Life on a mine isn't for everyone, but a youngster with a trade going in to mining in his early 20s will probably be able to look at a comfortable retirement around the age of 40 if he's sensible with his money.
Compare that with the cost of a licence and endorsements and the financial penalty of years of low pay jobs until, you make left seat on an airliner and start earning respectable money. VERY big if as the odds are against it.
I would be way ahead money wise had I become a plumber. Over the next 20 years until I retire I will be playing catch up and possibly come out ahead compared to school mates who got decent trades. Assuming I can still pass all the medicals and sim checks
But some of the flight attendants are gorgeous, my work place is airconditioned and I don't get my hands dirty so there are advantages if you do make airline
