Retaining skilled workers in the mining industry is a significant challenge, particularly for maintenance personnel. This study examines the challenges and strategies associated with recruiting, training, and retaining mining maintenance workers across various roles, including technicians, mechanics, engineers, subcontractors, and researchers. The research investigates how these issues manifest differently for each maintenance role and explore implications for work system design. Five interviews were conducted with relevant personnel, and five workshops (42 participants) were held with electricians, mining vehicle operators, mining machinery operators, and engineers. The study reveals role-specific challenges and their implications for work system design, aligning with Carayon’s Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. Key findings indicate that technicians and mechanics face challenges in remote work locations and physically demanding tasks, necessitating improved onsite living conditions and safety training. Engineers struggle with limited career progression opportunities, highlighting the need for clear advancement pathways and continuous learning programs. Subcontractors experience integration and job security issues, requiring better communication and engagement strategies. Researchers encounter difficulties bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, emphasising the importance of industry-academia partnerships. The study proposes tailored strategies for each role, including enhanced training programs, flexible work arrangements, and improved employee value propositions. Additionally, it suggests implementing data-driven recruitment processes, mentorship programs, and crosstraining initiatives to address role-specific challenges. These findings have significant implications for work system design in the mining industry, emphasising the need for adaptable, role-specific approaches to workforce management to improve recruitment success and employee retention across all maintenance roles.