Ex-miners offered life Down Under

Miners are offered the chance to enjoy stunning scenery

Former miners in the north-east of England are being offered the chance to use their skills Down Under.

An Australian recruitment company which advertised in the region two days ago said it has been inundated with applications and calls from ex-miners.

Work is being offered in the Bowen Basin pits in Queensland with wages substantially higher than those in the UK for the same job.

There are 80 sites in Bowen Basin mining coal, iron, gas and nickel.

The jobs are being organised through Migration Matters, and director Rechelle Grimson said the firm is looking to recruit hundreds of miners.

"A lot of miners have bought houses on the beach and go fishing on their days off Rechelle Grimson

She said: "There are 80-odd mines in the Basin region and they are all screaming out for skilled workers."

The mines are looking for anyone with mining experience, as well as auto electricians, boiler makers, dump truck operators, drillers, mining engineers and mechanical engineers.

Ms Grimson said: "Auto electricians and boiler makers will earn a base salary of A$100,000 (£42,000), plus bonuses, overtime and share incentives.

"It is a great lifestyle with beautiful weather all year round. The mines are west of central Queensland but within commuting distance.

"A lot of miners have bought houses on the beach and go fishing on their days off."

Former miner Derek Walker, from South Shields, has submitted an application.

He said: "I was a miner for 18 years and it is a very tempting lifestyle - my family are up for it."