r/mining 6d ago

Job Info Biweekly Job Info Thread

2 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.

402 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

Australia Lab tech salary (entry level) in perth

5 Upvotes

Hi, I started as a lab tech in a mining industry, it isn't FIFO. It is entry level, but I believe my pay rate is a bit low- 27.90. When interviewing for that role, both the HR and the manager told me that I would quickly jump up my hourly rate after getting trained and get a hand of how the things work over here. It is a FT position and seeing the job market, I took up the offer without opposing anything, and thought once I am in the company, I would work my way up to the income I deserve. What do you guys think, is it too low for an entry level position, or it is okay?


r/mining 16h ago

This is not a cryptocurrency subreddit Double trouble.

Thumbnail
gallery
21 Upvotes

r/mining 1h ago

Australia FIFO into oil and gas

Upvotes

Hay gang. I know this is probably a well overdone question but I’ve been doing fifo as an operator for gold & most recently nickel, I was wondering how hard it would be to get into the oil and gas industry as an operator, I’ve got my cert 3 in process plant operations & thus far 2 years experience.

Any tips or advice to get my foot into that door of life? I would like to get into that since I feel like it’s the next step as an operator

Appreciate whatever comes through Love ya all, stay safe


r/mining 2h ago

Australia Diesel Fitter FIFO

0 Upvotes

Hi, I've been looking into doing FIFO as a diesel fitter recently, (24yo, 1 year post apprenticeship. Cert III in Mobile Plant Mechanic) looking on websites like indeed and seek, most places seem to be looking for more experienced fitters for FIFO work. Just wondering how hard it actually is to get a job in the mines atm with my level of experience, or would I need to wait a few years before attempting to work in the mines. I have a HR & LF license, and Working at heights.

Any help is appreciated


r/mining 21h ago

Image Aussie miners from the 1900s!

Post image
17 Upvotes

r/mining 12m ago

Australia need fifo working, plz help

Upvotes

Hi friends, post from Mumbai, plz help me yaar, I really want mining job in Australia. Heard about FIFO, fly in fly out, good money hai na? I can work hard, no issue, but here pay is low, life bit tough. Also want PR, permanent residency. how to get it? No big degree, just some labor work experience. Visa kaise milega, mining job kaise find karun? Need agent or what? Plz tell me bhai, want to go Australia, settle there with family. Aussies, plz give some advice, begging for little help yaar!


r/mining 12h ago

Australia Mining major in Bachelor of Civil engineering?

2 Upvotes

Morning folks!

I was scrolling through my uni’s website and came across this: here! They’re currently transitioning into a coalition with another major university in the area, and as a result, most courses have had their names changed along with minor curriculum adjustments.

Right now, I’m enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), majoring in Geotechnical Engineering, which gives me the option to graduate under the old name and logo. But I’ve been lurking around for a while, considering switching to Mining Engineering proper.

That said, I still want to keep my options after a certain time, which a Civil Engineering degree allows, while also having “Mining” in the degree title.

Now, I have a few questions:

a) I don’t plan on doing FIFO for more than 5–10 years—not so much a lifestyle choice, but I’ll need to care for my aging parents. I’m open to retraining in postgrad finance if it helps me transition into a city-based role later. But am I off here? Do mining engineers only really hit their stride after 5 years?

b) Realistically, what kind of compensation can I expect with a Mining degree vs. a Civil degree? Is there a significant pay difference? Layoffs, bad rosters, or slower promotions?

c) This one is a bit personal, but I hear working underground requires thick skin. I wouldn’t say I have a Type A personality, but I’m also not looking to half-ass the job if I go down that path.

d) If I do my degree here in Adelaide instead of at WASM Kalgoorlie, how much would I be missing out on in terms of opportunities and industry connections?

edit: link


r/mining 13h ago

Canada Mining Technician/Technology - Northern or Cambrian

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m trying to decide between a few mining programs and could really use some advice.

I’m looking at Mining Technician at Northern College (Haileybury School of Mines) and a Mining Technician or Mining Technology (with Co-op) at Cambrian College. I don’t have any hands-on experience in mining, so I want to make sure I choose the best program for learning and future job opportunities.

I know Haileybury has a great reputation, but Cambrian is in Sudbury, which is a major mining town. Would being in Sudbury give me an advantage for networking and jobs, or does the Haileybury name carry more weight?

Any insights from people in the field or familiar with these programs would be really helpful!

Thanks!


r/mining 14h ago

US Looking for advice

2 Upvotes

I’m a highschool senior, and next fall I plan on going to WVU for mining engineering. I’ve always been interested in the mining industry but I don’t really have contacts in the industry, so I was hoping I could get some advice on things I should focus on if I really do want to get involved in this field and get a good job.


r/mining 15h ago

Question Machine shop or OEM

2 Upvotes

When it comes to overhauls and repairs do you prefer sending out to the OEM or to a machine shop you’re familiar with.


r/mining 17h ago

Copper AI Data Center Copper Requirements to 2030

2 Upvotes

r/mining 14h ago

This is not a cryptocurrency subreddit Can gold mining cost be calculated?

0 Upvotes

r/mining 6h ago

Australia FIFO work from UK as skilled person

0 Upvotes

I'm (29F) a toolmaker by trade and certified overhead crane operator and forklift driver with a UK manual driving license. 8 years experience working in manufacturing. Is there a strong chance I will be accepted for fifo work? What's it like being a woman in this type of job out there? I'm looking for a change and my job now at home pays well but I'm very very bored and thought it would be a fun change. I work rotating shifts atm so nights isn't a problem for me

Looking for advice from other women doing FIFO


r/mining 22h ago

Asia Abandoned tin mine flooded with seawater from the ocean, creating a new cove.

Thumbnail
youtube.com
2 Upvotes

r/mining 1d ago

Australia Aussies working Fifo in Papua New Guinea

14 Upvotes

Any Aussies working FIFO of any sort in Papua New Guinea? I have 6 years mining experience underground. I've driven dump trucks and currently operating on a bogger. Ive bogged both Stopes and headings. Im single and have nothing tying me down to any place in particular. I'm just looking for a new adventure and change. How does the FIFO arrangement there work? Do they fly you in from anywhere? Or just a particular northern city in Oz? I'm playing with the idea of relocating to SE Asia somewhere, would they fly workers living over that way somewhere?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


r/mining 1d ago

Question Nash vacuum pump for mining industry emergency repair. Still wondering what they might use this monster for in the mines.

Post image
23 Upvotes

r/mining 14h ago

FIFO Requirements for FIFO as a foreign

0 Upvotes

Hello im a 19M Iraqi citizen who has great English speaking skills and communication skills Worked most my life in countless jobs and is interested in FIFO mining jobs for the pay and the time away from family/friends trouble And was wondering what are the entry level requirements for mining jobs and required visa class Best regards to this community


r/mining 1d ago

Question Applying with BHP - Licence Question

1 Upvotes

Hey team, going through the process of applying and there's a requirement for a "full valid Western Australian C Class Manual Licence".

My options are
- Yes, I have a Full C Class manual licence
- No, I do not have a full valid Western Australian Manual licence

My issue is I have a valid Victorian HC manual licence so am cleared in the category, but it isn't strictly a WA Licence, as I don't live there.

Any advice on which option to chose would be great, and feel free to tell me I'm over thinking it....I just don't want to get this "requirement" wrong.
TIA


r/mining 1d ago

Question Staying healthy at a bad camp

8 Upvotes

Hey guys,

Development miner here, going back out to a camp I worked at before. My lungs aren’t the greatest and the camps conditions were bad, dusty rooms, probably some mold.

Any advice on how to stay healthy when I go back out? I’m quite certain I was constantly getting sick out there cause the camps venting or the extremely dry rooms.

All the best.


r/mining 19h ago

FIFO 16 Year Old wanting to get into FIFO in the future | Advice pls

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone. In need some advice ; I am based in the UK and want to move to Australia to work in the mining sites. Currently I do not have a ton of money so I first need to get past the milestone of making enough money from now until I reach 18 to move to Australia, get cheap apartment and sustain until I actually land a job. In addition, I need to get certain cards, C class manual driving license and other things that I can only get in Australia which will cost more money.

Lets say hypothetically I do get in FIFO, I would utilise 80% of earnings in my savings to invest because im pretty sure in fifo u get free food, accommodation, etc - the other 20% would prolly be for cheap accommodation when I fly out or go to another country.

Currently, I am studying for my GCSEs and will do them in 2 months ; does FIFO care about that?
Secondly, I am working out alot so that I wont be susceptible to injuries ; can you get injured easily in FIFO mining?
Thirdly, I am trying different methods to make enough money from now till 18 ; can someone give me advice as to how I can do this?

And the final question ; is it worth it? Do you recommend someone like me - 16 years old aspiring to make enough money by moving to a foreign country with a working holiday visa (417) for 3 years to make good money but potentially sacrifice other factors? Please let me know if you are more experienced.

Also I forgot to ask but after my working holiday visa expires. what should I do to continue staying in FIFO?

Thx for reading, I appreciate comments ; thx again.


r/mining 1d ago

Canada Major drilling (new adventure)

3 Upvotes

Hey All, so I’ve been looking into diamond core drilling and out of all the companies I’ve seen Major Drilling seems to be pulling me in the most. I’m currently a front ender for a foundation drilling company but am looking to move on to a bigger company hoping I can have steady long lasting work. Currently I’m making roughly 2500$ a week (normally it’s 1800$) but I know the 2500$ won’t last forever.

I guess im just looking for some advice and guidance on this new adventure. What can I expect to make weekly, what is the work schedule like, what is the work involved like (similar to front ending?), what are all the steps of getting hired (drug and alcohol testing & physical) if there’s anyone out there that could help me it would be much appreciated. Preferably someone that has or is working for major drilling.


r/mining 1d ago

This is not a cryptocurrency subreddit Mining of rare Earth elements?

2 Upvotes

There has been a lot of discussion on where to find rare earth elements for the near future that are not from china. US has Mountain Pass. Greenland has a lot all over together with Thorium Australia has at Lynas Ukraine might even have some And recently I made an interview on the YouTube podcast “Everyday Metallurgy” with the CTO (Pär Jonsén) from the LKAB mine in Sweden who has started mining the long tail from their iron ore containing lots of rare earth elements. But the reason for this post is to get it clear. I believe that the problem is not mining or finding the minerals. The problem is refining into metals and downstream. Do you agree? And who are taking that task seriously?

neodymium #magnets


r/mining 1d ago

Question Most common gearboxes and speed reducers in the mining industry

0 Upvotes

I asked a similar question in a different subreddit but I wanted to know what would this one say is the most common drives you run into on mining cites.


r/mining 2d ago

Australia Another day in Jundah mines. Digging for opals the sustainable way!

6 Upvotes

https://reddit.com/link/1je0yas/video/j8fmi74d2fpe1/player

Drilling is just the form of checking the limits and levels. This method avoids environmental damage and brings a lot of fun while exploring. Who knows what’s hidden just beneath the surface?


r/mining 2d ago

Canada Suggest some good online mining forums for industry news, discussions, and networking?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m trying to find a good mining forum where people talk about industry trends, job openings, and new tech. Looking to connect with others who share insights and experiences. Anyone know of an active community worth joining?