The Government's Resources Sector Jobs Board went live over the weekend, aiming to give Australians the first chance to score mining jobs before they're offered to foreign workers.
In a statement Workplace Minister Bill Shorten said miners looking for overseas workers must first advertise the roles on the new jobs board.
"Companies and contractors recruiting overseas workers through EMAs will be required to use the Jobs Board to demonstrate that suitably qualified Australians are given the first opportunity to apply for available jobs," he said.
"The Government will take into account the use of the Jobs Board when assessing EMA applications, including the number and skills of Australian job seekers registered with the board."
Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill project, which has secured approval for 1,700 temporary foreign workers, will also use the website.
Shorten said the Government understood that in some cases foreign workers needed to be used to help mega-projects get built.
But he also said the Gillard Government was "determined to spread the benefits of the mining boom".
"We are committed to putting Australian jobs first," he said.
The Resources Sector Jobs Board is available here and is supported by a Job Seeker Hotline (13 62 68), Employer Hotline (13 17 15) and email enquiries (jobsearch@deewr.gov.au).