Diesel Fitter Mining Jobs in Queensland

Diesel fitters maintain and repair heavy mobile equipment including haul trucks, excavators, loaders, dozers and drill rigs. In underground mining, diesel fitters work on boggers (LHDs), underground trucks, jumbos and other specialised equipment. The role involves diagnosing faults, performing scheduled services, component change-outs and breakdown repairs, often in challenging underground or remote conditions.

A Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (or equivalent diesel fitting trade qualification) is required. Most employers also require a Standard 11 mining induction, current driver's licence, and Working at Heights. Underground diesel fitters need an underground induction. Experience with Caterpillar, Komatsu or Liebherr equipment is highly valued by employers.

Heavy diesel fitters are among the best-paid trades in mining, with rates rising for experience on large fleet equipment such as CAT 793/797 trucks and Liebherr excavators. Common rosters include 2/1 and even time, with most positions flying from Perth or Brisbane to site and super paid on top of the advertised rate.

Queensland's diesel-fitter demand is anchored in the Bowen Basin coal mines - BHP's BMA (Saraji, Goonyella, Caval Ridge, Peak Downs), Anglo American, Glencore, Stanmore and Whitehaven - maintaining ageing haul fleets and sustaining capital. The signature roster is 7/7 even time rotating days and nights, with DIDO from Emerald or Moranbah increasingly offered so fitters can live locally. A Certificate III trade qualification is essential, and coal sites legally require a Standard 11 induction plus a Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme assessment processed through the ResHealth portal. Pathways run through the BHP FutureFit Academy, the Thiess national apprenticeship program, direct Anglo, BMA and Glencore site intakes, and group-training placements via MIGAS.

Queensland's mining industry is dominated by the coal mines of the Bowen Basin (BMA, Glencore, Anglo American, Peabody) and the North West Minerals Province around Mount Isa. Bauxite mining at Weipa, coal seam gas extraction in the Surat Basin, and gold and copper operations across the state add to a large mining workforce. Many Queensland coal mines operate DIDO (drive-in drive-out) rosters from Mackay, Moranbah, Emerald and Rockhampton, with FIFO from Brisbane and Cairns also common.

What does a diesel fitter do in mining?

A mining diesel fitter maintains and repairs heavy mobile equipment such as haul trucks, excavators, loaders, drill rigs and underground vehicles. The work includes diagnostics, scheduled servicing, component replacements and breakdown repairs.

How much do diesel fitters earn in mining?

Heavy diesel fitters are among the best-paid trades in mining. Pay varies by roster, location and equipment type, with experienced fitters on large fleet equipment such as CAT 793/797 trucks at the higher end.

What qualifications do I need to be a mining diesel fitter?

You need a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology or equivalent trade qualification. A Standard 11 mining induction, driver's licence and Working at Heights are also required. Underground roles need an underground induction.

Is diesel fitting a good career in mining?

Yes, diesel fitters are consistently among the most in-demand trades in Australian mining. The combination of strong pay, job security and ongoing demand for heavy equipment maintenance makes it an excellent career path in the resources sector.

What's required for a QLD coal diesel fitter?

A Certificate III trade qualification (such as Engineering - Fixed & Mobile Plant Mechanic, MEM31419), plus the legally mandated Standard 11 coal-mine induction and a Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme medical now completed via the RSHQ ResHealth portal. A new medical is required when you change employers.

What rosters do Bowen Basin diesel fitters work?

7/7 even time (rotating day and night, around 12.5-hour shifts) dominates, with some 8/6 and 5/4/4/5 patterns. Many contractors and operators now offer DIDO from Emerald or Moranbah, and residential options near Moranbah and Emerald, to attract local workers.

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