Mining, Energy & Resources

What You Could Do

Career Opportunities

Roles across New Zealand’s mining, energy, and resources sector are diverse, spanning entry-level operational jobs through to highly specialised technical and professional careers.

Examples of roles you could pursue include:

Drillers & Extraction Operators
These workers operate drilling and excavation equipment used in quarrying, mining, and resource extraction. The role is practical and hands-on, requiring teamwork, safety awareness, and precision. Many people enter through industry training and on-the-job experience.

Mining / Resource Engineer
Engineers in this field evaluate deposits, design extraction methods, and oversee operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. Strong foundations in maths, science, and engineering are essential, alongside tertiary qualifications.

Machinist / CNC Operator
Machinists manufacture, repair, and maintain precision components used in heavy machinery and processing equipment. This technical role blends manual skill with advanced automated systems and is highly valued across industrial and resource-related sectors.

Import / Export & Logistics Specialist
These professionals coordinate the safe and compliant movement of goods, materials, and equipment domestically and internationally. The role requires organisational skills, regulatory knowledge, and attention to detail.

Human Resources (HR) Manager
HR managers support recruitment, workforce planning, safety policies, and employee wellbeing. In industries operating across multiple sites and schedules, HR professionals play a key role in maintaining strong workplace culture and compliance.

Geophysicist / Geoscientist
These scientists analyse geological and physical data to assess resource potential and guide exploration activities. The role is highly specialised and typically requires university study in earth sciences, physics, or geology.

And Many More…

These examples represent just a snapshot of available careers. The sector also includes roles in:

• Environmental management
• Health & safety
• Surveying
• Data & technology
• Maintenance & trades
• Project management
• Operations leadership

Explore Before You Decide

The best way to understand which roles suit you is to:

✔ Research career options
✔ Explore study and training pathways
✔ Seek work experience opportunities
✔ Talk to industry professionals
✔ Build a skills and interest profile

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Graduate Outcomes & Gender Split

Graduate Outcomes

While a university degree isn’t required for every role in the mining, energy, and resources sector, understanding graduate employment trends can help set expectations and guide your decisions.

Graduate employment surveys provide insight into how students transition from study into the workforce across related disciplines.

Examples of graduate outcomes include:

Science & Mathematics Graduates
• Full-time employment: 59.1%
• Employment overall: 87.1%

Engineering & Related Technologies Graduates
• Full-time employment: 83%
• Employment overall: 87.6%

These figures highlight strong employment prospects — particularly for engineering graduates.

Figures based on recent graduate survey data.

Important to Remember

Graduate outcomes:

✔ Do not include all part-time employment
✔ May exclude those pursuing further study
✔ Vary by specialisation and region

Individual results will depend on qualifications, experience, and industry demand.

Gender Representation

Gender participation varies across different parts of the sector.

Historically, the mining, energy, and resources industry has been male-dominated. However, workforce diversity is improving, with increasing initiatives supporting:

• Women in trades
• Women in engineering
• Leadership diversity
• Inclusive workplaces

Many organisations actively encourage broader participation across technical and operational roles.

Recent statistics indicate the split for manufacturing and production-based roles is:

• 82% Male
• 18% Female

Average Salary

Salary Expectations

Current industry data indicates that many roles within New Zealand’s mining, energy, and resources sector offer competitive salaries, particularly for skilled and specialised positions.

Examples of median full-time salary ranges include:

• Extraction & Drilling Roles (e.g. Driller, Miner, Shot Firer):
Approx. NZD $75,000 – $110,000

• Mining / Operations Manager:
Approx. NZD $100,000 – $240,000+

• Mining / Resource Engineer:
Approx. NZD $115,000 – $155,000

• Human Resources Manager:
Approx. NZD $85,000 – $115,000

• Geophysicist / Geoscientist:
Approx. NZD $85,000 – $190,000

Why Salaries Can Be Higher

Compensation across the sector often reflects:

✔ Technical skill requirements
✔ Safety responsibilities
✔ Physical demands
✔ Remote or site-based work
✔ Shift or rotational schedules

What Influences Pay

Salary levels vary depending on:

• Industry segment (mining, energy, renewables, processing)
• Role and seniority
• Qualifications and certifications
• Experience
• Location
• Employer and project scale

Specialist and leadership roles typically command higher earnings.

Keep in Mind

Entry-level roles generally start at lower salary bands but may progress quickly with:

• Experience
• Additional training
• Industry certifications
• Responsibility growth

Industry Growth

Industry Outlook

New Zealand’s mining, energy, and resources sector remains an important contributor to the national economy, supporting infrastructure development, export activity, and the transition toward sustainable energy systems.

Ongoing investment in renewable energy, resource management, and infrastructure continues to drive demand for skilled workers across technical, operational, and professional roles.

Areas of Growth

Growth is expected across several segments of the sector, including:

• Renewable energy (wind, solar, hydro, geothermal)
• Electricity generation & distribution
• Critical minerals & aggregates (quarrying, construction materials)
• Sustainability & environmental management
• Engineering & technical services

New Zealand’s strong focus on renewable energy and low-emission technologies is shaping future career opportunities.

Shifting Industry Priorities

Like many global markets, some traditional resource areas face slower growth as industries adapt to:

• Decarbonisation targets
• Environmental regulations
• Sustainable resource practices
• Technological innovation

This shift is creating new opportunities in cleaner energy, efficiency, and emerging technologies.

Employment Trends

Industry forecasts indicate steady demand for workers in areas such as:

• Engineering and technical roles
• Skilled trades
• Environmental and sustainability specialists
• Project management
• Energy systems and infrastructure

As new projects develop, workforce needs continue to evolve.

Emerging Opportunities

The sector increasingly includes careers linked to:

• Renewable energy development
• Energy storage & grid technology
• Environmental monitoring
• Automation & digital operations
• Resource rehabilitation & land management

Looking Ahead

For individuals with the right skills, qualifications, and adaptability, the mining, energy, and resources sector offers:

✔ Strong long-term career prospects
✔ Diverse and evolving roles
✔ Opportunities in sustainability and innovation
✔ Competitive salaries in many fields

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

Education & Entry Pathways

For many professional roles within New Zealand’s mining, energy, and resources sector, completing a bachelor’s degree can provide a strong grounding in technical knowledge, critical thinking, and industry-specific expertise.

Degree pathways you could consider include:

• Bachelor of Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Geology / Earth Science)
• Bachelor of Science (Physics)
• Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering
• Bachelor of Sustainability and Environmental Management

Vocational & Industry Training

Vocational education offers practical, skills-focused pathways into the sector and is highly valued for operational, safety, and technical roles.

Relevant qualifications may include:

• New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works
• New Zealand Certificate in Extractive Industries (Mining / Quarrying)
• New Zealand Diploma in Engineering
• New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety
• New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering

Alternative Pathways

Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Earn while you learn through structured training combining paid work with nationally recognised qualifications.

School-Leaver & Entry-Level Roles
Starting in entry-level positions allows you to gain hands-on experience and progress into more specialised or senior roles over time.

Many employers support further training and upskilling.

What to Keep in Mind

Requirements vary depending on:

• The career you choose
• The employer
• Industry regulations
• Safety certifications
• Technical skill levels

Researching early helps you understand expectations and opportunities.

Your Pathway, Your Future

Whether you pursue university study, vocational training, or direct workforce entry, there are multiple routes into the mining, energy, and resources sector.

✔ Different strengths suit different roles
✔ Career progression is common
✔ Upskilling opens new opportunities

Best Places to Study

Best Places to Study

Where you choose to study will depend on factors such as your preferred qualification, area of specialisation, campus location, and career goals. Some New Zealand institutions are particularly well regarded for programs related to energy, environmental science, engineering, and earth sciences.

Well-known New Zealand universities for engineering, mining, and energy-related studies include:

• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• Massey University
• University of Waikato
• Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Well-known New Zealand universities for science, geology, and earth sciences include:

• University of Otago
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Waikato

Vocational & Technical Training

For practical and industry-focused pathways, New Zealand’s polytechnics and institutes of technology offer strong options.

Key providers include:

• Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology)
• Ara Institute of Canterbury
• Otago Polytechnic
• Wintec
• Unitec Institute of Technology
• Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)

Choosing the Right Fit

When comparing study options, consider:

✔ Course content and majors
✔ Industry links and internships
✔ Facilities and learning environment
✔ Entry requirements
✔ Location and lifestyle
✔ Career outcomes

Remember

There’s no single “best” institution for everyone. The right choice aligns with:

• Your interests
• Your strengths
• Your preferred career pathway
• Your personal circumstances

Where to Learn More

Industry Bodies & Career Resources

You can explore career pathways, industry insights, and professional development opportunities through organisations that support and advocate for New Zealand’s mining, energy, and resources sectors.

Helpful places to start include:

• Minerals West Coast
• Straterra (NZ minerals & resources industry group)
• Energy Resources Aotearoa
• Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA)
• Engineering New Zealand
• Chartered Professional Engineers New Zealand (CPEng)
• New Zealand Geotechnical Society (NZGS)
• Geoscience Society of New Zealand (GSNZ)
• Sustainable Business Network (SBN)

Why Explore Industry Organisations?

Professional bodies can help you:

✔ Understand industry career options
✔ Access certifications and training
✔ Stay informed on sector developments
✔ Build professional networks
✔ Discover mentoring opportunities

Sector & Regional Networks

In addition to national organisations, regional groups and specialist associations provide:

• Industry events
• Networking opportunities
• Career resources
• Training and workshops
• Graduate and student engagement programs

Tip

Connecting with industry bodies early can give you valuable insight into:

• Skills in demand
• Qualification pathways
• Internship opportunities
• Emerging technologies
• Career progression options