Almost a hundred mining companies have their operations in Australia. Many of them are large multinational companies like, BHP Billiton, Newcrest, Rio Tinto, Alcoa, Chalco, Alcan and Xstrata. BHP Billiton, the largest mining company in the world, was created in 2001 by the merger of Australia’s Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP) and the UK’s Billiton. There are a large proportion of Australian mining companies that are privately owned. A large number of small mining and mineral exploration companies are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). The mining and resources sector makes almost 20% of het ASX market by capitalization. One-third of the companies listed in the ASX are mining or related companies.
Various jobs available in the mining companies in Australia are not just in the mines, but also in the administration, management, and finance. Australian mining companies offer a great opportunity for someone who likes to work in a challenging, exciting and fast expanding industry.
Working with Australian mining companies also pays handsomely as the current average salary in the mining industry is over $90,000 per annum. There is no upper limit for wages for someone who has the capability and desire to work in the mining industry. All mining companies have posted their biggest earnings ever, even in this time of global economic recession.