EOR - Moving Talent from AUS to Canada for Mining Projects

Australia and Canada are two of the largest mining nations in the world, with the industry contributing significantly to each country’s economy. The Minerals Council of Australia states that its mining sector contributed an estimated $2.4 trillion in resource export revenue over the past decade, with over 100 prospective mining projects worth $50 billion. Meanwhile, Canada is a top-five global producer of 14 mined substances, and its mining sector accounts for 5% of the national GDP and 19% of total exports.

Despite this dominance, both countries face a growing challenge—a shortage of skilled mining professionals. In Australia, demand for mining jobs is projected to outpace supply by 8,400 workers by 2026. Canada’s Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) expects the country to require at least 87,830 new mining workers over the next decade.

Given these challenges, Canada is actively recruiting skilled international professionals, mainly from Australia, to bridge its labour gap. Its mining sector demands experienced mining engineers, geologists, safety specialists, and project managers who can secure competitive roles. But how can businesses efficiently relocate talent between these two mining nations?

Canada’s Mining Labour Market: A Talent Shortage in Need of Solutions

The Canadian mining industry faces a critical skills shortage due to several factors, including demographic shifts, increasing retirement rates, and the remote nature of many mining operations. Currently, 16% of the workforce is near retirement age, while only 5% is under 25, highlighting an urgent need for younger, skilled workers. Moreover, while progress has been made in diversity and equality efforts, only 19% of women hold mining jobs in the country. Canada aims to incorporate a more diverse talent pool to meet industry demands, including individuals from all nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

Canada's mining sector encompasses various disciplines, such as exploration, primary processing, and downstream product manufacturing, which create jobs and support economic activity across the country (Natural Resources Canada).

The most in-demand roles include:

• Mining Engineers (Mine Planning, Production, and Safety Engineers)
• Drilling and Blasting Specialists
• Geologists and Exploration Experts
• Process Engineers and Metallurgists
• Mine Supervisors and Project Managers

To address the talent gap and fill these roles, Canada is realigning its recruitment strategy to acquire global talent. Currently, immigrants make up 13% of the mining workforce, which the nation wishes to increase. The government recognises newcomers to Canada as an essential source of skilled labour for the mining sector (MiHR). The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) prioritise mining professionals for immigration, with Australia emerging as a primary source for attracting talent.

Why Are Australians Moving to Canada for Mining Opportunities?

Many Australian mining professionals are highly sought after in Canada due to their technical expertise, experience in large-scale operations, and adaptability to remote work environments. But beyond the technical demand, the convergence of both nations’ mining dominance creates many opportunities for professionals seeking career growth and a change of scenery. Here are some reasons why Australians are relocating:

• Career Growth—Canada's emphasis on sustainable mining initiatives offers promising long-term career opportunities. The region is increasingly attracting investment in critical minerals to support the production of renewable energy, clean technology, EV batteries, and advanced manufacturing solutions. As a result, there are abundant career prospects for newcomers looking to enter this field.
• Cultural Similarities—Both countries have many cultural and industrial similarities and are English-speaking environments, making relocation an attractive option and facilitating an easier transition.
• Permanent Residency Options—For foreign professionals seeking to reside in a new country, Canada provides the opportunity for permanent resident status through employment with a qualifying employer and temporary status through the issuance of a work permit.
• Competitive Salaries & Benefits—Mining is one of the highest-paying industries in Canada, with salaries double the national average, at $120,000/year. Employers in this sector offer competitive compensation packages and additional benefits for working in remote regions, including incentive bonus plans to increase retention.

How to Relocate Mining Talent to Canada

Relocating employees internationally is a complex process, no matter where you’re based, involving visa applications, work permits, tax compliance, payroll management, and legal considerations. This is where approaching an Employer of Record (EOR) company can be an invaluable solution. EOR companies possess the knowledge and in-country experience to source and deploy local and foreign nationals to project sites where you don’t have a legal entity. This partnership enables businesses to explore opportunities in new markets and reap the benefits of a global workforce while remaining compliant.

Immigration Pathways for Mining Professionals:

• Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Fast-tracked immigration for skilled professionals targeting 82 jobs, including mining engineers who want to live and work permanently in Canada. This programme uses a point-based system, ranking candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Mining engineers with at least one year of experience and a degree can migrate if they score at least 67 CRS points and have a positive Education Credential Assessment.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Certain provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, offer immigration programmes that target specific groups such as students, business people, and skilled workers for mining roles.
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) & Global Talent Stream: This programme streamlines visas for in-demand, highly skilled workers, including engineers and technical roles, for a short-term basis for up to three years.

As an employer, it's essential to understand that you must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign professionals. This assessment demonstrates the need to bring in talent from outside Canada because a local candidate cannot fill the position. There are some exceptions, including specific roles in the mining industry, such as an engineering technologist.

These processes require expert guidance to ensure compliance with local employment laws and a smooth transition for workers and employers.

Mobilise Your Mining Workforce with NES Fircroft’s EOR Services

NES Fircroft is a leading engineering recruitment agency in Canada, with offices in key provinces and over 20 years of experience in the mining industry. Our EOR services simplify international talent mobility, ensuring businesses can quickly and compliantly relocate mining professionals to Canada. With our global infrastructure, we can secure local and expatriate talent for your mining operations.

We manage work permits, LMIA applications, payroll administration, and tax compliance, allowing companies to focus on project execution while we handle the complexities of global mobility.

Our expertise extends the entire mining lifecycle, from exploration and construction to operations and maintenance. We support EPC, EPCM, Owner-Operators, and Consultancies, ensuring businesses have access to senior management and technical trades personnel at every stage of their projects.

Diversity and inclusion are also at the forefront of our recruitment efforts. NES Fircroft actively supports industry-wide initiatives to attract more women and underrepresented groups into mining, helping companies build a successful, sustainable workforce.

Get in touch with our specialist mining recruiters today to discuss your workforce needs and global expansion plans.