{
  "id": 16670403,
  "title": "Outback mining jobs are on the rise, with no workers to fill them",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/outback-mining-jobs-are-on-the-rise-with-no-workers-to-fill-them",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T22:30:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-27/outback-mining-jobs-queensland-workforce-shortage/107308390"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In outback Queensland, several mines are set to reopen, creating job opportunities for locals. However, a shortage of skilled workers is causing concern among mining companies. The peak Queensland resources body predicts it will take years before the next generation of skilled workers enters the industry.\n\nDrilling activities are increasing in the North West Minerals Province, an internationally renowned region with an estimated $680 billion worth of resources. With approximately 85 critical minerals projects underway, along with further drilling and the reopening of previously closed mines, mining companies are worried that a lack of skilled workers will impede their progress.\n\nAIC Mines, operator of the Eloise Copper Mine, 60 kilometers southeast of Cloncurry, has reached an agreement to acquire another North West copper project, Mt Cuthbert, owned by Malaysian company Materra Metals Limited. However, AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran acknowledged that hiring local workers is a challenge. He stated that the company is seeking to employ as many regional workers as possible but is struggling to find them.\n\nMining companies are looking to hire fly-in fly-out workers from towns like Townsville and Brisbane as a second option. Nonetheless, they acknowledge the scarcity of skilled personnel in the mining sector. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association predicts that the mining industry will need 24,000 new workers by 2027 to support new projects across the country.\n\nThe Queensland Resources Council's director of workforce strategy and capability, Karina Lee Jones, emphasized that the skills shortage is not limited to Queensland but affects the entire country. Competing skill demands and a shift in talent towards the southeast corner of Queensland are contributing factors. The largest shortages are in mining engineering, geology, electrical, and mechanical engineering roles.\n\nLee Jones highlighted that the mining industry has faced a skills shortage for the past five years, leading to a decline in young people entering trades and mining-related careers. She stressed the need for companies to address this issue when expanding operations or starting new projects. Lee Jones suggested investing in apprenticeship programs in electrical, diesel fitting, mechanical, auto electrical, and boiler making fields to attract and retain skilled workers.",
  "summary": "A number of mining operations are set to restart in outback Queensland but, with a national shortage of skilled workers, companies fear production will suffer.",
  "key_points": [
    "Outback Queensland mines reopening, creating job opportunities",
    "Skilled workers shortage impeding mining progress",
    "AIC Mines struggles to hire local workers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}