Geologist looking for advice on Australian Visa options

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some clarity on my visa options as a geologist wanting to work in Australia.

About me:

• Nationality: UK, Italy, Brazil. Currently based in UK.
• Age: 27.
• Qualification: PhD in Geology (thesis submitted, awaiting viva/corrections).
• Experience: few months as a contractor in Canada and Brazil during my PhD, plus some experience as a teaching assistant during uni courses.

What I would like to ask:

1. How realistic is a 189 visa in my case?
2. Can PhD years count as both study points and skilled work experience points? I've heard conflicting things.
3. Anyone applied for 189 recently as a geologist - how long did it take?
4. Would it be smarter to just go on a Working Holiday Visa first and job-hunt from inside Australia and then hope to get a sponsored visa?
5. Do mining companies actually hire WHV holders, or is it rare?

Ideally, I would like to stay long-term but I'm flexible on the pathway.

Any advice or recent experiences would be super appreciated, thank you!!