Rush for mining jobs
NEWS of a major mining project on the way for Far North Queensland has already sparked major interest from Cairns job seekers.
Last week, Fomento Group Australia CEO Anuj Timblo announced the plans to expand iron ore operations on the Tablelands.
One of the four mining sites acquired by the company from Tablelands Mining Group at Mt Garnet is planned to launch as a pilot project within three to six months.
TMG human resources manager Alan Azzopardi said since the Cairns Post story published last week, there had been 30 expressions of interest from job seekers.
“We are experiencing reasonable interest from a range of backgrounds, including mining and maintenance,” he said.
“Our aim is to maintain Fomento Resources’ philosophy of employing locally and supporting the communities in which we operate.
“Whilst we are still in a planning phase, the company looks forward to progressing things and beginning to offer employment opportunities.”
Mr Timblo said the initial pilot run could create 20 to 30 jobs to staff the crews.
Mr Azzopardi said even with the 30 expressions received so far, there were still vacancies for certain jobs waiting to be filled.
“The interest coming through at present is across numerous disciplines and not fully aligned to our likely set of vacancies for this phase.”
Fomento and TMG are currently evaluating which of the four sites will be reopened first to act as the pilot.
Mr Azzopardi said it would be confidential until permitting was completed.
He encouraged interested job seekers to register with the company directly at careers@ tablelandsmining.com.au — and also attach a resume. with relevant skills and experience.
Advance Cairns executive chairman Nick Trompf said it was no surprise that Cairns was jumping on the project.
“There are a much larger number of companies in Cairns that are capable of servicing the mining sector than most people realise,” he said.
“The industrial and professional services base ticks away quietly in Cairns and we’re starting to see what they can do when a company like Fomento with a 50-year history invests in the region.”