Hays Resources & Mining - July 2008

Hotspots

Mining engineers are a prime area of candidate demand since mining companies continue to increase production while mine development and planning engineers are also required as smaller projects begin to enter the production phase. Construction engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical) are needed due to a huge volume of heavy industrial construction, while safety managers, diesel fitters, geotechnical engineers and mining engineers are also in demand.

Electrical and mechanical maintenance trades are another hotspot, yet there is a general shortage of candidates due to major expansion works and construction employers offering higher contract rates in order to attract candidates.

In state trends, high levels of exploration in Western Australia's mining industry have created a demand for geologists while the expansion of mines in the Northern Territory to meet demand has also created a need for mine geologists. South Australia needs exploration and project geologists due to the huge levels of spending and investment in the exploration of various tenements.

The coming quarter

Most companies, whether direct mine owners or engineering consultancies, have extremely positive hiring intentions, both permanent and temporary, for the coming quarter. New exploration projects and mine expansions in particular will drive demand. In general, there is just as much work coming through now as there has been in the last 12 months.

Executive recruitment

The climate for executive recruitment will certainly intensify over the quarter. A large number of employers require executive candidates at a corporate level, particularly general managers and CEOs, since they have growth and expansion plans for the coming 24 to 36 months.

Salaries

The 2008 Hays Salary Survey, detailing typical salaries across Australia and New Zealand, has been released. The survey includes over 90 resources and mining roles and is available from www.hays.com.au/salary

Candidate trends

Candidates are well aware of the demand for their skills and are generally very selective when considering their next role. Work/life balance, with shorter rosters and longer R&R time, is the priority.

Many employers are looking overseas to source technically qualified staff to address local shortfalls. Candidates from the UK, Europe, Canada and South America are particularly sought after.