Diesel Fitter Mining Jobs in South Australia

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.

South Australian diesel-fitter work sits around BHP's copper province - Olympic Dam, Carrapateena and Prominent Hill - covering both underground and open-pit mobile fleets. Rosters are commonly FIFO from Adelaide (some from Port Augusta) on 14/14, 2/2, 8/6 or 7/7, with a residential relocation option at Roxby Downs. A Certificate III trade qualification is essential, with an underground induction for Olympic Dam underground roles; South Australia has no coal, so the Queensland Standard 11 and coal-board scheme don't apply. Contractors including Programmed, Zancott, National Group, Redpath and Emeco actively hire HD and underground fitters, and BHP's FutureFit Academy deploys trainees to its SA operations.

South Australia is home to Olympic Dam — one of the world's largest copper, uranium and gold deposits operated by BHP — as well as Prominent Hill and Carrapateena copper-gold mines. Iron ore from the Middleback Ranges, mineral sands operations and the rapidly growing critical minerals sector round out a workforce that's largely FIFO from Adelaide or residential in Roxby Downs, Port Augusta and Whyalla.

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.

Do SA diesel fitters need a Standard 11?

No - South Australia has no coal mines, so the Queensland Standard 11 and Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme don't apply. You'll need a Certificate III trade qualification, a pre-employment medical and, for Olympic Dam underground roles, an underground induction.