Yeah, knowing people doesn't count
Or already being employed by them and showing initiative.
I guess I find it amusing when I get a resume from someone who I've never met wanting me to relocated them to Perth, with no prior training or qualifications for a job they won't be capable of doing. Someone who has made the effort to be skilled is more likely to get a go imo.
But I may be selecting people on a different method than the big mines. Go talk to them all, talk to the recruiting companies and find out what they recommend rather than listen to hearsay on forums.