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Career pathway

Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers

ANZSCO 7122

Employed

72,000

Part-time share

3%

Female share

14%

Median weekly earnings

$2,908

Median age

40 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers is a job in Australia. The job figures on this page come from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS Census, where they are published. The courses listed here lead to this job. Compare the fee, study mode, length, place, and how to get in before you enquire.

Courses linked to this job include Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations, Certificate II in Underground Coal Mining, Certificate IV in Autonomous Control and Remote Operations, and Certificate III in Drilling Operations.

Jobs and Skills Australia rates the job outlook as Growing.

Jobs, part-time share, age, and pay appear on this page only when Jobs and Skills Australia or the ABS has published them for Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers. A blank is a missing figure, not a pay of zero. The courses below are linked to this job. Open one to compare the fee, study mode, length, campus, and how to get in.

There is no single national fee or length for training that leads to Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers. Each provider sets its own price, study mode, and entry rules. Those rules can include past study, an English level, work experience, or an interview. Check the AQF level, and whether you study in Australia or online, before you enquire.

About this career

Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers assemble, position and operate drilling rigs and mining plant, and detonate explosives to extract materials from the earth and demolish structures.

What they typically do

  • Dismantling, moving and reassembling drilling rigs and accessory plant
  • Taking samples of ore, liquids and gases and packaging them
  • Performing minor maintenance and repairs, and lubricating and cleaning plant
  • Recording performance details and information obtained from wells, and keeping logs detailing operations
  • Operating surface and underground mining plant
  • Undertaking development work such as opening up new shafts, drives, air vents, rises and crib rooms
  • Positioning explosives in bore holes and priming explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges
  • Connecting wires, fuses and detonating cords to explosive cartridges and detonators, and detonating explosives
  • Monitoring operation of plant and ensuring safety of other workers on mining sites and during drilling operations
  • Operating auxiliary plant such as pumps to expel air, water and mud

States and territories

Share of workers by location

WA
45.2%
QLD
26.6%
NSW
16.3%
SA
5.9%
VIC
2.8%
TAS
1.8%
NT
1.2%
ACT
0.1%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers.

  • Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations

    RII21222 · AQF 2 · 6 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate II in Underground Coal Mining

    RII20320 · AQF 2 · 8 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Autonomous Control and Remote Operations

    RII41522 · AQF 4 · 2 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Drilling Operations

    RII31820 · AQF 3 · 28 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations

    RII30120 · AQF 3 · 135 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations

    RII30220 · AQF 3 · 7 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining

    RII30320 · AQF 3 · 25 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Drilling Operations

    RII40920 · AQF 4 · 19 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations

    RII20220 · AQF 2 · 71 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate II in Underground Metalliferous Mining

    RII20420 · AQF 2 · 15 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Drilling Oil and Gas (Onshore)

    RII32026 · AQF 3 · 7 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore)

    RII41126 · AQF 4 · 6 providers

    View qualification