Mining Jobs Boom in North West Queensland as Copper Mines Restart
North West Queensland copper mines are struggling to find staff, with 24,000 new resources workers needed nationally by 2027. Engineers and trades lead demand.
AustraliaIn brief
- Employers say the resources industry will need 24,000 new workers across Australia by 2027.
- About 85 critical minerals projects are under way in Queensland's North West Minerals Province.
- 29Metals plans to restart the Capricorn Copper mine near Mount Isa, which once employed about 400 people, by the end of 2026.
- Mining engineers, geologists, electricians, mechanical engineers and apprentices are hardest to find.
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Organization | AIC Mines, 29Metals and Queensland Resources Council |
| Official source | ABC News – Outback mining jobs and Queensland workforce shortage ✓ abc.net.au |
Copper mines in North West Queensland are restarting and expanding, and employers say they cannot find enough workers. That is good news for job seekers with trade or engineering skills, ABC News reported on 27 October 2026.
The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across Australia by 2027.
Why demand is rising
The North West Minerals Province around Mount Isa and Cloncurry holds an estimated $680 billion in resources. Roughly 85 critical minerals projects are now under way there, and drilling is picking up.
Two copper projects stand out:
| Mine | Company | What is happening |
|---|---|---|
| Capricorn Copper, north of Mount Isa | 29Metals | Restart planned by the end of 2026; it once employed about 400 workers |
| Mt Cuthbert copper project | AIC Mines | AIC has a binding deal to buy it from Materra Metals; it has been in care and maintenance since 2022 |
| Eloise copper mine, 60 km south-east of Cloncurry | AIC Mines | Operating mine run by AIC |
AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said the company sees major opportunity at Mt Cuthbert but is finding staff hard to get everywhere. 29Metals chief executive James Palmer said Capricorn's workforce is mostly local, with some workers from Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane.
Jobs in demand
According to the companies and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), the hardest roles to fill are:
- Mining engineers
- Geologists
- Electricians
- Mechanical engineers
- Apprentices in electrical, diesel fitting, mechanical, auto electrical and boilermaking trades
Local first, then FIFO
AIC Mines says it would rather hire people who live in the region. Its next choice is fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers based in Townsville and Brisbane. That gives job seekers in those cities a real route into these mines.
Why the gap exists
QRC's director of workforce strategy, Karina Lee Jones, said the shortage is felt across Queensland and the country. Big infrastructure projects in south-east Queensland, including work for the Olympic Games, are pulling skilled workers away. Fewer young people have chosen trades and mining careers over roughly the past five years, so the apprentice pipeline needs to grow.
How to apply
There is no single recruitment campaign. Check the official careers pages of AIC Mines and 29Metals on their company websites, and look for apprenticeship intakes run by mining companies and TAFE Queensland.
What it means for job seekers
- Trades pay off. A licensed electrician or diesel fitter has strong bargaining power right now.
- Consider an apprenticeship. Industry groups are calling for more apprentices, so intakes should grow.
- Relocating helps. Living in Mount Isa or Cloncurry can put you at the front of the queue.
- Townsville and Brisbane residents should look at FIFO roles.
- Graduates in engineering or geology have a good chance of landing a first role in the region.
For the national picture, see the latest ABS jobs figures for September and Nomad Atomics' quantum sensor factory jobs in Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
Are there mining jobs in North West Queensland?
Yes. Companies around Mount Isa and Cloncurry report difficulty filling roles as copper mines restart and new projects begin.
What mining jobs are most in demand in Queensland?
Mining engineers, geologists, electricians and mechanical engineers, plus apprentices in electrical, diesel fitting and boilermaking.
How many mining workers does Australia need?
The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association says 24,000 new workers will be needed by 2027.
Do North West Queensland mines hire FIFO workers?
Yes. AIC Mines says it prefers local staff first, then FIFO workers based in Townsville and Brisbane.
Apply only through the official source.
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