Queensland mining jobs hit record high

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) employment figures for the May 2021 quarter which show direct mining jobs in Queensland have hit a record high of almost 85,000. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said this figure "blows the previous record for mining jobs – of 80,594, set in the booming November 2013 quarter – out of the water".

“The latest direct jobs figure for the mining sector of 84,909 is up 11 percent, or 8,101 jobs, on the previous quarter,” he said. ‘On top of this, there has been a 29 percent increase, or 19,083 extra jobs, over the 12-month period since the May 2020 quarter. 

“This is great news for the Queensland economy and for all the direct and indirect jobs that flow on from these extra mining jobs.”

Mr Macfarlane said the latest employment data shows Queenslanders can keep counting on the resources sector to help the economy recover from the effects of COVID-19.

“We’re very fortunate in Queensland to have an abundant and diverse resources base, supported by decades of mining experience and a world-class Mining Engineering and Technology Services (METS) sector,” he said.

The ABS figures show exploration and other mining support service jobs increased by 93 percent, or 12,260 jobs, over the 12-month period from May 2020 - 2021. 

Metals’ mining jobs in particular drove the increase over the quarter, with employment up by 47 percent, or 8,101 jobs. 

Oil and gas employment also increased by 2,549 jobs, or 49 percent, over the quarter. 

Mr Macfarlane said the resources industry would continue to be the economic backbone of Queensland, as long as the right economic, social and environmental policy settings are in place to support sustainable growth. 

That’s why the State Government’s resources industry development plan is so important to get right, because Queensland has an opportunity to be a global energy superpower if we plan well for the future. 

“We will continue to work in close partnership with key government agencies to develop a road map for a sustainable resource future that benefits all Queenslanders.” 

Source: ABS Labour Force, Australia, Detailed - EQ06 available - click here to view