Operations · Skilled
Process Plant Operator
Monitors and operates crushing, milling, separation, leaching or materials-handling circuits to keep the process stable and within operating limits.
Indicative 2026 pay$100k–$155kAnnual gross, generally before super
Common roster contextOften 7/7, 8/6 or 2/1 with rotating days and nights.
Work environmentsCrushing and screening · Milling and flotation · Hydrometallurgy · Control rooms and field operations
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Monitors and operates crushing, milling, separation, leaching or materials-handling circuits to keep the process stable and within operating limits. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Conduct field inspections
- 02
Start, stop and monitor equipment
- 03
Adjust process conditions within authority
- 04
Sample and record plant performance
- 05
Respond to alarms and spills
- 06
Coordinate isolations and maintenance access
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Crushers and screens
- 02
Mills
- 03
Pumps and cyclones
- 04
Thickeners and filters
- 05
Conveyors
- 06
DCS or SCADA systems
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Employer process training and verification
- 02
Site isolation and permit competence
- 03
Chemical, confined-space or gas-testing training where assigned
- 04
Relevant processing qualification where requested
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Circuit and commodities
- 02
Field and control-room duties
- 03
Alarm, upset or isolation response
- 04
Sampling, handover and stable-operation evidence
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Build industrial or operations experience
- 02
Enter as trainee or utility operator
- 03
Learn one circuit in depth
- 04
Progress to multi-area or control-room competency
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Circuit complexity
- 02
Control-room competence
- 03
Chemical and high-risk environment
- 04
Roster, nights and location
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. It is not automatic.
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining market guides, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Last reviewed 17 September 2026.