Mobile plant operators are forecast to be in the main shortage in Queensland’s coal industry, especially those with “experience and relevant tickets for the specialist mining machinery”.

“Heavy diesel fitters with experience on mining machinery are also sought, but there is a lack of skills in these two areas and also a major issue with accommodation that is impacting supply,” Hays added in its March quarterly hiring hotspots report.

While Hays said all technical disciplines are in demand in Queensland, mine engineers and geologists are in very short supply.

The recruiter noted some unique challenges in NSW.

“Employers in New South Wales are constantly competing with employers interstate who typically offer more competitive salary packages and FIFO rosters from desirable locations.

“Also impacting supply is the number of candidates with statutory tickets that no longer want to be employed with this level of responsibility.”

Underground and open cut coal mines in the state have the most vacancies.

“Mining managers, surveyors, mechanical and electrical engineers, under-managers, deputies and OCE’s are all highly sought after,” the recruiter said.

Mining engineers across the board are in short demand while the NSW hard rock sector is hunting for exploration geologists.

“We are seeing growth in the permanent jobs market, particularly within mining operations for technical positions, while exploration companies still prefer to recruit temporary candidates on a campaign-to-campaign basis,” Hays regional director Simon Winfield said.

“Mining contractors meanwhile are demonstrating a preference for temporary-to-permanent recruitment.

“This quarter will see numerous trades positions, particularly for fitters (fixed) and electricians.

"But given the high level of movement within the trades area of mining, employers are becoming far more wary of people with short tenure in previous roles.

“Since induction and training costs are high, employers do not want to take a risk on a candidate without loyalty in their employment history.

“In the technical sector, planning and scheduling linked to projects and ongoing maintenance will be the key.”