Queensland’s mining boom hampered by acute skilled-worker shortage

As drilling expands in Queensland’s North West Minerals Province—home to an estimated $680 billion of resources and about 85 critical-minerals projects—several mines are set to restart, creating local employment opportunities. However, operators such as AIC Mines, which is acquiring the Mt Cuthbert copper project, and 29Metals’ Capricorn Copper Mine warn that a shortage of skilled workers is impeding progress. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the sector will need 24,000 additional workers by 2027, and the Queensland Resources Council highlights deficits in mining engineers, geologists, electricians and mechanical engineers.

Companies are increasingly relying on fly-in-fly-out staff from Townsville and Brisbane while pushing for stronger apprenticeship pipelines and greater promotion of regional job prospects. Without a surge in training and recruitment, the industry risks delayed production despite abundant resource potential.