Australia's mining sector is facing a workforce cliff. With a significant proportion of the nation's mining engineers approaching retirement within the next decade, according to industry estimates, demand for qualified replacements has reached acute levels - particularly in Western Australia and Queensland, where resource extraction remains the economic backbone. For mining engineers from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Chile, Australia in 2026 represents one of the strongest migration destinations in the world: a profession on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), multiple visa pathways to permanent residency, and salaries that routinely exceed $150,000.
This guide explains how Mining Engineers (ANZSCO 233611) can navigate skills assessment, visa selection, and state nomination to build a permanent life in Australia.
Why Mining Engineers Are in Such High Demand
Australia is the world's largest exporter of iron ore, lithium, and a major producer of coal, gold, copper, and rare earths. The scale of operations - BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Glencore, and dozens of mid-tier operators - requires a deep bench of qualified mining engineers to plan extraction, manage safety, and optimise production.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Retirement wave | Industry estimates suggest a substantial share of mining engineers will retire within the next decade |
| Resource expansion | New lithium, rare earth, and critical minerals projects across WA, QLD, and NT |
| Salary range | $120,000 - $200,000+ AUD depending on role, location, and experience |
| ANZSCO code | 233611 - Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL - eligible for 189, 190, 491, 186, and employer-sponsored visas |
ANZSCO 233611 is classified as a "Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)." If you specialise in petroleum extraction, your ANZSCO code is 233612 (Petroleum Engineer), which has different list eligibility. Confirm your exact classification before proceeding.
Visa Pathways at a Glance
Because Mining Engineer sits on the MLTSSL, you have access to the full suite of skilled visa pathways - more options than most occupations.
| Visa | Type | Key Feature | PR Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | Points-tested | No sponsor or state nomination needed | Immediate PR |
| 190 State Nominated | Points-tested | +5 points from state nomination | Immediate PR |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Points-tested | +15 points; live in regional area 3 years | PR via 191 |
| 482/SID Core Skills | Employer-sponsored | Employer nominates; 1-year experience minimum | PR via 186 TRT (2 years) |
| 482/SID Specialist Skills | Employer-sponsored | Salary ≥$141,210; no skills assessment needed | PR via 186 TRT (2 years) |
| 186 Direct Entry | Employer-sponsored | Immediate PR; 3-year experience requirement | Immediate PR |
| DAMA | Employer-sponsored (regional) | Concessions on age/English; WA Goldfields, NT | PR pathway available |
Mining engineer salaries in WA and QLD frequently exceed the $141,210 Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT). If your salary meets this threshold, the SID Specialist Skills stream offers 7-day visa processing with no skills assessment required.
Skills Assessment: Engineers Australia CDR
For most visa pathways (189, 190, 491, 186 Direct Entry, and SID Core Skills), you will need a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia - the designated assessing authority for ANZSCO 233611.
Assessment Pathways
| Pathway | Who It's For | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited qualification | Graduates of Washington Accord-accredited degrees (e.g., Australian, UK, Canadian, South African universities) | 4-8 weeks |
| Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) | Engineers with non-accredited qualifications (e.g., India, Chile, some African universities) | 8-12 weeks |
| Fast-track option | Available for additional fee | ~20 business days |
What the CDR Requires
If your mining engineering degree is not accredited under the Washington Accord, you must submit a CDR containing:
- Three Career Episodes (1,000-2,500 words each) - personal narratives demonstrating your engineering competency in mining-specific projects
- Summary Statement - a matrix cross-referencing your career episodes against Engineers Australia's competency elements
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) list - training, certifications, and conferences since graduation
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Passport copy and employment reference letters
Mining-specific competencies matter. Your career episodes must demonstrate competencies specific to mining engineering - mine planning, extraction methods, ventilation design, ground control, blasting operations, or mineral processing. Generic engineering narratives will weaken your application. Engineers Australia uses plagiarism detection tools; all content must be original and written in the first person ("I designed…" not "We designed…").
English Language for Skills Assessment
Engineers Australia requires a minimum of Competent English for the skills assessment itself:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 in each band |
| PTE Academic | 50 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | L12, R13, W21, S18 |
| OET | B in each component |
Note: Some visa subclasses (e.g., 189) and state nominations may require higher English scores. Check specific visa requirements separately.
Points Test Strategy for Mining Engineers
For 189, 190, and 491 visas, you must score at least 65 points (including any nomination points). Here's how a typical mining engineer might build their score:
| Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | Maximum age points |
| English (Superior - IELTS 8.0 each) | 20 | Significant point boost |
| Overseas experience (8+ years) | 15 | Mining engineers often have deep experience |
| Qualification (Bachelor's degree) | 15 | Standard engineering degree |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | Or +15 for 491 |
| Regional study/residence | 5 | If applicable |
Use our free GSM Points Calculator to estimate your score and identify where you can gain additional points.
Points thresholds and test scores are indicative. Invitation rounds vary by occupation and program year. Always verify current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.
State Nomination: Where Mining Engineers Are Most Wanted
Western Australia
WA is the epicentre of Australia's mining industry and the state most actively recruiting mining engineers.
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nomination allocation | 3,400 places (2,000 × 190 + 1,400 × 491) for 2025-26 |
| WASMOL status | Mining Engineer listed - high demand |
| 190 requirements | WA employment contract (full-time, 6+ months); valid skills assessment |
| 491 requirements | Less restrictive - no employment contract typically required |
| Invitation points | 70-75 points observed in recent rounds |
| Priority sectors | Mining and resources given priority in invitation rounds |
Queensland
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Occupation list | Mining Engineer on both Onshore and Offshore Skilled Occupation Lists |
| 190 onshore | Must live/work in QLD for 9 consecutive months before applying |
| 491 onshore | Must live/work in regional QLD for 6 consecutive months |
| Offshore applicants | 1 year of relevant skilled employment; must be currently employed |
| Commitment | 190: 2 years in QLD; 491: 3 years in regional QLD |
Northern Territory
The NT's mining sector (uranium, manganese, gold) is smaller but growing. The NT DAMA III (active until June 2030) covers 325 occupations with concessions on age and English - making it particularly attractive for experienced engineers who may fall outside standard visa criteria.
State nomination requirements and occupation lists change frequently. Always confirm current list availability and specific criteria before submitting an EOI. Contact a registered migration agent for up-to-date advice.
Employer-Sponsored Pathways
For mining engineers already receiving job offers from Australian operators, employer sponsorship provides the most direct route:
| Pathway | Minimum Salary | Skills Assessment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SID Core Skills | $76,515 (CSIT) | Required | Mid-career engineers earning below SSIT |
| SID Specialist Skills | $141,210 (SSIT) | Not required | Senior engineers, mine managers, principal engineers |
| 186 Direct Entry | $76,515 (CSIT) | Required | Offshore senior hires wanting immediate PR |
Visa Application Fees
| Visa | Primary Applicant | Partner | Child (under 18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | $4,910 | $2,455 | $1,230 |
| 190 | $4,910 | $2,455 | $1,230 |
| 491 | $4,910 | $2,455 | $1,230 |
| 482/SID | $3,210 | $3,210 | $805 |
| 186 | $4,910 | $2,455 | $1,230 |
Fees shown are current as of July 2025 and are subject to annual indexation (typically 1 July each year). Verify the latest fees on the Department of Home Affairs fees page.
DAMA: Regional Concessions for Mining
If you're over 45 or have English scores below the standard thresholds, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) can provide a lifeline:
| DAMA | Region | Key Concession |
|---|---|---|
| WA Goldfields DAMA | Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Esperance | Mining Engineer explicitly listed; age/English concessions |
| NT DAMA III | All of Northern Territory | 325 occupations; active until June 2030 |
| WA Statewide DAMA | All WA outside Perth | Broad occupation coverage |
DAMAs are employer-sponsored - you cannot apply independently. Your employer must be endorsed by the relevant Designated Area Representative.
Typical Timeline: Offshore Mining Engineer to PR
| Step | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. English test (IELTS/PTE) | 2-4 weeks | Book early; results valid 3 years for skills assessment |
| 2. Engineers Australia assessment | 8-12 weeks | Allow extra time if CDR pathway |
| 3. Submit EOI in SkillSelect | 1 day | Select 189 + preferred states |
| 4. Receive invitation | Variable | Depends on points score and round frequency |
| 5. Lodge visa application | 60 days from invitation | Health exams, police checks within this period |
| 6. Visa grant (189/190) | 6-12 months | Processing times vary |
How First Migration Can Help
Mining engineer migration combines technical skills assessment requirements with complex visa pathway selection and state nomination strategy. The difference between a 189 invitation at 75 points and a 491 nomination at 65 points can save you years of waiting - or open a pathway that wouldn't otherwise exist.
At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in skilled visa pathways and can help you:
- Select the optimal visa pathway based on your points score, salary, and family situation
- Navigate the Engineers Australia CDR with mining-specific career episode guidance
- Target the right state nomination (WA, QLD, NT, or others) based on current list availability
- Coordinate employer sponsorship if you have a job offer from an Australian mining company
- Assess DAMA eligibility for experienced engineers who may face age or English barriers
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
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