Entry-Level Mining: The 'Best Shot' YouTube Series
Our Best Shot series of videos, featured on our sponsored YouTube channel Australian Mining for New Starters, is designed to help new entrants not only land a job but also successfully navigate the vital first six months in the Hardrock Underground Mining industry.
Using our Intro to Hardrock Underground Mining DIY and Workready packages, these videos address common questions about resumes, tickets, interviews, formal qualifications, and much more. If you’re looking to break into mining, this series offers a clear pathway to success. And if you prefer audio, you can easily listen to the information as a podcast by clicking the play button below to the Best Shot series.
Best Shot 1 – Getting a Hardrock Underground Mining Job
With the Australian gold price now exceeding $2200/oz AUD (correct at time of publication – as of June 2025 it is now over $5000/oz AUD), there’s never been a better opportunity for a well-prepared new starter to break into the industry. Experienced professionals are in short supply, so if you can demonstrate to the Foreman or Project Manager that you truly understand how their mine operates, you’ll stand out. However, you must also be ready to confidently answer mining-related questions during your interview to earn their trust and secure the job.
Best Shot 2 – Why the Safety Box has to be a Refuge Chamber
There’s a genuine opportunity for new starters to break into the hardrock underground mining industry. If you can prove to the employer that you understand how their mine operates, you’ll have a valuable asset on your side. Many have successfully paved their way into entry-level mining jobs, and you can join them too.
Best Shot 3 – Why are Hardrock Underground Employers Having to Hire New Starters
Experienced hardrock underground miners are increasingly scarce, forcing employers to rely on new starters for the past few years. As a result, high turnover is a persistent challenge—they sift through many candidates before finding those who truly stick. The more industry insight and understanding of its culture you bring from day one, the better your chances of forging a long and successful career.
Best Shot 4 – Why Do Hardrock Underground Miners Get Paid So Much?
Top hardrock underground miners in premier roles can earn over $1500 a day. Discover the factors behind these impressive wages and learn how to kickstart your career through entry-level mining opportunities.
Best Shot 5 – How Tickets Work on a Hardrock Underground Mine
Tickets in hardrock underground mining operate uniquely compared to other sectors. Learn how these systems differ and why spending a lot on RII tickets—which most employers around Australia don’t find valuable—is ultimately a waste of money.
Best Shot 6 – Why Hardrock Employers Don’t Use Formal Qualifications
Discover why employers in hardrock underground mining often bypass formal qualifications and focus solely on hands-on experience.
Best Shot 7 – Why Hardrock Underground Mining Jobs have to be filled with Australians
Discover why hardrock underground employers exclusively hire Australians (and Kiwis) to fill their crew roles.
Best Shot 8 – Mining, How There’s No One Size Fits All in Getting a Start
Mining in Australia is intricate due to the absence of a unified national system—each state and territory controls its own mineral resources and enforces its own rules. Additionally, every type of mining—from Hardrock Underground, Open Cut, Coal, Oil & Gas, to Iron Ore—demands a distinct approach and tailored training for newcomers to succeed.
Best Shot 9 – How Do Hardrock Underground Employers Train New Starters?
Discover what to expect when you start as a Nipper, Truck Operator, or Offsider. Remember, landing the job is only the beginning—you must push past the critical six-month milestone to truly succeed in the industry.
Best Shot 10 – Why Hardrock Underground Employers Interview/Hire People That Have Completed the Sponsor’s Online Training
For Hardrock Underground employers, teaching someone to operate an underground truck is relatively simple — most car drivers can pick it up in just a few weeks. The real challenge is ensuring that new hires understand all the critical safety rules and mining-specific information necessary to work safely and effectively. If you can demonstrate that you’re already well-versed in these mining fundamentals, you clearly have something valuable to offer.
Best Shot 11 – How to Make Your Hardrock Underground Resume
Here’s a straightforward guide to creating your own hardrock underground resume. After completing the sponsor’s online training package, Intro to Underground Mining DIY, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to craft a standout resume and start applying for jobs.
Best Shot 12 – Who Ends Up Making a Career in Hardrock Underground Mining
Every new starter asks the critical questions: “Will I make it?” and “Who can truly build a career in this field?” The reality is that everyone’s journey is unique—there are countless factors involved in securing your first mining job and making it past that critical six-month milestone. Yet, there’s one clear indicator that nearly all underground crew members share. Watch the video to discover what it is.
Best Shot 13 – How do Contractors Work in Hardrock Underground Mining
Discover what it really means to be a Contractor in the dynamic world of Hardrock Underground mining in Australia.
Best Shot 14 – Where Are the Hardrock Underground Mining Jobs
Discover which positions can launch your career. For new starters, understanding the various facets of the hardrock underground industry is key—not only to get a job but to keep it. The more you know, the better your chances of long-term success.
Best Shot 15 – What’s the One Bit of Advice I Would Give to a New Starter
The best advice I’ve seen for new starters is simple: focus on the areas where employers are forced to bring in fresh talent and then provide exactly what they need. By identifying which parts of the industry still have an abundance of experienced candidates, you can target your efforts where your chances of landing an entry-level position are highest.
Best Shot 16 – Is Working in a Hardrock Underground Mine Safe?
Hardrock underground mining is all about carving out new sections of the mine—areas that start off inherently unsafe. It’s then the miners’ task to secure these spaces, a process that repeats continuously. Discover how today’s safety measures have transformed hardrock underground mining into a remarkably secure industry.
Best Shot 17 – Why Cleaning/Utility Jobs Don’t Lead to Mining Jobs on Hardrock Underground Mine Sites
Discover why making the leap from utility roles to mining positions on hardrock underground sites is particularly challenging. This highlights the varying standards across different sectors of the industry. In Queensland, for example, utility workers on coal mines not only earn significantly more than their counterparts on hardrock sites, but they are also considered entry-level hires for mining positions. Unfortunately, this opportunity for advancement simply isn’t available in hardrock underground mining.
Best Shot 18 – Is There Really a $1500/day Job in a Hardrock Underground Mine?
If you’re driven by good money and ready for some serious hard work, you’ll find that nearly everyone on a hardrock underground crew is chasing this opportunity.
Best Shot 19 – The Interview… How Does It Work in Hardrock Underground?
Discover why many Hardrock Underground interviews are conducted over the phone with the individual who ultimately makes the hiring decisions.
Best Shot 20 – The Interview… What Sort of Questions Are They Going To Ask?
Discover the range of questions typically asked in a hardrock underground interview.
Best Shot 21 – Why is it So Easy to Have a Bad Experience as a New Starter to Hardrock Underground Mining?
If you start your underground mining career without any prior knowledge—”going in green”—you face roughly a 60% chance of not making it past the initial six months. This recurring challenge isn’t new and tends to surface during booms, like the current surge in gold. The more you know before you start, the better your chance of long-term success.
Best Shot 22 – Advice Given Over the Internet…Why it is So Confusing
Most advice comes from people speaking from their personal experience, and while it’s accurate for their niche, it can create confusion about what you need to do to land a mining job. The guidance for a coal mining job in Queensland differs significantly from what’s relevant for securing a Nipper or Truck role on a hardrock underground mine. Each sector has its own standards, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—you need to tailor your approach to the specific area you’re targeting for the best results.
Best Shot 23 – If You Are Only Looking At Coal and Iron Ore For Your New Starter Job, Then You Could End Up Chasing Your Tail.
In these unpredictable times, some parts of the mining industry have paused or slowed the hiring of new starters, while others are rapidly recruiting as they open new mines and boost production. The key is targeting opportunities where employers are forced to bring in fresh talent—and demonstrating that you understand how their mine operates.
Best Shot 24 – Why You Should Be Applying For Every Job That Comes Up!
Don’t hesitate to apply to every available job, even if you’ve already applied to the same company before. Discover why this persistent approach can be a game-changer.
Best Shot 25 – How Long Does It Take To Get A Job?
Answering this question is challenging because every journey into the hardrock underground mining industry is unique.
Best Shot 26 – Should You Do Mines Rescue If Given The Opportunity?
Should you take the opportunity to dive into mines rescue? Discover whether incorporating mines rescue into your career path is a smart move.
Best Shot 27 – Why You Have To Do At Least 6 Months In Your First Job If You Want a Career
This characteristic is unique to the hardrock underground sector, emphasizing that the more you understand about the industry before you start, the greater your chances of forging a successful career.
Best Shot 28 – How Full-On Is The Medical?
Discover the best way to navigate your medical examination and learn which key details the company doctor should be informed about.
Best Shot 29 – How Long Does The Employment Processes Take?
Once you begin the employment process, you’ll notice that each company has its own timeline for onboarding new hires, which can vary significantly. Discover what drives these differences.
Best Shot 30 – Why Most Companies Only Want a Manual Car License For Underground, But Want a HR For Surface Pits And Exploration
Discover which license you’ll need for roles on the surface or underground.
Best Shot 31 – If I Have a Crack, Am I Guaranteed A Job?
Discover what kinds of assurances come with landing a mining job and sustaining a long-term career in the industry.
Best Shot 32 – Do You Have To Relocate To Get a Job?
Do you need to relocate to secure a job? That depends on your current location in Australia, how quickly you want to start working, and how thoroughly you’ve prepared yourself.
Best Shot 33 – How Do I Sign Up For The Sponsors Training?
Discover how to sign up for the sponsor’s DIY Intro to Underground Mining or Workready packages if you’re ready to dive into hardrock underground mining!
Mining Careers: Know the System, Play It Smart
If you’re planning a career in mining, it’s always worth remembering: the more you understand how the system works, the better your chances of getting ahead.
Whether you’re aiming for a role as a Nipper, Truck Operator, Agi Operator, or Diamond Driller Offsider, investing in the right knowledge before you step on site can make all the difference.
You can start your search today—just type “underground” into Seek and see what’s out there.
If you need guidance on the basic requirements for working in the mines, explore our Mining Career Checklist, and your Pathway to Success
📌 DIY Introduction to Underground Mining – A 50-hour course packed with essential industry knowledge.
✅ Includes step-by-step resume guidance (takes about 2 hours with our template).
✅ Interview preparation questions to ensure you’re ready to impress.
✅ Direct mining company application details to kickstart your job search.
💡 Want a professionally crafted resume? Check out our 3 Step Plan Package for expert assistance!
Need Extra Help Breaking Into Mining?
📌 Workready Package – Get personalized support from a WA ticketed shift boss:
✅ Includes DIY Introduction to Underground Mining course package.
✅ Resume rework to highlight your strengths effectively and make it mining friendly.
✅ Interview prep & personalised career strategy to maximise success.
For more details, leave your contact information on our Enquiry Form page.
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