Hays said a marked increase in capital expenditure within the NSW mining sector had a knock-on effect within heavy industrial engineering.

“Coal, gold, copper and port expansion projects are causing many of the state's design houses to drastically increase headcount across all disciplines,” the national recruiter said.

“In addition, smaller consultancies are gearing up for growth and increasing their service offerings.

“This has combined to create demand for drafters as well as engineers with five or more years mining and/or heavy industrial design experience. Environmental planners with Part 3A experience are also highly sought after.”

Hays said mining companies from the coal and hard rock sectors in the state had increasing requirements to take on more mining, electrical and mechanical engineers, along with geologists.

“In particular demand are drill & blast engineers, planning engineers experienced in short-term and life of mine planning, technical services managers, electrical and mechanical engineers and exploration and mine production geologists.

“Positions are available from junior right through to senior levels. This demand is driven by the general shortage of experienced mining candidates as well as the creation of new positions as a result of mine expansions, production ramp ups and a more confident candidate-driven market.”

Within Queensland, Hays said project controls candidates were needed to either close out or manage the initial phases of projects.

The recruiter said a number of mid to large-tier contractors are searching for experienced civil and project engineers.

“The demand for coal and increased production output as well as new projects has created a demand for coal mining engineers and coal exploration geologists.”