Due to economic slowdown, job cuts are going out worldwide in the mining industry. BHP Bilton which is the world's biggest mining group is planning to cut nearly 6000 jobs worldwide because demand for its products is falling.

Another mining company, Rio Tinto, is planning to cut down nearly 1100 staff worldwide in its aluminum division, Rio Tinto Alcan. Due to slow down in the economy there is fall in demand for many products.

James Boyce who is the president of Aggregate and Quarry Association says slowdown in production is also causing some New Zealand companies freeze recruitment and cut staff. Due to worldwide job cuts many mining workers are returning back to New Zealand for re-employment. All these workers are highly skilled but still they are finding it difficult to find jobs. General Manager, Catherine Lo Giacco of Manpower a Recruitment firm in New Zealand says that there is still some demand for mining workers in Australia. There are some companies who are reducing workforces and some who are hiring.