into, and once you’re in, it’s a tough working environment with long days and awkward rosters.
Working in a mining job can mean immersing yourself� into a high risk environment, therefore safety training and knowledge of how mining operations are carried out is essential.� Preparing for a mine job in Queensland can be relatively simple, if you know how to get started.
Fortunately, iMINCO have been showing people how to get a mining job for many years.� We possess a wealth of information to help new starters, tradespeople and professionals looking for the best way to transition into mining where they can commit to a long and rewarding career.
The Queensland mining industry is a highly regulated industry, with a range of certifications and qualifications mine workers must have. In addition to this, workers are required by law to hold current certification and qualification before they are permitted to work on a mine site.
The links below point to information that will help you understand how to go about getting Queensland mining jobs by starting with the basics of training and skills development.
Recommended training courses
- Mining Induction (Standard 11)� (Compulsory for Queensland)
- Coal Board Medical examination (Compulsory)
- Dump Truck / Haul Truck Driver Course
- Working at Heights� (recommended)
- Enter and Work in Confined Spaces (recommended)
- 4 wheel drive License or Light Vehicle Course. (recommended)
- First Aid course (recommended)
Reference: Queensland Mining Jobs – $38 Billion Benefit To All Queenslanders’
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