Open pit & mobile fleet
Haul trucks, excavators, drills, dozers, graders, light vehicles, workshops, charging and fleet-support systems.
← Career pathways
Electrical pathway
Electrical careers in Australian mining.
“Mine-site electrician” can mean fixed plant, mobile equipment, instrumentation, high voltage, controls, projects, underground work or site services. The useful question is: which systems can you work on, and what evidence proves it?
The core idea
Electrical work follows the mining system.
Australian mines are connected operating systems. Electrical workers may support extraction, processing, materials handling, power generation and distribution, rail, port, water, accommodation or control technology. Two people with the same base licence can build very different careers because their assets, work patterns and accountability differ.
A licence establishes legal authority. Mining employability comes from relevant, verifiable capability on top of it.
Where the work sits
Six electrical environments across a mine.
The boundaries overlap. A single operation may use separate crews, a multi-skilled team or specialist contractors.
Processing & fixed plant
Crushers, screens, conveyors, pumps, mills, flotation or separation circuits, MCCs, motors and field equipment.
Materials handling & port
Train load-out, car dumpers, stackers, reclaimers, shiploaders, wharf systems and long conveyor networks.
Power & distribution
Generation, substations, transformers, switchrooms, protection, reticulation and high-voltage networks.
Underground operations
Decline and shaft infrastructure, pumps, ventilation, dewatering, communications, mobile plant and underground distribution.
Non-process infrastructure
Camps, workshops, offices, water systems, airports, lighting, buildings and utilities that support the operation.
Role guide
Twelve electrical pathways.
Role titles are not nationally standardised. Read the actual scope, licence, qualification, appointment and site requirements behind the title.
Fixed-plant electrician
Processing plants, crushers, conveyors, stockyards and ports
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$125k–$175kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Planned inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, fault-finding, component replacement, breakdown response, testing and work-order close-out.
- Typical assets
- Motors, MCCs, VSDs, switchboards, cables, protection, lighting, field devices and machine electrical systems.
- Foundation
- Current jurisdictional electrical licence plus credible industrial experience. Employer and site requirements sit on top of the licence.
- Evidence to show
- Name the asset and system, what you diagnosed or completed, your authorised scope, test result, handover and person who can verify it.
Shutdown electrician
Defined outage work fronts on fixed plant and infrastructure
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$140k–$200kAnnualised from project and shutdown market- Typical work
- Concentrated inspection, overhaul, replacement, installation, testing and handback work inside a tightly sequenced shutdown window.
- Typical assets
- Conveyors, reclaimers, shiploaders, crushers, motors, switchgear, cable systems, lighting and temporary or permanent installations.
- Foundation
- Electrical licence and task-relevant site prerequisites. Construction induction requirements depend on whether the actual work is construction work.
- Evidence to show
- Work pack, asset, task, isolation and permit context, quality record, punch-list or handback status, reliability and shutdown referee.
Construction electrician
New plant, expansions, brownfield modifications and sustaining capital projects
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$120k–$170kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Install containment, cable, switchboards, equipment, lighting and earthing; terminate, test and complete quality records to the approved design.
- Typical assets
- Cable ladder and tray, power and control cable, distribution boards, switchrooms, motors, field equipment and building services.
- Foundation
- Electrical licence, construction capability and project-specific access or high-risk requirements. Industrial construction exposure is valuable but is not the same as maintenance depth.
- Evidence to show
- Drawings and specifications used, installation scope personally completed, test documentation, defects raised, QA handover and supervision level.
Commissioning electrician
New, modified or overhauled plant moving toward operational service
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$145k–$210kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Verify installations, support pre-commissioning and functional testing, record defects, close punch items and assist authorised energisation and handover activities.
- Typical assets
- Electrical distribution, motors, drives, control panels, field devices, safety circuits and integrated machine systems.
- Foundation
- Strong electrical fundamentals, drawings, test discipline and clear understanding of authorisation boundaries. Commissioning procedures are project and system specific.
- Evidence to show
- System boundary, test or verification personally performed, result recorded, defect disposition and authorised person responsible for energisation or acceptance.
Electrical & instrumentation technician
Process plants, utilities, dewatering, laboratories and control systems
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$135k–$190kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Install, calibrate, commission, diagnose and maintain instrumentation and control equipment within qualification and authorisation.
- Typical assets
- Pressure, flow, level and temperature instruments, analysers, control valves, transmitters, instrument loops and associated cabling or tubing.
- Foundation
- Often a licensed electrician with post-trade instrumentation capability such as UEE40420, or another role-specific instrumentation pathway accepted by the employer.
- Evidence to show
- Instrument or loop, drawing and specification used, fault or calibration issue, method and result, documentation and production consequence.
Controls technician
Processing, materials handling, autonomous systems and remote operations
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$140k–$200kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Diagnose interfaces between field devices, control hardware and software; support PLC, SCADA, network and machine-control systems within authorised access.
- Typical assets
- PLCs, remote I/O, industrial networks, SCADA, HMIs, VSD interfaces, safety systems and instrumentation signals.
- Foundation
- May be an electrician, E&I technician, industrial electronics technician or engineer. The job title alone does not establish electrical authority or software access.
- Evidence to show
- Separate the electrical, instrumentation and software work you personally completed. Show change control, backups, testing, escalation and the verified outcome.
High-voltage electrician or operator
Mine power stations, substations, switchrooms and distribution networks
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$145k–$205kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Maintain HV-associated equipment and support switching, isolation, protection testing or network work only within the site appointment and authorisation system.
- Typical assets
- Switchgear, transformers, protection systems, cables, substations, generators and overhead or underground distribution.
- Foundation
- An electrical licence does not automatically authorise HV switching. In WA mining, a high-voltage operator must meet regulator-approved training criteria and be appointed after the site is satisfied about competence.
- Evidence to show
- Voltage and equipment class, maintenance or switching role, appointment and authorisation held, permit boundary, test records and accountable supervisor.
Auto electrician
Open pits, underground fleets, workshops and field service
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$135k–$190kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Diagnose, service and repair vehicle electrical and electronic systems, onboard networks, starting and charging, lighting, monitoring and machine accessories.
- Typical assets
- Haul trucks, excavators, drills, loaders, support equipment, light vehicles and their electronic control or monitoring systems.
- Foundation
- Automotive electrical is a distinct trade pathway. AUR30320 reflects the current Certificate III foundation; site and equipment competencies still apply.
- Evidence to show
- Machine model and system, symptoms, diagnostic process, repair within scope, test result, technical information used and repeat-fault history.
Underground electrician
Underground metalliferous or coal operations
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$150k–$210kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Maintain distribution, fixed infrastructure, pumps, ventilation, communications and mobile or production equipment under underground mine controls.
- Typical assets
- Substations, cables, starters, pumps, fans, crushers, conveyors, workshops, charging systems and underground mobile plant.
- Foundation
- Jurisdictional electrical licence plus underground, mine-type and task-specific requirements. Coal and metalliferous operations can have materially different statutory systems.
- Evidence to show
- Underground environment, asset, voltage and duty, fault or planned scope, isolation and access context, test and handover records.
NPI & utilities electrician
Camps, workshops, offices, airports, water plants and site services
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$115k–$160kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Maintain and install building power, lighting, generation, distribution, water and wastewater electrical systems across non-process infrastructure.
- Typical assets
- Generators, switchboards, lighting, pumps, HVAC supplies, fire systems, accommodation and workshop electrical services.
- Foundation
- Electrical licence plus industrial, commercial or facilities experience matched to the actual site scope. NPI work is operationally important even when it sits outside the process plant.
- Evidence to show
- Facility and system, fault or installation, testing, compliance documentation, service consequence and coordination with occupants or operations.
Electrical fitter or workshop technician
Motor, component, switchgear and conveyor maintenance workshops
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$100k–$145kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Fabricate, inspect, service, test and repair electrical equipment or assemblies in a controlled workshop environment.
- Typical assets
- Motors, transformers, switchboards, control panels, electrical components and workshop test equipment.
- Foundation
- Electrical fitting is a distinct occupation and qualification pathway. Jurisdictional licensing determines whether any proposed work is licensed electrical work.
- Evidence to show
- Component class, inspection or repair scope, measurements and test result, quality standard, release documentation and limits of authority.
Rail, signalling or communications technician
Heavy-haul rail, ports, level crossings and operational communications
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$115k–$165kAUD annual gross, generally before super- Typical work
- Install, inspect, maintain and fault-find signalling, communications, train-control and wayside electrical or electronic systems within network rules.
- Typical assets
- Signals, points interfaces, trackside equipment, radio, fibre, control cabinets, detection and monitoring systems.
- Foundation
- Qualifications and rail-safety competencies depend on the role and network. Some pathways are post-trade electrical; others are communications, electronics or signalling specialties.
- Evidence to show
- Network and equipment type, fault or planned task, technical standard, testing, safeworking interface, handback and authorised verifier.
Types of work
The trade changes with the work cycle.
- 01
Rostered maintenance
A continuing crew balances scheduled work, inspections, breakdowns, defect follow-up and accurate equipment history.
- 02
Shutdowns
A larger temporary workforce completes a concentrated scope while plant access is available and the handback clock is visible.
- 03
Projects
Construction teams install to drawings and specifications, manage quality records and hand completed systems toward commissioning.
- 04
Commissioning
The focus shifts from installation to verification, functional performance, defects, controlled energisation and operational acceptance.
- 05
Reliability
Technical specialists use condition, failure and work-history data to improve maintenance decisions rather than simply repeat tasks.
Images are original conceptual editorial visuals created for The FIFO Hub. They do not depict a named mine, employer or site procedure.
Qualifications and authority
Four foundations people often mix up.
Requirements vary by state, territory, mine type, employer and task. Verify the current regulator and written role requirements before paying for training.
Trade qualification plus the correct licence
UEE30820 is the current national Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. It provides the training foundation; the relevant state or territory regulator issues the electrical work licence.
A post-trade or specialist pathway
UEE40420 is a current Certificate IV in Electrical – Instrumentation for electricians. Employers may use other instrumentation pathways depending on the work and jurisdiction.
A different trade foundation
AUR30320 is the current Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology. It supports vehicle electrical diagnosis and repair; it is not an unrestricted electrical worker licence.
Training is not the same as appointment
HV operation, statutory supervision, control-system access and other high-consequence functions require the current site and jurisdictional authorisation or appointment—not just a course card.
Australia does not have one mining electrical licence.
Electrical licensing is administered by state and territory regulators. Mutual-recognition pathways may apply, but a current home-state licence should not be treated as automatic authority to perform every type of electrical work at an interstate mine.
Career map
Progression is broader scope, not just a new title.
This is a representative pathway. Workers can specialise, remain expert tradespeople, move sideways or combine field and technical experience.
- 01
Trade delivery
Electrician, auto electrician, electrical fitter or technician completing authorised field or workshop work.
- 02
Industrial depth
Stronger asset knowledge, diagnosis, documentation and work-system discipline in a relevant mining environment.
- 03
Specialisation
E&I, controls, HV and protection, hazardous areas, rail signalling, mobile equipment or another defensible technical stream.
- 04
Coordination
Leading hand, planner, scheduler, commissioning coordinator or technical advisor with broader interfaces and accountability.
- 05
Leadership
Electrical supervisor, statutory appointment where applicable, reliability leader, superintendent or engineering pathway.
E&I · controls · HV · protection · reliability
Depth comes from verified diagnosis, specialist systems, disciplined change control and the ability to explain consequences across the plant.
Leading hand · planner · supervisor · superintendent
Progression adds people, planning, quality, production interfaces, documentation and legal or organisational accountability.
Diploma · advanced diploma · degree pathways
Further study can support design, engineering, technical governance and project roles. It does not retrospectively enlarge work completed outside prior authority.
Beyond trade delivery
Electrical leadership and technical roles.
These roles add planning, assurance, people or engineering accountability. They are not automatic rewards for time served.
Leading hand
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$135k–$185kAUD annual gross, generally before superCoordinates a crew close to the work front: task allocation, scope clarity, constraints, quality checks, apprentice supervision and communication with the supervisor.
Electrical supervisor
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$155k–$215kAUD annual gross, generally before superPlans and oversees electrical work, labour, safety, quality, schedule and interfaces. The company title does not by itself establish a statutory appointment.
WA statutory electrical supervisor
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$165k–$230kAUD annual gross, generally before superA Schedule 26 appointment with defined eligibility and functions. WorkSafe WA currently requires an unrestricted licence or eligible engineering qualification, approved WHS risk training and at least two years of mining or heavy-industry electrical work.
Maintenance planner or scheduler
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$115k–$165kAUD annual gross, generally before superBuilds executable work from defects and strategy: scope, labour, duration, parts, access, documentation, dependencies and feedback into the work-management system.
Reliability or technical specialist
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$145k–$205kAUD annual gross, generally before superUses condition, defect and failure history to improve maintenance tactics, eliminate repeat problems and support defensible asset decisions.
Electrical or project engineer
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$135k–$200kAUD annual gross, generally before superSupports design, technical assurance, studies, protection, power systems, projects and changes within professional competence and organisational governance.
Superintendent or maintenance leader
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$190k–$280kAUD annual gross, generally before superCarries broader accountability for people, performance, risk, budget, maintenance strategy, contractor interfaces and delivery across multiple crews or assets.
Training and capability lead
Indicative 2026 Australian mining band$135k–$190kAUD annual gross, generally before superDevelops or verifies workforce capability, practical development pathways, evidence, compliance records and consistent technical expectations.
WA distinction: A company may use “electrical supervisor” as a job title, while the WHS (Mines) Regulations use “electrical supervisor” for a statutory position. Where a role includes the statutory function, eligibility and written appointment must be confirmed; the title alone is not enough. Follow the full S26 electrical and statutory-supervisor pathway →
The evidence test
Make your electrical experience verifiable.
Employers need to see more than a licence and a list of inductions. Show where you worked, which systems you understood, what you personally did and who can confirm it.
Too vague
“Performed electrical maintenance on mining equipment.”
More useful“On a rostered fixed-plant crew, diagnosed an assigned conveyor-drive control fault, completed the authorised repair and testing, recorded follow-up defects in the work order and handed the asset status to the shift supervisor.”
EvidenceShowAvoid
AuthorityLicence jurisdiction, class, restrictions, appointments and site authorisationsSaying only “A Grade” without the issuing jurisdiction or status
EnvironmentFixed plant, mobile plant, underground, rail, port, construction, commissioning or NPIUsing “mining electrician” as if it describes the work
AssetMotor, MCC, VSD, switchgear, conveyor, pump, truck, instrument loop or control systemListing every asset on site with no personal scope
TaskDiagnosed, installed, inspected, calibrated, repaired, tested, commissioned or closed outCopying a position description
BoundaryWhat you owned, assisted with, were authorised to access and who accepted the workImplying switching, PLC or statutory authority you did not hold
ResultTest outcome, return to service, defect raised, follow-up work or quality handoverInvented percentages or unverified savings
RefereeA supervisor or technical lead who directly observed the workA senior name who cannot verify your capability
Important boundaries
Four shortcuts that do not hold up.
“I have an electrical licence, so I can switch HV.”
No. Switching and HV access depend on the jurisdiction, mine, equipment, approved training, appointment and site authorisation.
“I have PLC exposure, so I am a controls specialist.”
Be exact about whether you observed, electrically fault-found interfaces, accessed software, changed logic, tested changes or worked under another person's direction.
“I am inducted, so I am site ready.”
An induction can help mobilisation. It does not replace current licensing, trade competence, role evidence, medical requirements or a vacancy.
“Construction and maintenance are interchangeable.”
Industrial construction can be valuable. Maintenance roles also expect fault history, inspection judgement, breakdown response, close-out and recurring-asset knowledge.
Official sources
Check the qualification, regulator and mine.
Source-checked 27 August 2026. Requirements and qualifications can change.
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Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council — Licensing
How electrical licensing and mutual recognition operate between Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand.
Training.gov.au — UEE30820
Current Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician qualification and competency scope.
Training.gov.au — UEE40420
Current post-trade Certificate IV in Electrical – Instrumentation.
Training.gov.au — AUR30320
Current Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology.
Jobs and Skills Australia — Industrial Electrician
National occupation overview covering industrial electrical work in settings including mine sites and processing plants.
Jobs and Skills Australia — Automotive Electrician
National occupation overview for vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
WA Government — Electrical licensing
Current Western Australian electrical licensing and recognition information.
WorkSafe WA — Mining statutory positions
Current WA criteria for electrical supervisors and high-voltage operators at mines.
WorkSafe WA — HV switching course criteria
Regulator requirements for approved high-voltage switching operations training in WA mining.
Independent career guidance: The FIFO Hub is not an electrical regulator, mine operator or registered training organisation. Confirm licensing, qualification, appointment, induction and task requirements with the relevant authority and employer.