This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Mine Deputy migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 312913. 312913 is on CSOL with state nomination availability — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189 Independent (where listed), Subclass 190 State-Nominated, Subclass 491 Regional Provisional → 191 PR, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, and Subclass 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 312913 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 312913 is the right code
ANZSCO 312913 covers statutory mine-supervisor work in NSW / Qld underground coal mining — pre-shift / on-shift inspection of working sections (gas, ventilation, strata, dust), recording of inspection reports per state legislation, supervision of crews, hazard identification and control, gas monitoring (CH4, CO, CO2, O2 — handheld and stationary monitors, tube bundles), strata control and roof-bolting compliance, ventilation control and gas-monitoring system reading, emergency response coordination, isolation / permit-to-work compliance, and statutory training maintenance.
Sometimes called "Deputy" (NSW historical / informal usage), "Statutory Mine Examiner" (Qld), or "Underground Coal Mine Supervisor".
If your role is overwhelmingly open-cut supervision rather than underground coal, 312913 may not apply — open-cut supervision typically maps to 312512 / 312911 or trade-led pathways. If you're a chartered mining engineer, 233611 Mining Engineer fits better.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) handles 312913. Standard requirements:
- Qualification — at least AQF Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Mining Engineering / Mining Operations, or trade-based pathway with substantial underground coal supervision experience.
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Reference letters must show majority time on underground coal supervisory work.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 4 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 if 312913 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic — NSW and Qld actively nominate underground coal supervisors.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 312913 employers (NSW and Qld underground coal):
- NSW underground coal operators — Glencore (Bulga, Ravensworth, Mt Owen and underground assets), BHP / Mitsubishi (Mt Arthur — open-cut, but underground supplements), Whitehaven Coal (Narrabri Underground), Centennial Coal (Airly, Angus Place, Clarence, Mandalong, Springvale), Yancoal (Austar), South32 (Appin, Dendrobium).
- Qld underground coal operators — Anglo American (Grosvenor, Moranbah North, Aquila), BMA (Broadmeadow, Crinum), Glencore (Oaky Creek, Newlands), Peabody (North Goonyella, Wambo, Coppabella), Stanmore Coal (Isaac Plains), Whitehaven (Maules Creek — open-cut + UG).
- Contractor companies — UGL, Mastermyne, Macmahon, Lloyds Mining (NSW), Bawden Drilling, Allterra Australia, Coal & Allied (contracting).
State-specific 482 / 186 sponsorship is common given the strong shortage of statutory-certified deputies.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- NSW Resources Regulator
- Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ)
- Coal Services NSW
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your mine deputy profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.