Trainee Intake 2027 | Blackwater Whitehaven

Whitehaven Coal is proud to be the leading Australian ASX-listed producer of premium-quality coal. We currently operate four mines in NSW and we’re excited to grow our QLD operations via the announced acquisition of 100% of BMA’s Daunia and Blackwater coal mines in the Bowen Basin.

Our STRIVE Values connect us and define how we behave. Whitehaven Coal award, recognise and celebrate individuals and teams going above and beyond the requirements of their role to deliver excellent outcomes while demonstrating our values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence.

Exciting Trainee Opportunities at Blackwater Mine | Whitehaven – Starting January 2027

Ready to kickstart your career in the mining and minerals industry?

Blackwater Mine | Whitehaven is on the lookout for enthusiastic and committed trainees to join our team.

We’re offering a number of fixed-term trainee positions, open to both youth and adult applicants in the following areas:

• Coal Processing
• Pit Pumping
• Production Open Cut

What We're Looking For:

• Teamwork: ability to work effectively as part of a team

• Commitment to Training / Development: dedication to on the-job and off the job training
• Safety Awareness: have a strong regard / aptitude for safety and hazard identification
• Must hold a provisional or open driver’s license
• Blackwater locals are encouraged to apply
• No previous experience necessary—training and mentoring provided!

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive training and development programs
• Mentoring from experienced industry professionals
• Hands-on experience working in Coal Processing, Production Open Cut, or Pit Pumping
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge mining technology
• A supportive team environment
• Competitive wages and benefits

Important Information:

These roles are site-based and there is an expectation that you will live locally in the Blackwater region as company provided accommodation is not provided for the duration of the traineeship.

Important Dates:

• An online Information Session will be held on 1 July 2026

• Applications close on 15 July 2026
• Start date for successful applicants January 2027

About Blackwater Mine:

Situated 73 km south east of Emerald, Blackwater Mine is the second largest open cut metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin. This long-life operation began in 1967 and has grown to become one of the longest coal mines in the Southern Hemisphere, with a strike length of 80 km. Blackwater extracts high quality metallurgical and thermal coal for the export market using truck, shovel, loader and dragline.

About Whitehaven:

At Whitehaven we are proud to be the leading Australian ASX listed producer of premium quality coal.  Coal is in our DNA and our work is critical for people, industries and communities around the world.  We operate 6 mines across NSW and QLD, producing metallurgical coal that’s critical for steelmaking and thermal coal.

How to Apply:

To apply for this role, click the ‘Apply for this job’ button and follow the steps to complete your application. Ensure you include a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Need Assistance?

If you require assistance with the recruitment process eg. completing forms, interviews or completing online tests, please contact your Recruitment Business Partner at Whitehaven: Hsearle@whitehavencoal.com.au

We are happy to provide any assistance you may need. We look forward to hearing from you.

Next Steps:

After submitting your online application, you may be invited to complete online testing, interviews, and pre-employment medicals.  We'll contact your references if you progress through these recruitment stages.  Please be sure to check your emails (including your junk folder) and respond to missed phone calls, voicemail messages, and text messages during this time.

Join us at Whitehaven and secure your future.

Whitehaven Coal is committed to increasing the representation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace. We strive for an inclusive workplace that engages people from diverse backgrounds and welcomes diversity of gender, culture and experience.

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in Australia.

Reward. Opportunity. Recognition. Great Place to Work.