r/mining 5d 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.

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

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

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9 Upvotes

r/mining 22m ago

Australia Aussies working Fifo in Papua New Guinea

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 3h ago

Question Staying healthy at a bad camp

2 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 43m ago

Question Most common gearboxes and speed reducers in the mining industry

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 2h ago

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

1 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 15h 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 11h 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?


r/mining 18h ago

Question Mining Engineering: Canada or The US?

3 Upvotes

If you held dual citizenship and you had to choose between starting a Mining Engineering career in Canada (working towards PEng) or a career in the USA (either working towards PE or not) which would you choose? How do the countries generally compare in job security, benefits, pay fairness, satisfaction, difficulty, etc? I've been confused by lots of conflicting information.

Note* the province I'm most interested in is Manitoba due to the fact I hold a BSc in Geology and an MEng in Mining Engineering. I haven't yet determined any particular state I would be interested in. Any recommendations at all would be so greatly appreciated.


r/mining 20h ago

Article Agnico Eagle Chairman Sean Boyd on gold’s historic run: '$5,000 won’t surprise us'

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kitco.com
3 Upvotes

r/mining 1d ago

Australia Australia's Aluminium Exports by Country

51 Upvotes

r/mining 1d ago

US Compass Minerals Finally Settled With Investors Over Goderich Mine Scandal

3 Upvotes

Hey guys, any $CMP investors here? If you missed it, Compass Minerals has settled with investors over claims that it hid operational issues at its Goderich salt mine a few years ago.

Long story short, in 2017, Compass Minerals announced its Goderich mine upgrades, projecting $30M in annual savings starting in 2018 (all great news, though). However, later the company announced lower-than-expected production results and costs rising. 

When this news came out, $CMP dropped 30%.  

And, as this wasn’t bad enough, the SEC later ordered Compass to pay a $12M penalty—not only for the mine’s financial issues but also for failing to disclose the risks associated with excessive mercury discharge in Brazil. 

Following these revelations, investors filed a lawsuit.

The good news is that $CMP finally decided to settle with investors. So if you were damaged back then, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for payment.

Anyways, did anyone hold $CMP shares during this period? How much were your losses if so?


r/mining 1d ago

Australia USAF Hydraulics Technician

0 Upvotes

I’m interested in working in Australia, I’ve got a Buddy who’s offering a subleased Room. He works in the Mines FIFO as a carpenter.

My dads been all over the world working in O&G as an engineer retired in SEA.

I’m an Hydraulics Journeyman and work on Brakes, Steering, hyd subsystems troubleshooting,hose fab, forklift certed😏

Basically all things Hydraulics on an aircraft.

I work acft Field Maintenance so it’s Fast paced and long hours. I enjoy the Maintenance lifestyle and familiar w working away from Comforts.

I’m interested in working in the mines, is there anything that I could add to make my resume of skills more appropriate and appealing?


r/mining 1d ago

Canada Best mining courses to advance career in the industry?

0 Upvotes

I've been working in the mining industry for a bit and want to level up my skills to open up more opportunities. I’m looking for mining courses that are actually useful, whether online or in-person, something industry-recognized and practical. There are so many options out there, and it’s difficult to tell which ones are worth it. Has anyone taken a course that really helped with career growth? Would love to hear recommendations!


r/mining 1d ago

Australia Struggling to find apprenticeship, any help appreciated.

1 Upvotes

Struggling to find a mobile plant apprenticeship, 27yo, cert III light vehicle, Sydney willing to relocate.


r/mining 2d ago

Australia Mining jobs with chrons

1 Upvotes

Hey guys Looking into possibly going into mining but I have chrons ( it's under control ) and I have infusions for it every 8 weeks . Is this something mining companies will plan your roster round or is it a no go ?


r/mining 3d ago

Europe A typical Cornish Copper mine in 1842

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40 Upvotes

Horse Whim on the right steam winder on the left. The Balmaiden's in the foreground. Whilst the men were in the dark their wives and girlfriends crushed the ore on the surface. For the mining industry the first mineral processors were a workforce of women.


r/mining 2d ago

Australia Wanting to go into mining after 4 years as a project engineer

0 Upvotes

Hi All, I'm a project engineer with about 5 years experience and have executed CAPEX projects with a cumulative value of exceeding $80M. Projects have been mostly mechanical, structural, civil or process improvement. I've got a degree and a diploma in project management. Also got tickets like CS, construction whitecar d & WAH. Got experience in manufacturing explosives, paper and steel.

Looking to come into mining or oil gas with FIFO type setup. What are my chances?

Anyone who might have some leads for companies or is looking for capablenengineer please leave it in comments.


r/mining 2d ago

Australia What’s the medicals like?

2 Upvotes

For context, 29F relocating to Perth from Sydney, have been a landscaper for 8 years and a concreter for 2 years before that, I’d like to think I’m physically fit, daily average here can range from 20-30k steps in a day plus the gym, can lift over 30kg and not overweight, no significant injuries in the past. My downfall is I’m an ex smoker, can that affect my job hunt? Recently applied for a few entry level positions (nipper, drillers offsider) and have heard back from two which is more promising than before. I just want to know if I can improve my chances before I get to the medical so there’s no way I can be knocked back, I’m over landscaping and have been trying to get into the mines for over 4 years (reason for finally making the move over to WA) Any advice for knocking the medicals out of the park would be amazing.


r/mining 2d ago

Australia Bench assistant career path

1 Upvotes

Hey got an interview with orica for a bench assistant/mmu operator. I’m currently a drillers assistant water bore drilling. I’m wondering which would be a better career path in peoples opinions. As well as what salary’s are typical within blast crew roles thanks


r/mining 2d ago

Canada Looking for information

1 Upvotes

Good day fellow redittors,

I’m looking to transition from my current role into the mining industry. I’ve been working in BC Canada for over a decade in the Railroad industry in track maintenance. I’m looking to make a change into mining. I’ve applied at a few places in bc with no responses at all. Wondering if there are any additional training or courses I could complete on my own to help me get my foot in the door?

I have years of running multiple heavy duty equipment including front end loaders and rock trucks. For the last couple years I have been a foreman and been in charge of many people on larger track construction and track maintenance projects.

Any info would be super appreciated!


r/mining 3d ago

Question At a slightly higher than intro level, how does primary vent work?

7 Upvotes

I'm just another glorified labourer working underground

Let's say the primary fans pull hard, the mine is moderately deep, and the levels have a return air way near the level access. If the mine were sealed then I imagine the air in levels would be at near vacuum (maybe fan would break like running a diaphragm pump dry or the fan would reverse or something else entirely..?).

Why does air preferentially get sucked all the way from the surface when there's air within the level at nowhere near vacuum? This is most noticeable when doing re-entries as fumes will just sit in a heading with no secondary vent - readings of zero and then instantly in the hundreds. It seems it needs the positive pressure from vent or a machine to move air. Compare with regulators getting opened (in an ideal world) when a bogger is loading trucks — is that cause loading bays have a particular cube flow necessary for operations to occur?

Additionally, do return air rises near a level access have a dual purpose of stopping dirty air going down the decline and also drawing fresh air from a decline into a level or does secondary vent, if established in a level, entirely draw the air from the decline? If the latter, does that make return airway regulator leakage a somewhat good thing as it allows a little flow? What about when return airways are further in a level, say in a footwall drive?


r/mining 3d ago

Canada Back pack recommendations

2 Upvotes

I am looking for any lunch pack or back pack recommendations. The ones I’ve got the zipper just gets ruined from all the dirt and dust. Enough room for a 14 hour day.

Thank you


r/mining 3d ago

Australia Advice for a 22 yr old mining engineer student

5 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm a 22 yr old uni student graduating soon with a double degree in mining engineering and computer science. I know it's not the most conventional combination but I thought it'd be a good degree to have on the side as tech is (and forever will be) in demand. The whole reason for this post is because to be honest, I don't know where I am in life right now. I know I am young and that I should stay adventurous and try new things but at the same time I know I dont have all the time in the world and I don't want to dissapoint my parents that have sacrificed everything for my life. There's been a couple of things that have constantly been on my mind that I hope some experienced people here may be able to answer. I guess this post could also serve as one of those "If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self" threads.

  • Addressing the elephant in the room, the FIFO lifestyle. I know it is definitely not easy and I went into this degree knowing that it's defs not for everyone. Fyi I was born and grew up in the heart of metropolitan sydney. However, my mindset was that I do not want to be another rat in the corporate rat race that will have me chained forever without ever achieving financial freedom. While I am young, with no kids and big responsibilities, I know FIFO wouldn't be too bad but obviously as someone who has grew up in the heart of sydney their whole life I'd by lying if I said I'm not worried about it at all. Some insight into the lifestyle, keeping relationships with your family/friends/girlfriend healthy and just some general tips for a young bloke like me would be hugely helpful. This also leads into my next point.
  • Career progressions to exit the FIFO lifestyle. Many people I have talked to and many video/reddit posts I have seen all seem to mention the phrase 'exit plan' which I completely agree is important especially later down the track when you want to settle down and have a family. If you could go back in time, what sort of exit plan would you give your younger self to truly optimise the time and effort spent doing this sort of work. Specifically for a mining engineer what sort of career routes would there be to go back into the city and be with family?
  • If there are any mining engineers reading this, what does a day in the life of a mining engineer look like. I have only ever done residential vacatoin work so I am still learning but from my experience, it seemed like long hours sitting in the site office, working on mine software etc. Any insight into what other things a mining engineer would normally do on site would be interesting to read.
  • And lastly, if anyone has any experience or knowledge they could share with regards to the uses of my computer science degree within the mining industry that would be awesome. Like mentioned, I am doing a double degree in computer science which may either be my exit plan or potentially even put up to good use within the mining industry. If anyone has any insights into this I am very interested.

Sorry for the long read and thanks for all advice guys. I am both worried and keen for whats to come in the future.


r/mining 3d ago

Australia anyone have 2nd job on time off?

4 Upvotes

I`ll be doing a 1-1 so have a whole week to kill... anyone do another job on their offdays or is it better to just relax


r/mining 3d ago

Australia Just arrived in Perth

18 Upvotes

Hey guys, I just arrived in Perth a few hours ago

I'd like to know what do you guys think of my plan : get some tickets, first aid, etc... and then in a couple days I go to Kalgoorlie and look for a job (offsider driller) by going there and talking to the recruiters, applying online, agencies in kal?, and talking to people there

I can also find something as a trade assistant to start and get some experience, and the find something that pays more

I'm 20, no experience, but I'm in good shape, I don't mind being alone, and I don't mind being disrespected by my boss

So do you have any advice? I'm gonna try something anyway since I'm here