“Overall, the demand for experienced staff will remain high, as will the shortage of candidates,” Hays Resources & Mining regional director Simon Winfield said.

“However, there is an air of flexibility dawning across the market, created by the usual increase in the lateral movement of candidates in the new year in addition to the continued influx of overseas staff.

“We expect these factors will combine to provide proactive employers with a rich and diverse workforce from which to select potential talent in 2007.”

The quarterly forecast reveals the resources and mining market remains buoyant.

In particular demand in Queensland will be mining engineers, underground managers, geotechnical engineers and surveyors, according to the survey.

Hays said Queensland’s introduction of the G3 risk analysis course and further legal certification for qualified mine managers has produced a severe shortage of skilled candidates.

“The Bowen Basin also needs professionals, but a lack of housing in the area is a major issue for most employers. The exception is a few forward thinking companies who have their own accommodation facilities available,” Hays said.

Geographically, Mt Isa is a major hotspot. “Despite expansions after decades of production, most candidates are seeking [fly-in, fly-out] positions, which Mt Isa cannot offer without adversely affecting the town,” Hays said.

In Western Australia the hottest professions include mining engineering, mine geology and underground mine surveyors. Geographically, Kalgoorlie and Newman are the centres of demand, along with FIFO rosters.

In South Australia demand is high for project managers, contracts administrators/managers, project controllers and study managers.

The demand for candidates in Adelaide is set to increase dramatically over 2007.