SES Labour Solutions is recruiting for 50 mining production roles at the new Barbara open-pit mine, 60km north-east of Mount Isa.

Mine development works are due to get underway next month at the Round Oak Minerals project and mining is expected to start in March.

Round Oak Minerals chief executive officer Rob Cooper said the company had selected a preferred tenderer for contract mining at the site and the new operation’s general manager, Dean Pointon, started work last week.

Ore from the project will be processed at Glencore’s Mount Isa copper operations.

“We expect to produce the first ore (from Barbara) mid-year and first treatment of the ore is expected in September,” Mr Cooper said.

SES Labour Solutions said the site would require a wide range of vehicle operators with open-cut mine experience, including haul trucks, dozers, graders, excavators and watercarts as well as heavy duty fitters and servicemen.

SES Labour Solutions executive general manager Nathan Sharpe said the mine represented a golden opportunity for northern Queensland workers.

“The mine’s schedule will be structured around 12-hour shifts, through a 2/1 roster, which means there is tremendous potential for skilled and motivated workers to earn well – but there is also stability on offer too, as our intention is to engage these workers for the full duration of the mine’s expected two-year lifespan,” Mr Sharpe said.

SES Labour Solutions is primarily interested in engaging locals residing in the Mount Isa and Cloncurry areas, but will also be considering suitably qualified workers from Townsville, Brisbane and other parts of Queensland as needed.

More on the available positions at ttp://sespeople.solutions/jobs/operators-16172/