You’ve probably heard about the lucrative opportunities with FIFO (fly in fly out) mining jobs. There’s been a lot of buzz around the topic recently. But if you’re just starting this journey, you also probably have more questions than answers.
Maybe you have listened to my podcast on all streaming platforms and to my episodes on FIFO.
Two questions I hear most often are what types of mining jobs are available and how do I choose the right one
These are great questions. So I’m here to help answer them for you.
Now let’s get to it!
What Are Mining Jobs In Australia?
Mining jobs in Australia, or FIFO mining jobs, are jobs that fly you into a particular location to do (mining-related) work, and then fly you out once completed.
Most jobs operate on a fixed roster split between work days and then time off. For example, 8 & 6 is a common roster where you’ll work 8 days on and then have 6 days off. However, not all mining jobs use a fixed roster (namely, shutdown work is different).
Whatever mining jobs you get, most are physically and mentally demanding. So it’s important to be aware of this before you apply.
Still, this work offers you an opportunity to travel, gain solid work experience and make some great money in the process. So let’s keep moving and look at the different types of mining jobs you can find in Australia.
Recommended: The FIFO Mining Guide: How to Get Started
6 Types of Mining Jobs to Know
These are the main types of FIFO mining jobs you’ll find opportunities for. Each will have their own specific criteria, but in general they require a strong work ethic, flexibility and a willingness to relocate.
1. Production Work & Machine Operators
Production work in mining involves the use of heavy machinery and earth-moving equipment for the extraction, milling and processing of raw materials.
This type of work generally involves operation of large-scale equipment like haul trucks, loaders, diggers and graders. Therefore, these roles require specific experience or certification, often making them harder to get.
Difficulty Level to Get Hired
More Difficult. These jobs require heavy machinery certifications and/or experience.
2. Maintenance & Operations Work
Maintenance and operations ensure that production work and mining operations continue to run smoothly.
FIFO mining sites depend on a lot of different equipment, systems and machinery. So if things break down without a quick fix, there’s a problem. That’s where maintenance and operations workers come in.
These jobs require the ability to fix problems on-site and on-the-fly as problems come up. The pay can be quite good with more stable positions available to qualified workers.
These mining roles require a solid understanding for mining processes and equipment.
Difficulty Level to Get Hired
More Difficult. These jobs require a deep understanding for mining equipment and how to make repairs.
3. Construction Work
Construction work in mining is what builds the mining sites and infrastructure required to do the actual mining. This includes construction of roads, camps and the plant itself.
Construction work doesn’t involve any actual extraction or mining. Instead, you’ll be preparing and building new sites for upcoming work.
This type of work can be a great way to gain experience before levelling up to a maintenance or production job.
Difficulty Level to Get Hired
Easier. There are a lot of job opportunities in construction and can be a great segue to other FIFO mining roles that require more experience.
4. Drilling & Exploration Work
Drilling and exploration work are jobs that drill into the earth to discover and uncover ore deposits and materials. It’s difficult (and noisy) work but the pay is also quite good.
These jobs are popular if you have little experience since they’re easier to get. But they’re also some of the most demanding types of FIFO mining jobs. For this reason, it’s extra important to ensure you’re fit for this role (both physically and mentally).
Difficulty Level to Get Hired
Easier. These jobs can have higher turnover since they’re a very physically and mentally demanding type of mining work.
5. General Service & Utility Work
General service work are supportive roles that keep a mining site (and its workers) running smoothly. These jobs are easier to get hired for but also have the lowest pay and a high demand.
Some general service or utility type of mining roles include:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Administrative
- Bus driving
- Security
- Groundskeepers
Check out Compass Hospitality jobs.
Difficulty Level to Get Hired
Easier. These are great entry-level jobs to get your foot in the door and experience FIFO mining life.
6. Shutdown Work
Shutdown work is a unique type of mining job. It’s when a mining site temporarily shuts down and workers fly in to work on repairs and maintenance.
These jobs are often the most flexible (i.e., they don’t operate on a fixed roster schedule) and have a variety of roles for workers. For example, these jobs include everything from riggers and crane operators to labourers, electricians and belt workers.
Given their flexibility and fluctuating demand, this type of work also tends to be less stable.
Difficulty Level to Get Hired
Easier. These jobs are more flexible but also less secure given their fluctuating demand and flexible roster schedule.
How to Choose the Right Mining Job
If you’re still not sure which type of mining job you want, here are a few tips to help you decide.
Consider Your Skills & Experience
Many jobs (especially ones that are harder to get like production or maintenance work) will require specific experience or tickets.
So if you’re struggling to decide the best role for you, start with your current skills and experience.
For example, if you have no experience and don’t want to spend money on training or advanced certifications, then applying for entry-level gigs (like general services) may be the best choice.
But if you have construction site or heavy equipment experience, then going for a maintenance or production job may make more sense.
Don’t Just Think About the Money
It’s not always about the money. There are plenty of other factors to consider when choosing the right FIFO mining job for you. This can add some clarity to your decision.
For example, you may want to consider things like:
- Your personality
- Your work and lifestyle preferences
- Your preferred working conditions and schedule
- The employer
- The work availability
- Flexibility vs. security (for example, shutdown work vs more stable positions)
Ultimately, knowing your priorities and values as a worker can help make your decision much easier.
Think About Your Long-Term Career Goals
Chances are, you have longer-term career goals. These goals can help guide your decision.
For example, which jobs are most aligned with your long-term career goals?
Choosing a position that will support your long-term vision makes a lot of sense. Put another way, if you eventually want to manage construction projects, then starting in an entry-level construction role may make more sense than a general services role.
Of course, a foot in the door is still a foot in the door. But if you can, choose a role that’s most relevant for your long-term career aspirations.
And if you’re really not sure about what you want to do long-term, then apply with an open mind and keep an exploratory mindset. This type of work can be a great stepping stone and a segue to exciting career opportunities.
Check out recruiters such as Chandler Macleod.
Wrapping Up
There are many different types of mining jobs in FIFO work for all levels of experience. These include everything from roles in production and maintenance to utility work such as cooking and cleaning.
Whatever role you decide to go with, these jobs provide you with work flexibility, great pay and an opportunity to travel and gain invaluable work experience.
But choosing the right job ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences, skills and experience and long-term career goals.
So, which mining job is right for you?
Dm me on Instagram and I will point you in the right direction of some resources.
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