If you’re willing to fly into remote areas to work on temporary projects, FIFO mining jobs may be a great fit for you. It’s not easy work, but the payoff and experience you get can be unmatched.
Whether you heard about FIFO mining jobs on social media or just through the grapevine, this guide will show you everything you can expect and exactly how to get started.
So let’s get to it!
What Is FIFO Mining?
FIFO mining jobs, or fly-in fly-out mining jobs, are jobs that require you to fly into remote areas to do work at mining sites for an extended period of time.
Tens of thousands of workers sign up for FIFO work and these jobs are found throughout Australia. But most are found around Perth and Western Australia.
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What Are FIFO Jobs In Australia Like? Job Roles & Duties
I won’t sugarcoat anything here, FIFO mining is hard work.
Conditions are pretty demanding and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. So keep this in mind when applying and considering any job offers. But your experience also depends on the type of work you’ll be doing.
FIFO work usually operates on a roster schedule. For example, working 8 days on and 6 days off (8 & 6). This can provide a flexible work-life balance for many workers.
So what kind of work will you be doing? Here are some common job roles:
- Production work. These jobs are hard to get since they’re in high demand and generally require special certifications. Operating diggers, loaders, graders and drillers are all part of production work.
- Maintenance and operations work. Maintenance jobs can be more stable and require fixing and repairing equipment on-site. These are also difficult to get without proper training and/or experience.
- Construction work. Construction workers will create roads and infrastructure necessary for mining operations. This work can be a nice segue for landing a maintenance or production job (if you lack experience).
- Drilling and exploration work. Drillers and offsiders will run machines for drilling and exploration. The work can offer good pay, but it’s notoriously difficult and has a high turnover.
- General services work. These jobs (such as cooking and cleaning) ensure that mining sites run smoothly. They generally don’t require special expertise, so this makes them both easier to get but also more competitive. This work is a great entry-level gig for those interested in FIFO life.
- Shutdowns. Most FIFO jobs operate on a fixed roster. But shutdowns are special and can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. They involve workers coming into plants to make repairs or finish jobs during a “shutdown” phase of a mining operation.
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How Much Do FIFO Miners Make In Australia?
Depending on your position, FIFO workers in Australia can earn anywhere from $80-100K+ per year, or $50+ per hour, which works out to almost $2,000 per week.
Of course, these are just averages and you’ll need to negotiate with your employer. But those are still some solid numbers we’re working with!
Your recruiter or employer will provide more information, but remember not to accept payment that’s too low (even if it gets your foot in the door).
This is one benefit of working with a qualified recruiter (like W1N W1N) who will work on your behalf and get you the best jobs possible.
Recommended: FIFO Mining Salary Guide
How to Become A FIFO Miner In Australia
Ready to take the first steps to working a FIFO mining job in Australia?
Perfect. Here’s how to get started.
1. Consider Getting Experience + Licensing (‘Tickets’)
To work in mining, you’ll first need to obtain a white card, which is standard construction site training in Australia.
Beyond this initial ticket, many FIFO jobs will require special experience or some sort of certification (or ‘tickets’) to do certain roles or operate certain machinery. This is especially true for more desirable jobs like production or maintenance.
So if you’re serious about this line of work, you may consider investing in some training. The payoff can be worth it.
Here are some common certifications and licences to improve your chances of getting a solid FIFO gig:
- Australian driver’s licence
- Confined spaces certification
- Working at heights certification
- Gas testing certification
- Rigging
- Scaffolding
- Forklift operations
- Truck licence
- Crane licence
But what If you really have no time, funds or interest in getting extra licences? Don’t worry, you still have options.
There are jobs that don’t require any experience or tickets. For example, general service jobs or some construction roles may be easier to get into. But even these entry-level gigs will come with other requirements. So let’s keep moving.
2. Double Check Your Eligibility
Beyond certifications and experience, you’ll also need to consider some other FIFO job requirements.
Namely, you’ll need the following:
- Passport
- Working visa
- Be between 18-30 (*if you need a working visa)
- Pass medical and fitness assessments
- Pass a drug and alcohol screening
- A hard-working personality and attitude
It’s always smart to double check your eligibility before moving forward with the application process.
3. Find Jobs & Apply
Once you have everything in order, it’s time to search for jobs and start applying. You can always start with Google or through job search sites like seek or Indeed.
But my top recommendation is working with a recruiter like W1N W1N.
Many mining employers hire their workers directly through labour companies (like W1N W1N). And having a professional company to represent you can make the whole process a lot easier.
W1N W1N helps you through the whole FIFO job process, from crafting the perfect resume to getting personalised guidance. They also have an extensive network of partners in the FIFO industry. So you can rest assured you’re in good hands with them.
Recommended: How to Find FIFO Jobs
4. Start Working & Get Paid
The application process is similar to any other job. You’ll have to do an interview before receiving a job offer.
From there, you’ll then complete your inductions and medical assessments.
A nurse or physician will need to do a physical to check your vitals and general fitness level.
You’ll also have to do a drug and alcohol screening test (aka, you’ll need to pee in a cup).
Then, you’ll start your inductions and training with your employer. During this whole process, you’ll also have other logistical obligations, such as setting up your tax file number and a bank account to get paid.
Your employer and recruiter should give you information during this process.
Finally – once you’ve crossed all those t’s – you’ll fly into your job site and start working. Your employer will provide you with some basic workwear like shirts, a hard hat and safety gear. But you’ll need to make sure you have other requirements, such as:
- Steel-toe boots
- Hi Vis work pants
- Water bottle
- Tupperware containers for food
- Clothes (shirts, underwear, socks, etc.)
So, Is Fifo Mining Worth It?
FIFO mining jobs aren’t easy. But the pay is great and you can get some great work experience for your career. So is it worth it?
In my opinion, if you’re resilient, like to travel and have a hard-working attitude, then absolutely!
The jobs can be even more attractive if you invest in upskilling or certifications.
Once you understand the eligibility criteria, you can start applying for jobs by working directly with a recruiter like W1N W1N. Then, prepare what’s needed, fly into your job site and start making money.
So, do you have what it takes to be a FIFO miner?
FIFO Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get FIFO mining jobs with no experience?
Yes! Although, investing in some training (or tickets) may be worth the investment for better jobs and pay.
How much will I be working?
Every role is different and depends on the type of work and the employer. FIFO jobs often operate on a fixed roster, such as 8 days on and 6 days off (8 & 6). It’s best to talk about this during the application process. But keep in mind that long hours and working for weeks at a time is a common schedule.
How much money can I make?
This depends on your experience and role. But many jobs pay anywhere from $38 upwards to $50+ per hour. Some miners can earn over $2K per week. But keep in mind that working days can be long (up to 12 hours).
Do I need a working visa in Australia?
Absolutely. Do not accept any offers without a proper visa. The most common visa for FIFO work is subclass 417 or 462. Your visa will allow you to work legally in Australia, receive wages and sign up for a tax file number so you can pay your taxes. You can learn more about work visas in Australia here.
Why don’t Australians want these jobs?
Around 50% of the FIFO workforce is foreign labour. But why? One reason is that FIFO jobs require you to fly into remote areas for extended periods of time. Many Australians would rather stay close to home, especially if they have families.
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