New research shows there has been a sharp spike in unemployment in the mining industry's exploration sector over the past 12 months.

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy surveyed 3,000 of its members and found unemployment for professionals like geologists, engineers and environmental scientists is sitting just below 11 per cent.

That compares to an unemployment rate of under 2 per cent following a similar survey in 2012.

The institute's chief executive, Michael Catchpole, says it is alarming there are still many people without work, despite years of trying to increase the pool of skilled professionals.

"The reasons undoubtably go to global factors," he said.

"A reduction in commodity prices that we started to experience in late 2012, some uncertainly about China's rapid economic development, the change in political leadership in China late last year, and the impact that's going to have."

Mr Catchpole says the unemployment is across the board.

"It's certainly true that some of our members affected are recent graduates but it's true right across our professional group at all stages and careers," he said.

"Exploration geologists, mining engineers, metallurgical engineers, environmental scientists, a full range of professions.

"We have members who have been in very senior executive positions in mid tier and major mining companies whose circumstances have changed quite drastically during this twelve month period."