Hays Resources & Mining's quarterly report released this week also noted that South Australia could not get enough reliability engineers, senior underground maintenance engineers and supervisors, mine engineers, or diesel mechanics/fitters.

Over in Queensland, demand for HV electricians and diesel fitters stayed strong.

"A shortage of experienced candidates in these areas remains and often those candidates who are available lack relevant experience," Hays said.

In boom state WA, senior mine engineers with specific technical competencies, such as drill and blast and medium to short-term planning skills, were in short order.

Senior mine geologists and first-class mine managers were also thin on the ground. Senior maintenance personnel with their highly skilled engineering backgrounds were also in high demand.

Hays said maintenance staff were more important than ever, given they were essential for any mine site to run efficiently.

"This is more important than ever given the current focus by most employers on controlling large capital costs," the company stated.

Hays said it was driving WA's strong demand for heavy-duty diesel fitters, electricians and belt technicians.

The NT experienced a jump in requests for OH&S advisors in the past 12 months. Hays said with mine sites increasing in production and size, so did the need for onsite safety personnel.

Mining engineers, mine managers and exploration geologists were also sought.

The report also gave an insight into what employers were looking for in candidates.

"Employers are looking for candidates with like-for-like experience, including in the same industry and on the same systems," Hays senior regional director Simon Winfield said.

And he said employers were taking their time recruiting to ensure each person was the right fit for the job.

As a result, the recruitment process was becoming lengthier.

"We advise candidates to sharpen their existing skills and industry experience to enhance their value," Winfield said.