r/mining 11d ago

Job Info Biweekly Job Info Thread

1 Upvotes

Please use this thread to ask, answer, and search for questions about getting a job in mining. This includes questions about FIFO, where to work, what kinds of jobs might be available, or other experience questions.

This thread is to help organize the sub a bit more with relation to questions about jobs in the mining industry. We will edit this as we go to improve. Thank you.


r/mining Apr 27 '24

Australia Keen on getting a FIFO job on the Mines in Australia? Then read this.

406 Upvotes

Ready for a reality check? (And an essay?) Written by someone who has done this long journey.

So you've been cruising on TikTok/Insragram or whatever other brain rotting ADD inducing app you have on your phone, and you see a young guy/chick make a video of their work day here as a FIFO worker on an Australian mine and how much money they make, and thought "Neat, I can do that!". So you head here to ask how? Great! Well, I'm here to answer all your questions.

Firstly you need to be in Australia. Easy right? Jump on a plane and you're here. WRONG.

You need a work visa, ignoring WHV for now (we will get there later), you need something useful for the Australian nation, do you have a trade or degree that will allow you to apply for a working visa or get sponsorship for one, through a skills assessment? Check the short or medium term list.

If no, tough shit, no chance Australia is letting you in.

If yes, great! Let's get working on that. Does your qualification line up with Australian standards?

If no, there are some things you can do to remediate that ($$$$). If you can't do that, tough shit.

If yes, great! Fork out $1000+ for a skills assessment.

Next step! Many visas require a min amount of experience, 2/3 years. Do you have that and a positive skills assessment?

No? Tough shit.

Yes, great! Let's put in your expression of interest! (Don't forget your IELTS test) 1-2 years later. You're invited to apply for a visa. Fork out $5000 & 1 year processing.

1 year later - Yay you can come to Aus! Congratulations!

Now assume you have a WHV, wonderful opportunity for young people to get to know the country. Remember you can only work at one place for no more than 6 months, unless you're up north or from the UK.

Either way, you're now in Australia. Just landed in Perth, sweet. Go to a hostel "sorry bud we're full", ah shit, you're on a park bench for the night because there is no accomodation and the rental market is fingered. Ready to pay $200-250 a week for a single room?

Anyway, you're here from some other country, with your sport science BTEC or 3 years experience at KFC, and decide to apply for a mining contractor, driving big trucks is easy right? WRONG. 90% of "unskilled" jobs require full Australian working rights (PR minimum), so if you're on a WHV, you're probably fucked, if you're on PR you have a chance.

So you decide to try for the camp contractor, I hope you're happy washing dishes or cleaning toilets, because thats what you're going to do as a "unskilled" labour; probably going to earn about $25-$30 and hour, working a 7 days, 7 nights, 7 off roster, sweet you're making cash. Get home after your 14 days working and you're fucked for about 2 days from fatigue. You get to enjoy 3-4 days before you have to think of going back. Also you'll probably get drug tested everytime you come to site from break.

Talking of money, to get $100k you have to get at least $34/hr on that 14:7 roster to just hit it. Unlikely as a camp contractor without a bit of experience. You could try get in as a trade assistant, though that will usually require a variety of tickets ($$$).

Also camp catering contract work doesn't count towards the WHV renewal days, except under some circumstances (I admit I'm not too familiar with anymore). So you need to go and work on some farm getting paid a pittance (if anything at all), that or get incredibly lucky with finding an actual mining/exploration job.

So you're still with me, that's good, thought you'd get distracted by instagram/tiktok.

It's not impossible, and some do get lucky, but it's not the gold mine your think it is, the FIFO lifestyle is hard, and unrelenting; long hours and long work weeks, and incredibly difficult with no useful qualifications or skills. Also, if you're overseas hoping to get offered a job to come to Australia, that is 99.9% not possible unless you're a professional (engineers, geos etc), and then still difficult.

Let's look at what you CAN do to get on the mines, as we do need personel, just not pot washers.

Get a trade: Electricians, welders/boilermakers, mechanics (heavy diesel, light and auto-electrical) and plumbers are in demand. You will need a couple years experience and will have to do an Australian conversion course ($$$$), a mate of mine told me something like $2-3k for the UK to Aus sparky conversion (feel free to correct me). You will then need to make your own way to Aus and get a job from here.

Get a degree: Mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, Geology, Metallurgy, surveying. Or any degrees that can lead into those roles (Chem eng, Mech eng, environmental etc etc). Can land you a role in Australian mining. As a grad, you can get sponsored to come out if you're lucky, if not you'll have to make your way over, many of the countries with these courses are eligible for WHV. You can work as those roles on WHV.

If you do come with good skills, and are well connected and personable, you can get employer sponsorship, especially as a professional, but it will always be a hard road to walk on, and being on a Temp visa for years, not able to buy a house and build your life, is challenging.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below.


r/mining 4h ago

US Why are so many rare earth mines in the US owned by Canadian and Australian companies.

4 Upvotes

I noticed that many mines in the US owned by Australian or Canadian mining companies. Is this just a coincidence or is there a reason for this, if anyone knows the answer?


r/mining 41m ago

Question Small companies that support big mining operations

Upvotes

I have been hearing about the trillions of dollars of precious metals beneath our feat here in the USA. We are poised to reap the benefits through future mining operations and soon from the sounds of it. Permitting should be easier now and as we turn to green energy solutions, our need for mined materials is greater than ever. I want to invest in the future of mining, but buying shares of huge mineral extraction companies isn't exciting for me. I am looking for information on little companies that are critical enablers. These small companies stock could increase 3 to 5x in a short period of time. Anybody have a line on these small but critical enablers? I don't need stock advise, I need to know what types of small companies are crucial to the success of the large mining companies? I'm thinking the company that has the only type of conveyor system in the mining industry, or the company that sells the membrane that keeps mining waste from seeping into ground water. There has to be companies I am totally unaware of and would be interesting to read about.

Thanks in advance.


r/mining 51m ago

Canada Entry Level Position

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

A bit of background about me — I’m a recent Computer Science graduate from a Canadian university (international student). It’s been about six months since I graduated, and I’ve been actively looking for a development role. I made it to final interviews with two software companies, but aside from that, things haven’t panned out yet.

Right now, I’m working in the mines as an IT technician, but my contract is ending soon and it doesn’t look like they’ll be keeping me on. I’ve been considering transferring to another department to make ends meet — maybe even working as a miner or looking into trade school.

I’m wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and could share some advice or direction. Are there any transferable skills I could lean into? Do you know of any mines or companies that actively hire IT or software people?

Any tips, insights, or leads would be hugely appreciated. Thank you in advance!


r/mining 12h ago

Australia Spirometry

6 Upvotes

Okay… I have posted here before about a medical, the process was incredibly slow but finally, I have been offered a drillers offsider role (water well), anyways back story again, relatively fit, ex smoker. I am 100% certain I will pass everything on the medical/physical side BUT the spirometry. I have been diagnosed with asthma as a child but never have needed any treatment, puffer etc. I have had to do a spirometry before unrelated to work and I believe it was around the 50% average for my age (29F). I have received employment forms, ppe ordering forms. What’s my chances of getting knocked back? Ive finally gotten a foot in the door and I feel like this is just going to fuck me around. Medical is Friday with Kinnect.


r/mining 7h ago

Australia Has anyone transitioned from Civil Engineering to Mining Engineering without a masters?

1 Upvotes

If so, what pathway did you follow?

I'm located in WA and interested in transitioning to a more mining focussed role. Primary reason for not wanting to do a master's is the time and cost required.

My experience to date (~5 years) has been in civil engineering consulting, working mostly on ancillary designs for mines (think surface water management and bulk earthworks design). I have done FIFO project engineering via secondment but this was in QLD and didn't need the same supervisor/foreman experience as required here.


r/mining 19h ago

Image Raw material requirements of energy technologies

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6 Upvotes

r/mining 1d ago

Australia Made enemies on my first swing (frogs)

48 Upvotes

It’s my first swing and I’m at a mine in the middle of the Pilbara (I live in Perth). Went to the toilet last night and 3 frogs came out from under the rim of the seat (I know it’s common for this to happen as I’m in the middle of the desert) but I woke up at 3am and a frog jumped onto my head… obviously got up quick as fuck, caught it and put it outside but as I came back in another one jumped onto my bed from out of the AC unit… wtf obviously couldn’t sleep after that and found another frog in my room when I was getting ready.. is this going to be my life now?? How common is this??


r/mining 21h ago

Australia Salary Bands at Rio Tinto (Perth)

4 Upvotes

I recently applied for a position which I will most likely get at Rio Tinto in an IT role. The application said the salary would be a Band J salary, but no actual salary range. Does anyone know what that range may look like? Thanks.


r/mining 15h ago

Australia HD Fitter question

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I am currently a Mechanical Fitter and was wondering if its possible to upskill to a HD Fitter in WA and if so what modules would be required and who would take me on?

Cheers.


r/mining 16h ago

Article Why you should invest in gold in today's economy

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0 Upvotes

r/mining 17h ago

Other HR 2457 - Mining Schools Act of 2025

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0 Upvotes

r/mining 19h ago

Question Drug testing

1 Upvotes

This might be a dumb question but recently was offered a position as a labourer at a quarry in Ontario but a couple weeks back used to smoke marijuana. Do they drug test for thc and could I potentially lose my job for it.


r/mining 1d ago

Australia Cook

2 Upvotes

Do FIFO companies hire with a Cert III in Commercial Cookery, even with little to no experience or less than 2 years’ experience? If so, which perth based companies should I apply to?


r/mining 23h ago

US Manage health on rotating shifts

0 Upvotes

I work a relatively easier schedule 5-5-4 with every rotation swinging from day shift to graveyard and back. Struggling to manage physical health, social connections and switch off from work.

Any advice or suggestions that worked for anyone out there to manage health and wellbeing?


r/mining 16h ago

US Can surface mining replace underground?

0 Upvotes

Underground scares tf out of me. I couldn’t do it no matter the pay!! Wondering if you could just replace it with surface mining, given the proper resources.


r/mining 1d ago

Canada Tariffs

0 Upvotes

Will gold mines be impacted negatively by what’s going on with tariffs, stock market etc?


r/mining 1d ago

Australia Pregnant FIFO

17 Upvotes

I just found out I am pregnant and everyone is telling me I can’t eat from the mess/crib room (Bain-maries, salad bar, pre boiled eggs, etc etc). If anyone has been pregnant and continued working on roster, what did you do for food? And what did you steer clear from most?


r/mining 23h ago

Canada Looking to Get into FIFO or Mining – No Experience – Based in Castlegar, BC – Need Advice or Leads

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I’m a 35-year-old guy from Castlegar, BC. I currently work as a courier, but with the cost of living, three kids, and trying to make ends meet, I’m really struggling to get ahead. I’ve been seriously considering a change and want to break into the mining industry, ideally a Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) position, even if it’s entry-level with no experience.

I’m physically fit, hardworking, and willing to learn. I’ve got a clean driving record and I’m no stranger to long hours or tough conditions. I’m hoping someone here can point me in the right direction — companies that hire green workers, training programs, or even someone to talk to about getting started.

I’m open to anything: BC mines, Alberta oil sands, northern projects — wherever I can get a chance to work hard and build a better life for my family.

If you’ve been in my shoes or have advice, I’d really appreciate anything you can offer. Thanks in advance.


r/mining 1d ago

US Excavators, Wheel Loaders, Bulldozers, Heavy Hauls, On Mines & Quarries ...

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0 Upvotes

r/mining 1d ago

Australia 30 M looking for a fifo rigging job

0 Upvotes

Hey everybody. Im looking for a way to break into the rigging/mining/shutdown industry. Ive been working for a rigging company for a year mostly specialising in installing comercial shade sail structures around Australia. Which has been a good experience for me, but long term my goal has to be in a higher paying, rostered FIFO position in QLD. I am by no means the most experienced rigger and would need somewhere where they are willing to invest in me and help me grow with experience. I currently have EWP, and Dogmans HRWL, and hoping soon to acquire my Basic riggers ticket when I have time/money after my next trip away. It can be difficult to get in these kinda positions without knowing someone. I guess im just looking for some advice, or someone to point me in the right direction to help me get hired, working with a good company and crew, making some good dosh!


r/mining 2d ago

Europe Did take a short cut today through a old part (boss dont like we take tis)

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10 Upvotes

r/mining 1d ago

Australia NZ site manager to AUS mining

1 Upvotes

Hi All,

I've been thinking about moving into the mining sector for sometime now but never full dived in as I couldnt find much information.

I was just wondering if anyone has experience in moving over from a site manager roll in the commercial construction and into the mining sector?

Who can I contact for more information or what the salaries/ life style would be like? I have about 11 years of experience and fully understand its a completely different game.

Any advise or information would be great and thank you.


r/mining 1d ago

South America Lithium Triangle mining may strain water sources more than expected, study says

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0 Upvotes

r/mining 2d ago

Canada facial piercings???

1 Upvotes

soo im going on a 1 day field trip to tour an underground mine training facility and I have nose rings in both nostrils. One of them, Ive had in for years and is quite literally stuck in there. Im wondering if its a big safety concern where they will literally send me home over it. Ive worked a few warehouse jobs and they just ask me to tape over it so it doesnt get caught which is fine & understandable. if anyone knows, please let me know . might just wear a medical mask if its an issue.


r/mining 2d ago

Canada Women in mining, who drive haul trucks...

29 Upvotes

How do you handle working during that time of month? I have an extremely heavy and painful period that last 7 long days. I'm curious how you manage working during your shifts.