Western Australia Secures 10,000 Additional Skilled Migration Places
- Matt Simpson
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
August 2025 | Mining Alliance, Perth WA
Western Australia’s mining sector has achieved a significant breakthrough in workforce recruitment this year—securing 10,000 additional skilled migration places—thanks to united advocacy from mining business leaders and CEOs who directly appealed to Premier Roger Cook for greater support in tackling critical skills shortages.
Mining Industry Leaders Unite for Skilled Talent
Throughout late 2023 and early 2024, WA mining CEOs voiced unanimous concern about worsening workforce gaps. Industry surveys from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA and the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry repeatedly showed that two-thirds of mining businesses had struggled to fill skilled roles in recent months, putting project timelines and operational safety at risk. CEOs from major producers such as Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue, and leading contractors joined together in their call for government action.
Last month, WA Premier Cook revealed he had received direct requests and urgent questions, from WA resource sector CEOs, who made it clear that without a significant boost in skilled migration, both new projects and ongoing output across commodity segments including iron ore, gold, critical minerals, and energy would be constrained.
State Government Responds Quickly With Historic Deal
In response, the WA Government successfully negotiated with Canberra to restore and expand skilled migration places for 2025:
State Migration Program: Increased allocation to 5,000 places
WA Designated Migration Agreement (DAMA): An additional 5,000 places, allowing businesses to directly sponsor overseas workers in priority occupations both regionally and in metropolitan Perth.
This represents a dramatic reversal of last year’s cuts, where WA’s skilled migration intake had dropped as low as 2,350 forcing some businesses to delay projects.
Mining Alliance Perspective: What This Means for Clients & Candidates
Employers: The 10,000 new skilled migration places mean faster access to electricians, mechanics, drill fitters and engineering talent with particularly acute shortages.
Candidates: For international mining professionals, there has never been a better time to apply to WA, as regulatory barriers are relaxed and the nomination process is accelerated for in-demand skill sets.
Looking Ahead
WA’s unity between mining leaders and government has not gone unnoticed nationally. Other states, such as Queensland, have voiced concerns about reduced allocations as federal strategy pivots toward regions with proven industry growth and greater need for migration support.
For Mining Alliance clients and candidates, this means WA is the nation’s priority zone for skilled migration—making 2025 a defining year for resource sector recruitment and for professionals ready to build their future in Australia.
Get Involved: Are you a mining employer seeking skilled talent, or an overseas candidate ready to join Australia’s powerhouse resources sector? Mining Alliance offers trusted guidance through every step—from job matching and sponsorship, to compliance and settlement.
For Mining Alliance 482 Visa Job Seekers: PLEASE APPLY HERE - https://www.miningallianceptyltd.com/job-seekers/overseas-based-job-seekers
For Mining Alliance Clients: PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES HERE - https://www.miningallianceptyltd.com/employers
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