Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in Australian Mining Workplaces Posted on April 2, 2025

Mental health is a critical issue in the Australian mining industry, yet it often remains shrouded in stigma. In male-dominated workplaces like mining, where toughness and resilience are highly valued, admitting to mental health struggles can be perceived as a sign of weakness. This stigma prevents many workers from seeking the help they need, exacerbating the prevalence of mental health issues across the sector.

Recent studies highlight alarming statistics about mental health in mining:

• Approximately 44.4% of miners report moderate to very high levels of psychological distress—significantly higher than the national average of 27.2% 1.
• FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) workers are particularly vulnerable, with one-third experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress above clinical thresholds 4.
• Suicide rates in mining are 80% higher than in other industries 2, underscoring the urgency of addressing mental health stigma.
  

These figures reveal the unique challenges faced by miners, including isolation, long shifts, financial stress, and physically demanding work environments.

Several factors contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health in mining:

1. Cultural Norms: The "tough bloke" mentality discourages open discussions about emotional struggles.
2. Fear of Judgement: Workers may worry about being perceived as less capable or weak by their peers and supervisors.
3. Lack of Awareness: Many miners are unaware of available resources or do not understand the symptoms of mental health issues.
   

This stigma not only prevents individuals from seeking help but also creates barriers to implementing effective workplace mental health programs.

Mining companies can take proactive steps to foster a culture that supports mental health:

1. Education and Awareness
• Implement training programs for workers and supervisors to recognise signs of mental distress and understand its impact on safety and productivity.
• Promote initiatives like MATES in Mining, which provides peer support and suicide prevention training tailored to the industry.
  
2. Leadership Commitment
• Encourage leaders to openly discuss mental health and model supportive behaviours. Leadership plays a crucial role in normalising these conversations.
  
3. Confidential Support Services
• Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) such as those offered by EASA or deploy on-site counsellors like Mineral Resources’ Mind Matters program.
  
4. Regular Mental Health Check-Ins
• Integrate mental health assessments into quarterly team meetings to identify issues early and offer timely support.
  
5. Stigma Reduction Campaigns
• Launch targeted campaigns that challenge stereotypes about mental health and emphasise its importance for workplace safety and performance.
  

Breaking the stigma around mental health brings numerous benefits:

• Improved worker wellbeing and reduced absenteeism.
• Enhanced safety culture through better decision-making and communication.
• Increased productivity by fostering a supportive environment where workers feel valued.
  

By prioritising mental health alongside operational goals, mining companies can create workplaces that are not only safer but also more inclusive.

Mining companies must take immediate action to address mental health stigma. Whether through peer support programs like MATES in Mining, leadership training, or regular check-ins during team meetings, fostering a culture of openness is essential for improving employee well-being.

Great Expectation Speakers and Trainers is a trusted partner for mining organisations, delivering expert professional speakers and trainers as well as tailored mental health training designed to support the unique needs of the mining and resources community. Visit Great Expectation to learn how we can help empower your teams with engaging, professional presentations and meaningful support to further grow teams.

What steps does your workplace take to promote mental health? 

Share your thoughts below or contact us for more insights into how professional speakers can help drive these conversations on-site.

Citations:

1. https://www.coalservices.com.au/health/industry-health-topics/mental-health/
2. https://www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/be1195ae-21cf-4aaf-bb6e-2d1989c77187.pdf
3. https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/beyond-blue-support-service
4. https://regenstrategic.com.au/resourceful-mind-boosts-miners-mental-health-198
5. https://www.easa.net.au
6. https://www.mineralresources.com.au/news/a-new-frontier-in-mental-health/
7. https://lifeinmind.org.au/organisations/mates-in-construction
8. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/beyondblue-service
9. https://rrmh.com.au/our-programs/resource-minds/
10. https://www.consminerals.com.au/health-wellbeing
11. https://www.mmhg.com.au/blog/depression-and-anxiety-in-mining-and-fifo-work-australia
12. https://fgmcommunity.com.au/news/it-s-official-we-re-mates-in-mining-accredited
13. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/beyondblue
14. https://rrmh.com.au/courses/introduction-to-resource-minds/
15. https://mindfitatwork.com.au/eap-programs-australia/
16. https://minerals.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MCA_Mental_Health_Blueprint.pdf
17. https://mates.org.au/mining/
18. https://www.beyondblue.org.au
19. https://wa.lifeline.org.au/workplace-training/resourceful-mind/
20. https://www.bhp.com/-/media/documents/ourapproach/wellbeing/200529_employeeassistanceprogramcontactdetails_english.pdf