MINES will create thousands of jobs on Eyre Peninsula over the next decade.
A new state government-funded report estimates over the next five years, the existing mines of OneSteel in the Middleback Ranges and Iluka on the Far West Coast will be joined by at least seven new mining operations, with a number of other prospective projects subject to ongoing exploration and feasibility studies.
The study states if all seven mines proceed to the operating phase, it is estimated more than 2200 ongoing direct jobs will be created in mining and processing operations over the next decade.
Conservative estimates of new jobs associated with construction of mines and infrastructure indicate there will be a requirement for at least a further 4500 jobs over the next five years, peaking at 1700 positions in 2014.
The relatively high level of staff turnover means job openings will exceed the number of new jobs created.
If all mines proceed, it is estimated replacement demand over the next decade will exceed 5000 positions.
Eyre Peninsula projects included in the report are OneSteel's Project Magnet and OneSteel Processing Plant in the Middleback Ranges; Iluka's Jacinth /Ambrosia in the Eucla Basin on the West Coast; Iron Clad's Willchery Hill Stage 1 project near Kimba; Iron Road at Warramboo; Centrex's Bungalow prospect and Lower Eyre projects including the Eyre Iron venture at Koppio; Lincoln Minerals Gum Flat Stage 1 and 2; Minotaur at Poochera and Uranium SA's Mullaquana project.
Centrex's Wilgerup deposit near Lock was not included in the report as it will not require a large number of new staff.
While the projects will be mostly iron ore mines, at least one uranium and one kaolin mine are likely to be established, with potential for further iron ore, mineral sands, uranium, gold, manganese and nickel mines.
Among the workers required will be those with mining, exploration and engineering qualifications and experience, as well as accountants, surveyors, Occupational Health and Safety professionals, mechanics, welders, fitters, electricians, metal fabricators and truck drivers.
The companies will aim to recruit local workers, although for some roles staff will have to be brought in from outside the region.
The state government and Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula (RDAWEP) will work with companies to ensure Aboriginal people, women, disadvantaged and migrant workers are able to take advantage of employment opportunities.
The scale of construction activities for these mining operations and for the supporting infrastructure, such as ports, roads, pipelines and power distribution will be unprecedented since the development of the iron ore and steel-making operations at Whyalla.
The study outlines the need for high quality workforce planning and training to ensure the region maximises the economic and social dividends on offer.
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