The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) is calling for major reforms to Australia’s skilled migration system, saying workforce shortages could curb the industry’s ability to meet rising global demand.

In a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration’s Inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia, the MCA outlined a series of recommendations aimed at improving migration pathways, reducing administrative delays and accelerating credential recognition for overseas workers.

MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable said the sector is facing significant workforce challenges, particularly as demand grows for critical minerals, bulk commodities and resources linked to the global energy transition.

“Mining is facing a workforce crunch as demand for talent intensifies while nearly half of mining engineers are expected to retire within the next decade, yet hundreds of foreign engineers living in Australia are forced to drive Ubers or accept other work below their level of expertise for a living,” Constable said.

The MCA emphasised that domestic employment remains a priority, noting the sector’s broader economic contribution.

“Employing Australians will always be the first priority of the minerals industry,” she said.

“The industry provides more than 290,000 direct jobs and also creates jobs through supply chains and related industries, totalling around 1.25 million jobs in direct and indirect jobs across the country, with projections indicating up to 35,400 jobs are to be added by 2028.”

The organisation highlighted the role of vocational education and training programs in supporting workforce development, with apprentices and trainees accounting for around 4.4 per cent of the mining workforce over the past 15 years and nearly 11,000 currently in training.

However, the MCA stressed that migration plays a complementary role in addressing urgent labour gaps.

“At the same time, skilled migration fills urgent workforce needs, complements domestic training and supports long-term growth,” Constable said.

“Without skilled migration, mining labour shortages, especially in critical and hard-to-fill specialised roles, would put project timelines, export earnings, and the broader national economy at risk.”

The council said mining companies are struggling to fill roles including mining and geotechnical engineers, metallurgists, geologists, electricians, mine surveyors, diesel fitters and drillers.

“While Australia’s skilled migration intake is intended to align with industry needs, responsiveness is weakened by slow updates, credential barriers, and settlement constraints,” Constable said.

“Australia’s mining, clean energy and technology sectors are all frustrated and impeded by these weaknesses, as their demand for specialised skills is growing faster than migration pathways can adapt.”

Although skilled migrants currently represent just 1.24 per cent of the minerals workforce, their numbers have more than doubled since 2020, rising from 1700 to 3880 by 2025.

The MCA noted these roles deliver strong economic value, with average remuneration reaching $149,600.

“The lesson for Australia is clear: a more agile and targeted skilled migration system will secure the skills that drive innovation, lift productivity and reinforce the nation’s position in the global economy, particularly in mining where leadership is critical to long-term prosperity,” Constable said.

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