Working in mining abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in mining abroad like?

• Working in the mines is no longer the classic image of embarking on a dangerous adventure in a deep tunnel with a pickaxe and knapsack. But make no mistake, it's still physical, technical, and sometimes extremely challenging work.
• From open-pit to underground mines and from exploration to logistics, you can work as an operator, technician, engineer, researcher, safety officer, or in support roles such as hospitality and transport.
• Mines are often located in remote areas where personnel are scarce. That's precisely why there are often many international employees.
• Responsibilities:
  • Technical work: operating machinery, maintaining installations, steel construction, drilling, supervised blasting.
  • Physical work: loading/unloading, carrying, walking, field work.
  • Research & monitoring: geological analyses, environmental impact assessments, risk inspections.
  • Logistics: escorting transport, materials management, inventory systems.
  • Camp services: cooking, cleaning, reception, housekeeping, maintenance. 
• Employment conditions: due to the locations, long shifts, and staff shortages, the mining industry is known for very high salaries, even for entry-level positions.
• Work around the mines also often pays well, such as cleaning, catering, and lab work.
• Accommodation is often free, meals are included, and travel expenses are (partially) reimbursed.
• Shifts vary, often alternating weeks off with weeks on the job.
• Working hours are often ten to twelve hours per day/night, five to seven days a week during shifts.
• It's important to know that the work often takes place in remote areas, there are strict safety protocols, and medical checks are often mandatory.

What are the reasons for working in mining abroad?

• To be results-oriented: you immediately see the impact of your efforts, production, progress, and safety, which provides clear, tangible satisfaction.
• To learn to be entrepreneurial: that starts with getting your foot in the door in the industry. Remote locations also require initiative, independent decision-making, and finding your own way within new systems and cultures. 
• To become stress resistant: long days, strict deadlines, and safety requirements ensure you learn to stay calm under pressure.
• To collaborate in close-knit teams: at a camp, you live and work with the same people, so collaboration, trust, and camaraderie develop naturally.
• To become independent: high salaries and low camp costs make it one of the fastest ways to save large sums of money.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in mining abroad?

• Professional conduct: Safety is always paramount. Procedures, rules, and discipline are not optional but essential.
• Helicopter view: You must maintain an overview of risks, the environment, planning, and team processes, even during long shifts.
• Self-confidence: You must be able to rely on your skills, decision-making, and physical and mental stamina.
• Flexibility: Schedules change, weather conditions change, machines break down, and you must be able to constantly adapt.
• Stress resistance: Heat, noise, time pressure, and responsibility require a cool head.

What are the best countries and locations to work in mining abroad?

• Countries where backpackers and working holidaymakers have opportunities: Australia, Canada, New Zealand.
• Countries for internships, traineeships, and graduates: Norway, Canada, South Africa, Finland, Sweden.
• Countries where professionals are in high demand: Australia, Canada, Norway, the United States, South Africa.
• Countries with a large mining industry, especially for experienced individuals: Brazil, Indonesia, China, Russia.
• Countries for mining support work: Australia, Canada, Mongolia, Namibia.

What are the risks of working in mining abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in mining abroad?
  • Serious accidents are common: falls, collapses, machine incidents, or explosions can lead to high medical costs.
  • Employees frequently experience health problems due to the environment or materials used: think of pneumoconiosis, heatstroke, chemical exposure, or hearing damage.
  • Transport to the mine is often risky: helicopter transfers, 4x4 journeys, or transport on unpaved roads can lead to accidents.
  • Medical evacuation is often necessary: ​​mines are often hours or days away from adequate hospitals. Evacuations are extremely expensive.
  • Loss or damage to personal belongings is common: due to harsh conditions, frequent travel, or theft in camps.
  • Liability can often be incurred: for damage to your employer's vehicles, machinery, or equipment.
• Are you insured while working in mining abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you are doing work with which you have little experience.
  • Most standard insurance policies don't cover mining work. You often need specialized professional or expat insurance.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your homecountry may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.