Which Mining Sectors Are Hiring the Most in WA?

Iron Ore Mining Jobs – The Backbone of WA’s Resource Sector

Iron ore remains the most significant employment driver in WA, supporting approximately 65,359 jobs, nearly half of all mining jobs in the state. The sector’s latest major expansion is the Hope Downs 2 project, a collaboration between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting, received approval in June 2025. This new mine alone promises around 950 construction roles and approximately 1,000 ongoing operational positions (ABC News, June 2025).

The hottest jobs in iron ore right now include autonomous haul-truck operators, mobile plant fitters, and drill-and-blast engineers. If you possess these qualifications, expect stable demand for your skills.

Gold Mining Jobs – Stable Growth and Major Investments

Gold mining employs around 33,285 people in WA, driven significantly by operations in the Kalgoorlie region. Recent developments include the substantial $1.5 billion upgrade of the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, positioning it to produce up to 900,000 ounces annually by 2029 (The Australian, February 2025).

Typical roles in gold mining include exploration geologists, underground jumbo operators, and processing metallurgists, professions expected to see consistent demand amid ongoing expansions.

Lithium Iron Ore Mining Jobs – A Rapidly Expanding Industry

WA’s lithium sector, crucial for global battery production, has grown rapidly, now employing 11,422 workers. Pilbara Minerals’ recently completed “P1000” project significantly boosted production capacity to 1 million tonnes of spodumene concentrate per annum, affirming strong employment growth (Pilbara Minerals, April 2025; Mysteel, May 2025).

Key positions urgently needed in lithium include electrical and instrumentation tradespeople, control-room operators, and process chemists. As global demand for battery minerals remains strong, lithium careers offer promising stability.

Coal Mining Jobs – A Sector in Transition

Coal mining in WA faces contraction, notably in the Collie region, with around 1,300 workers preparing for transition by 2029 as coal power phases out (ABC News, March 2025). However, this scenario presents opportunities for workers to retrain or transfer skills to sectors like lithium maintenance or iron ore shutdown roles.

Key Insights into Job Demand

The WA government’s Budget Paper 3 forecasts steady employment growth of 1.75% for 2025/26, moderating slightly to 1.5% in the following year. The labour market is tight yet beginning to ease, suggesting continued robust demand for skilled workers (WA Budget, June 2025).

Moreover, the WA Skills & Workforce Development Action Plan identifies significant skills shortages, especially for heavy-diesel mechanics, mining engineers, and automation specialists (WA Skills Action Plan, March 2025). Job seekers with these capabilities will find ample opportunities and strong demand.

Practical Advice for Job Seekers

Align your trade or professional expertise with sectors showing the most robust hiring outlooks. Iron ore and lithium currently lead demand, particularly for specialists in automation and technical roles. Gold mining also offers stable long-term opportunities.

Scotford Fennessy can assist you in navigating these opportunities. Whether you need a free resume review or want direct access to upcoming and exclusive roles through our recruitment process, we’re here to support your career aspirations.

Take the Next Step

With WA’s mining sectors booming, now is the perfect time to leverage these trends. Visit our dedicated mining jobs page today to upload your CV and speak with a Scotford Fennessy recruitment specialist within 24 hours.