As the mining boom continues to gain speed, machinery is struggling to keep up with demand.
Ian Barnard, from Pit N Port Rental Group spoke to Australian Mining about what's happening within the hire and rental market, saying it is growing beyond what they can keep up with at times.
"It's fairly buoyant, there seems to be extended delays for new equipment supplies, we pretty much do underground equipment, and there's a waiting list of about two years now to get that equipment, so that's where rental comes into play," he said.
The issues surrounding the availability are not only at the mercy of the domestic issues, but also suffer the consequences of foreign problems.
"We just had a discussion with GE finance, and they said the earthquake in Japan has washed a lot of equipment away."
Barnard said the machinery is being sourced for use not only in Australia, but from foreign mining companies who are having trouble getting the equipment they require onsite.
"We've seen a fair bit of enquiry for used equipment from the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and South Korea too with tunnelling equipment.
"There's not too many people willing to let equipment go, we're not selling any of our gear, it's too valuable to get out on hire."
He said the industry is trying to find ways to harness the successful period it is currently going through, because it can only last so long.
There is also set to be a people boom.
"The word among repairers of heavy equipment is that a lot people from Ireland will be coming in.
"Ireland seems to be the hot spot, I spoke to a guy from Ireland the other day and he said the rate Irish people coming out here is phenomenal."
The influx of Irish workers, particularly trade workers, entering Australia has increased rapidly in recent years, with close to 4000 skilled migrants from places including Ireland entering Western Australia on 457 visas last year.
In the last six months of 2009, Irish workers entering Australia on 457 visas increased by 91 per cent, and changes to Australian immigration from 1 July this year will make it easier for the fastest growing emigrant group to live and work in the land down under.
Up to 50 000 Irish are expected to leave in the next 12 months, and changes to the Australian system will give more points for applicants with good English skills and those with skills in engineering and construction.
Barnard said that the mining boom has had varied effects on the resource sector and is also impacting the hire and rental market.
"Old equipment we would typically retire or wreck for parts are even in demand now, we're reconstructing a lot of them to hire out."
He told Australian Mining that while demand has increased, people are still chasing the same types of mining equipment.
"But just not being able to get hands on equipment is the issue, and the flow on is projects or extensions to mining jobs get slowed down or put on hold.
"If you can't get the gear, you can't do the work."
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