I think once you have a job, then you would get some training there. Also google for Mining Industry skills Centre. They do simulator training, but I'm not clear on if it is for employee's of a company or people who are wanting to get a mining job?
The industry went through an overhaul with the way they hand out tickets for machiney, a few years ago i think? It's like getting a car licence, you have to sit a test to gain a ticket, and even then, some sites make you also have to show you can actually operate the machine to get an on site authorisation. This could have changed recently though too, it's been awhile since I've dealt with paperwork like this.

As Pony said, having to pay a recruitment agency sounds a bit fishy. What are you paying them for exactly? To find you a job in the industry or are they helping you obtain tickets etc?

Another thing is first up you will also need a coal board medical before starting on a minesite. They have to be done every 5 years, and some companies will pay for them if you don't have one and you get the job. DH's is due next year, and his boss pays for it so I'm a bit rusty on the cost, but i think it is around the $300 mark? It's also not something that you can get from a general GP. I think you have to find a Dr who is certified to do Coal Board Medicals.

Each site also usually has their own course (site induction) you have to do before starting on site. No cost here. But another couple of hours or a day depending on where you are.

Best way to look for work is to check out the company websites. BHp Billiton, Xstrata Coal, Rio Tinto etc.. Also CareerOne use to have a good collection of mining jobs.
A traineeship or apprenticeship is a great way to get a foot in the door. At the end of the traineeship/apprenticeship, a lot of apprentices get kept on fulltime. BUT, you spend 4 years, or a 1-2 year traineeship for machinery operators, (can't remember if it's 1 or 2 sorry) on a lower wage. They don't usually provide accommodation for apprenctices, so that would be quite difficult as well, being on a low wage, living in a mining town. Though if you are thinking of doing the living apart thing, some towns do still have single mens accommodation. The thing you have to remember is, if you are living apart, you then have to travel home on your days off for family time, then travel back to work. After working a 12 hour shift, a lot of blokes just get in their cars and drive, instead of having a sleep first, and sadly, some haven't made it home to their families..

They are big days. My DH gets up at 4, is usually picked up before 5, starts work at 6, finshes 12 and a quarter hours later on, gets on the bus, and gets dropped off at 7. Same times regardless if it is day or night shift.

Accommodation is subsidised in our town in different ways. One mine has houses they rent to employees for around $40 per week. Other mines you have your own house and they subsidise your rent , but I'm not entirely clear on details of how much it is. I know there is a couple around here that are paying around the $600 per week into your pay for rent, but you also get taxed on it, if you are living in town, if you are living away from home, then it's pretty much tax free, but you have to pay a huge rent, or share to reduce the cost, then travel costs to get home on your days off.

I think it also helps to really research the town. Some towns have a much better supply of services, sports etc than others.