Quick Answer
There are around 4,100 direct mining jobs based in Townsville, with 41,000+ new mining-related jobs forecast across North Queensland over the next decade. Roles span:
- Operators, diesel fitters, boilermakers and electricians
- Supervisors, planners and safety advisors
- Processing, refining and port logistics
- FIFO roles to Cannington, Dugald River and Carmichael
How Many Mining Jobs Are in Townsville?
Townsville plays a key role as a mining services hub rather than a primary mine site location.
- ~4,100 mining jobs in the Townsville SA4 region
- Represents 3.8% of the local workforce
- Supports 6.5% of Queensland's mining workforce
While this may seem small compared to mining regions like the Bowen Basin, Townsville's importance comes from:
- Engineering and maintenance services
- Logistics and transport
- Processing facilities (e.g. refineries)
- FIFO and BIBO workforce hubs
Townsville itself has over 104,000 local jobs across all industries, meaning mining is a high-value but specialised sector.
How Many Mining Jobs Are in North Queensland?
Across North and North West Queensland, mining is one of the largest economic drivers.
Key Stats
- Over 41,000 new jobs forecast across mining, energy, and infrastructure projects
- Strong demand for trades (fitters, electricians), machine operators, engineers, and FIFO workforce
Mining jobs in North Queensland are concentrated in areas like:
Townsville acts as the gateway city supporting these operations.
How Many Mining Jobs Are There in Queensland Overall?
To understand the bigger picture:
Despite being a small share of total employment, mining delivers some of the highest wages in Australia (median ~$2,832/week) and strong regional economic impact.
How Many Mining Jobs Are Available Right Now in Townsville?
Job availability fluctuates, but current listings show consistent demand:
- Around 280–350+ mining job listings in the Townsville region at any time
- Average salaries around $130K+ per year
Common roles include:
This highlights that while Townsville has fewer direct mining roles than remote regions, it still offers strong employment opportunities.
Why Townsville Has Fewer Mining Jobs (But Still Matters)
Townsville isn't a major mine site location — and that's actually its advantage.
Townsville's Role in Mining
- Service hub for North Queensland mines
- Residential base for FIFO/BIBO workers
- Processing and refining centre
- Supply chain and logistics hub
This means fewer direct mining jobs, but more stable, long-term support roles — making Townsville an ideal base for mining contractors and service providers.
Future Outlook for Mining Jobs in North Queensland
The outlook is strong — and growing.
Final Summary
Townsville may not be a mining town — but it's one of the most important mining support hubs in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Townsville a mining town?
Not directly. Townsville is a mining services and logistics hub, supporting nearby mining regions including the Bowen Basin, Mount Isa, and Charters Towers.
Are there mining jobs in Townsville?
Yes — typically 280–350+ mining job listings are available at any time in the Townsville region, mainly in support, engineering, and maintenance roles with average salaries around $130K+ per year.
Where are most mining jobs in North Queensland?
Primarily in Mount Isa, the Bowen Basin (Mackay region), Charters Towers, and Cloncurry. Townsville supports these areas as a gateway city.
How many mining jobs are in Queensland?
There are approximately 63,500 mining jobs across Queensland, contributing to around 297,500 mining jobs nationally.
Managing Mining Contractors in Townsville?
SprintSuite helps mining contractors manage jobs, crews, and compliance across Townsville and North Queensland in one connected platform.
