Has anyone experienced this intense pre employment medical situation? Anyone who’s gone through it knows what it’s like.

Worked as an enviro tech around the country in mines for a few years now at a consultancy. Have an enviro degree etc. Can’t seem to get foot in the door, had interviews that seem to go well but always spiked by an internal candidate. Not sure how to get ahead here, do I just keep plugging away?

Going from a normal job to working on a mine site seems like a pretty big change, even if the actual work is similar. The hours, the rules, the safety side of things and having to live around the same crew would take some getting used to.
For anyone who's made that move, what caught you off guard the most when you first started?

Some of the bonuses are over $5000 if the referral is accepted for a position. So can't people on Reddit here in this sub that already work in the mines just make acquaintance with people regularly and refer them and potentially make heaps of money from that alone?

Is that against the law maybe? Or is there quite a bit more to a referral and perhaps you actually have to have worked with the person before?

If it's true that entry into mining is heavily nepotism based and these massive referral payouts exist, then presumably it's open to exploitation in this way

I reckon the hardest part would be finding the energy to do much after a full shift. By the time you've eaten and sorted yourself out, it's probably getting close to bed anyway.

Do the days at camp end up blending into one after a while, or do you find ways to keep yourself occupied? Always wondered what people get up to between shifts, especially on a longer swing.

One of my mates swears he found a kangaroo thigh bone but I’ve never seen it

Currently waiting to start at a local mine on a 2 on 1 off rotation. I’m wondering how things work in this industry when it comes to getting time for a 1-2 day mid-swing; what’s the etiquette and the way to go about it? Being a local mine with most of the guys living nearby makes it a bit more flexible I think but, I’m not sure

Before any of the old dogs rip into me for asking about time off a few weeks into this new job, I’m not some slack ass. I've got my best mate's wedding coming up soon and I'm trying to see if I can make it happen, im also super green to the industry so I'm just out here asking the question so I don't look like an idiot.

Recently started a job as a trainee blast crew member (surface, WA goldfields), I have worked in mining for five years mainly in exploration drilling. Was wondering if anybody had a source for any legislation or policies that would prevent a colour blind person from applying for their shotfirers licence?

I have colourblindess but it has never caused me any issues whilst working (I only really struggle with certain shades of purple and blue). I have heard it is illegal for a colourblind person to hold a shotfirers licence, however I have also been told it is not in the medical assesment and there is a few shotfirers out there with colour blindness. So far i've found nothing online so am hoping somebody can provide a clear answer for me.

Anyone worked at bald hill doing fixed plant for Minres ? Been offered a gig there on a 2/1, moneys seems a bit low low 200s

Or is that about right for 2/1 ?
No HV yet tho

On Seek there seems to be hundreds of job adverts for this position constantly, and apparently they're so selective in hiring that they are strictly after highly experienced people 🤣

It makes no sense at all to me. Apparently to get competent in operating these vehicles requires a C class licence and like a week or two training. So why the hell do these companies even want experience when they could hire newer people for less money??

Or is that untrue and there's actually months involved in training someone? Which seems difficult to believe

2nd day on site, permanent rooms are a luxury at the moment. So I’m in the section at camp usually reserved for contractors.

Here’s my thoughts, at inductions how about they teach people how to not piss off those rooming near them. FFS rooms are small, walls are thin, doors - yeah some have to be slammed, but doors can be nipped with a small extra click, and sound deadening material wears out and floors aren’t concrete.

EDIT - I should mention, 2nd day of swing, not my 2nd day on site. Been in mining for 11 years

CONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBOURS assholes!

Hey team, would appreciate some honest advice.

I've been offered an underground nipper role at George Fisher Mine with Mount Isa Mines. It's a 7 days on, 7 days off roster for $95k, with penalties and overtime included in that figure. I applied through an expression of interest a few months ago and they've only just gotten back to me.

I've been trying to get into mining for ages and have spent a couple of grand on tickets to give myself the best chance, so obviously I'm pretty keen. The only thing is, whenever I look up Mount Isa Mines on Reddit, I seem to find a lot of horror stories, which has made me second-guess things a bit.

Another thing I'm unsure about is that they've offered me the job without even interviewing me. Is that normal for an entry-level mining role, or is it a bit of a red flag? Seems strange to get an offer without even having a proper interview.

From what I've heard, nipper is a good way to get your foot in the door underground, learn the ropes, and eventually move into other roles once you've got some experience under your belt.

Just wondering if anyone who's worked at George Fisher or Mount Isa Mines, or has experience underground, could give me some advice.

Would you take the offer? Am I overthinking the negatives, or is there genuinely a reason to be cautious? Keen to hear people's honest experiences, good or bad.

Cheers!

EDIT: "7 weeks on 7 weeks off" to "7 days on, 7 days off"

Looks like it’s that time of year again with rounds of redundancies. With Rio, continuing their lay offs, looks like BHP has also started across its WAIO operations. Apparently it’s only the beginning too with more yet to come. Anyone else heard anything from other companies/ resources- minres/ FMG?

I really do feel sorry for those not expecting it.

I have been offered a job at Fortescue and I have been told all about the great maternity leave benefits but the qualifying period isn't clear. How long do you have to be employed at fortescue before you are eligible?

Hey All,

I have been living in Perth for the past 2 years so far. I just landed a FIFO Full time role with a 2:1 swing. I am planning on vacating my shared house, as I will be onsite majority of the time and mostly, it's to save up on rent . I pay $210 without bills.

I was planning on taking up Airbnb, and that's the option which I figured out so far .

I dont know whether BALI is an option coz I still can't turn my head around the fact if the plane gets delayed or if something happens ? How do you guys do it, especially on a 2:1 swing ? Plz share if possible.

Plz do share ANY ADVICES or Suggestions regarding places ?????

Any insights and previous experiences are welcomed.

Thank you

A mate was looking at moving to a higher-paying role, but once he started adding up the extra travel and longer swings, he wasn't so sure it was worth it. Got me thinking about how different mining jobs can look once you're actually doing them rather than just looking at the advertised rate.

Has anyone taken a job for the money and ended up regretting it? Or gone the other way and moved somewhere with less pay but been much happier?

I know it's not mining, but I figured there's enough cross over in skills and work that a few people here would have experience or there currently.

I'm looking to get on it and just wanted to know if people had experience with what it's like. People, culture, the camp. Anything really. Thanks...sorry if it doesn't belong here.

@scottjonphotography

I dont think it went anywhere but its a wild story...

For background. I am an environmental advisor / specialist / with some superintendent experience.

11 years mining experience, 7 in environmental. Worked overseas in SouthEast Asia and within NSW.

I am applying for jobs in WA but am not having much luck, is it mostly due to not being located in WA? or just because of not having WA experience in regard to WA Legislation.

Any tips would be great.

looking to head over there with my partner who is also in mining and hopefully get on the same roster somewhere. Willing to relocate to WA as well and have noted that in my cover letter.

My boys and I are looking for fossils or gems in Flinders Ranges. We are in Parachilna area but will travel if need be. Thanks!

I’m finishing up my FIFO role soon and have accumulated 11 days personal leave. If you don’t use them you lose them so will be looking to take all 11 in on go.

What’s the best place to get one for this long and what’s the best excuse to cover this period that it will look legit?

Hey all, after some honest advice from people who've done it.

My background:
1. Trade certified in mechanical engineering in UK.

1. About 12 years in the industry: oil and gas onshore and offshore, then moved to Australia in 2022 and did contract shutdown work across power stations, iron ore and lithium.

2. Moved into a QA/Project Planner role on refinery turnaround, then Project Supervisor on a refinery decommissioning project.

4 Currently an SMP Supervisor on a construction project at a mine, FIFO, full-time, about 5 months in.

My questions:
1. What's the fastest realistic path from Supervisor to Superintendent? How long did it take you, and what actually got you the step up?

1. Once you're at Superintendent, what are the main paths after that, and which ones pay best long term? Project/Construction Manager, Shutdown Manager, owner-side maintenance roles, something else? Contracting with your own pty Ltd?

2. I've got the option to do a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. Is it worth it?

Open to any location or FIFO. Appreciate any input.