Jobs demand in the mining and resources sector has continued its rise, with the industry’s need for permanent positions most acute during the month of August.

The latest analysis from DFP Recruitment’s national Mining and Resources Job Index highlights strong employment prospects with year-on-year job vacancies now 26.4 per cent higher in the sector compared to August 2017.

Permanent job vacancies lead the way and are up 2.4 per cent in August for a total rise of 36.6 per cent across the past 12 months.

The growth rate has slowed slightly however, with the increase now just 8.8 per cent in the last six months.

Across the country, the National Index for job vacancies has increased for the fifteenth consecutive month with a rise of 0.8 per cent in August.

Temporary/Contractor job vacancies fell 1.7 per cent in August and growth has been slower than permanent roles, up 12.8 per cent over 12 months.

In state-by-state analysis, Western Australia had a 1.5% increase in August off the back of solid increases in the past 12 months, 29.2 per cent in year-on-year analysis.

Vacancies in Queensland have been more volatile, up 1.3 per cent in August and year on year up 28.3 per cent.

In the sub-sector breakdown, Metal Ore Mining had another strong month up 5.7 per cent, with vacancies up 27.2 per cent over 12 months.

Coal and Mineral Mining vacancies continue to be volatile month to month, up 9.7 per cent in August and up 80.9 per cent over 12 months.

Strong growth has been experienced this year in the Oil & Gas sector, with an increase of 53.2 per cent, despite a 5.6 per cent fall in August.

“Vacancies across all occupational groups lifted in August, except for Operational Management which continues to lag all other categories over the year,” CEO Robert van Stokrom said.

“Engineering Professionals and Trades and Operators are the job categories that lead the way with growth, with Riggers and Labourers the best performing job group.”

Read the full DFP Recruitment Mining and Resources Jobs Index here.