Monitors and coordinates a mine's processing or materials-handling system from a control room, using live data, alarms and field confirmation to keep operations within approved limits.
Related role band: $120k–$175kOperations · 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 annual cash$100k–$155kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextOften 7/7, 8/6 or 2/1 with rotating days and nights.
Typical work settingGrinding, flotation, leaching circuits
Supplied rate guide · 28 September 2026
Indicative hourly rates.
These day and night / campaign ranges are separate from the annual band. They are broad comparisons, not an offer or an award minimum.
- Day / project
- $50–$70/hr
- Night / campaign
- $60–$82/hr
Check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, paid hours, penalties, allowances and super in the actual offer. Find an agreement ↗
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.
Take on more complex work, mentoring and quality accountability while building evidence for the next formal step.
Compare roles and pay →Delivers structured workplace learning and assesses people against a defined task, competency or training product.
Related role band: $120k–$175kLeads a defined crew or work front, translating the plan into safe, controlled execution while managing people, interfaces and changing conditions.
Related role band: $150k–$210kProgression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
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Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Some hourly guides were supplied and have not been independently validated role by role; others show selected advertised examples. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 28 September 2026.