Been thinking about mine work, and been in the Security industry the last 10 years, but those figures seem fairly low. My earnings are currently around that last figure (Due to just completing 'training' and my last job was a touch over).
I have mates that work in the mines doing OH&S and Emergency Services, pay is a tad better also, think around the $120k mark.
When I was interested in getting into it, I wanted to go for Emergency Service/Response Officer but with the tickets setting me back $10-15k and the time away from the Mrs, I decided against it.
I enjoy my work. It's taken me to a few places I would never have seen otherwise. I've travelled to the U.S, Canada and Europe all expenses paid, business class flights, the whole 9 yards.
Is it a long term career? Not really. I guess like most things it's just about finding the most effective and rewarding exit strategy to either start your own business or branch off into something similar.