I work in the mining construction industry ( we build the mines port and rail infrastructure) and it is far easier to get into this side of it than in the production mining side. Pros it pays ALOT more and they generally will pay for flights from any capital city but cons are the rosters are long. Definitely don't be put off labour hire companies. My company only hires through agencies and has no direct employees but our jobs are very secure and you get paid even more again. The industry is very much who you know not what you know but a good way to get in is to start as a cleaner etc in the accommodation camps. If in WA Compass Group run majority of the camps. Be warned though the money is no where near as good but it is a good place to start and net work. I know lots of people who have started off this way and gone onto get really good jobs with training provided.