Introduction to Mining
3 PD hours
100% Online
✅ Learn the language, roles and fundamentals that drive mining operations
✅ Build the confidence to succeed in mining interviews, conversations and new roles
AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)
-
Made by industry,
for industry -
Flexible
learning -
Earn digital
credentials -
Gain PD hours
-
Trusted by
mining professionals -
Build mining
fluency
 Duration |
 Delivery |
 Course Type |
 NEXT Intake |
 Language |
|
Approximately 3 hours |
100% online |
Self paced |
Available year-round |
English |
|
Course overview
Introduction to Mining is a concise, practical online course that gives graduates, career transitioners and new employees a clear foundation in how the mining industry works. It connects the stages of the mine lifecycle with the functions, terminology, safety principles and cross-functional teamwork that support modern mining operations.
Rather than piecing together information from videos, websites and informal conversations, you will gain a structured, end-to-end view of the industry from a professional body dedicated to the resources sector.
- Created for people who are new to mining or are considering a career in the mining sector
- Suitable for technical and non-technical backgrounds
- Six short modules completed online in approximately 3 hours
- Plain-English explanations with no technical prerequisites
- Relevant to interviews, career exploration, induction and onboarding
- Learn with AusIMM, a professional body dedicated to the resources sector
Who should enrol?
This course is designed for anyone seeking an accessible introduction to the mining industry, including:
- Final-year students and fresh graduates
- Professionals considering a career transition into mining
- New employees beginning a role in the resources sector
- People working in industries adjacent to mining
- Engineering, geology and environmental science professionals seeking broader industry context
- Professionals in finance, HR, communications, business, technology and operational support roles
- Employers looking for a consistent introduction for graduates and new starters
No technical background or previous mining experience is required. The course is an industry orientation and foundation program rather than a technical qualification or specialist training course.
What You’ll Learn
Through six focused online modules, you will develop a practical, high-level understanding of:
The Mining Industry
- How the mining industry operates
- The purpose and importance of mining
- Common industry terminology and concepts
- The broader context in which mining organisations operate
The Mining Lifecycle
- How mining progresses from exploration and planning through extraction and production
- The importance of closure, rehabilitation and regeneration
- How decisions made at different stages affect the overall operation
Safety and Operations
- The role of safety within mining
- How operational priorities connect across an organisation
- Why effective cross-functional communication and teamwork matter
The course provides a concise foundation rather than specialist technical training. By the end, you will have a clearer mental map of how the industry works and be better prepared to continue your mining learning journey.
Career Outcomes
After completing Introduction to Mining, learners will be better positioned to:
- Explain the mining lifecycle at a high level
- Understand common industry terminology
- Identify possible connections between their experience and mining careers
- Ask more informed questions during interviews and networking conversations
- Begin a new mining role with greater industry context
- Make a more informed decision about pursuing a career in mining
- Continue into more specialised mining education with a stronger foundation
The course does not promise employment or replace role-specific training. It is designed to improve industry understanding, interview readiness, orientation and confidence.
Online Mining Course Modules
Module 1
Welcome to the Resources Industry
- Explore the resources sector in Australia, its economic contribution, and the commodities produced. Discover the lifecycle of a mine and the processes behind each stage. Explore the future of the industry and new innovations taking place. Identify the diverse career paths in the industry and the exciting career development and opportunities on offer.
Module 2
Finding and Forming Deposits
- Explore the layers of the Earth's structure and their qualities. Examine the three main types of rocks and how mineral deposits are formed from these rocks. Discover the methods of geological exploration and the documentation process. Learn about emerging technologies being used by geologists to advance exploration methods.
Module 3
Mine Design and Planning
- Discover the first steps to planning a mine. Explore innovations in mining, recognise the various environmental and social licences needed.
Module 4
From Planning to Product
- Explore the difference between surface mining and underground mining. Discover the various processing methods and how they are used to extract minerals and orebodies. Analyse mineral processing and extraction methods.
Module 5
Keeping Safe
- Build awareness of the risks of the resources sector and how they are mitigated. Explore how risk management is established, how everyone plays a part in keeping mines safe, and how to keep yourself, other workers and the community safe. Explore why mental health is a vital component in keeping safe and discover the support systems available to you.
Module 6
Rehabilitation and Regeneration
- Explore the final stage of the mining lifecycle, it’s purpose and importance. Discover who financially supports the closure of a mine site. Learn the process of regeneration and what companies are required to do. Recognise the decommissioning and closure process.
Course Structure
Introduction to Mining consists of six short modules that can be completed online in approximately 3 hours.
The self-paced format allows you to learn when it suits you, whether you are preparing for an interview, researching a possible career move, about to begin a new role or completing the course as part of an employer’s onboarding program.
Course Pricing
Save at least 25%
Based on a block of 50 enrolments. Other block enrolment tiers are also available. Contact us to discuss a tailored package.
AusIMM proven results
Feedback from recent participants of AusIMM Courses.
95% Satisfaction Rate
Participants say the course met their goals and expectations
7,800+ Course Participants
Participants from 75+ countries across the world
96% Recommendation Score
Professionals would recommend this course to others
Trusted by professionals from leading mining companies worldwide
Hear from past participants
We chose the Introduction to Mining course because some of our staff needed a refresher, while others were completely new to the industry and wanted a better understanding of the mining lifecycle and how the industry works as a whole.
Ellen Pollock
I particularly enjoyed being able to customize my learning experience to my learning style so I could pace the videos as was best fitted for my routine.
Ana Chiquini MSc, MAusIMM
One of the most interesting things I learned through the Introduction to Mining course was how much mining is part of our everyday lives. From the battery in your phone to your microwave and the steel used in our buildings, the course helped me understand just how essential mining is to the world around us.
Ellen Pollock
I chose AusIMM courses because the learning platform is user-friendly, the content is easy to understand, and the flexible format makes it easy to manage my time.
Metin Yurdakul
Frequently asked questions
I'm not from a mining background. Is this course suitable for me?
Yes. The course was specifically designed for people who are new to the mining industry. It uses plain-English explanations and assumes no prior mining knowledge. It's suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals, including people working in HR, finance, communications, technology, administration, environmental science, and engineering.
What are the technical requirements to participate in the course? i.e. do I need a webcam, microphone, etc?
The course will be run entirely online via a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) which can be accessed via computer, tablet or phone. Participants will simply need to have a working Internet connection and a computer, tablet or phone with sound to access the course.
How long will the course take?
The full course is estimated to take about 3 hours to complete. Participants can claim 3 PD hours on successful completion of the course.
How often will the course be run?
This is a self-paced course available year-round.
Will the course be delivered in other languages?
At the moment, no, but we will be looking at delivering the course in other languages in the near future.
How many PD hours do I receive for undertaking the course?
Participants can earn professional development (PD) hours for undertaking the course. One contact hour of technical content is equivalent to one PD hour.
Can this course help me prepare for a mining job interview?
Yes. The course provides a structured overview of industry terminology, the mining lifecycle, and how mining organisations operate. This can help you feel more confident in interviews and better understand the context behind questions and discussions about the industry.
I work outside Australia. Is the course still relevant?
Yes. While some examples and context draw on the Australian mining industry, the mining lifecycle, terminology, and industry concepts covered in the course are broadly applicable across global mining operations.
What makes this course different from an employer induction?
Employer inductions are often focused on one organisation, site or role. This course provides a broader industry perspective, helping you understand how the entire mining lifecycle fits together and how different functions contribute across the sector.
Why learn through a course when I can simply ask AI?
AI can be useful for answering individual questions, but it relies on the quality of the prompts you ask and may not provide a complete or structured overview. AusIMM’s Introduction to Mining course offers a curated learning experience developed by industry professionals, guiding you through the mining lifecycle in a logical sequence so you gain a holistic understanding without worrying about what questions you might have missed.