Mining camp life Western Australia

Sundy

So ive pretty much been head hunted to go work in a mine in WA. The wages are spectacular and it would probably be 8/6, 2/1 or 1/1. I dont know yet but it will be one of the above.
there is also a possibility of accom provided in Perth for out time, is this usual?

I wondering what mining camp life is like from someone who has been there, done that. Its hard to find much on the internet as to what its like there.

Is the food good?
What is the atmosphere like? relaxed, tension?
FIFO wise, do you feel lost on your time off?
I'll have get a months worth of paid holidays, what way do they generally work?
How much money will i lose to tax and superannuation?

If anybody who actually works FIFO can answer this it would be great thanks.
This is a great opportunity for me but im torn between going and staying here.

Edit: sorry, found alot of this in a search but if anybody has anything to contribute that would be great. Thanks

ellaq

Have you seen how many people post here that would love to be in your shoes? I would say give it a go, even if you decide it is not for you it is an amazing experience.

Every camp is different and every company runs things a little differently.

Food should be fine. It is plentiful with lots of options. Everything is provided except for alcohol and soft drinks. Most camps make an effort with food, especially the bigger ones. Most camps also have a wet mess (bar), gyms, sporting equipment and facilities, tv and games room. You will have to do your own laundry.

With regards to tension and atmosphere. It really does depend on the dynamics of the people that work there. Fights do happen and some petty things do get blown out of proportion but my OH has never had any issues. Basically if you are the sort to look for trouble then you will find it. Otherwise you should be fine.

You wage will vary greatly depending on what roster you do. If you do a 1/1 then you basically are working around 5 months of the year so your wage will be a lot less than a 2/1. 5 weeks paid leave seems to be the norm but companies have different policies on how it can be taken. Some will only pay for 8 hours per day, others pay for 12. You may be able to get leave loading on top of it.

Lots of tax calculators on the net. Super should be paid on top of your wage.

If you want more specific camp info you can PM me.

Sundy

Thanks ellaq. Im almost 90% set on going but just have a few other things to consider before its final. Im waiting to hear back more about the job, should know next week, and at that point if i need more info il pm you.

I know im fortunate to have a job opportunity but its come as a surprise and when i consider it, it would be nice to get out of ireland for a while.

dizzle with ur frizzle

well. im headin oz myself and im thinkin of doin mining too? do either of you know, does mining cover the 3 months regional work for second year visa, and how much roughly, would the wage be per week?

mandrake04

dizzle with ur frizzle wrote: »

well. im headin oz myself and im thinkin of doin mining too? do either of you know, does mining cover the 3 months regional work for second year visa, and how much roughly, would the wage be per week?

Yeah mining is defined as specified work for 2nd WHV, the wages is probably $2500-$3000 per week.

Bet you are glad that your mining degree and years of mining experience is going come in handy now, only 3 months and you can get a 2nd year WHV.

too easy.

dizzle with ur frizzle

holy mother of god. but tell me this, are the mines as dangerous as they used to be? and how wud i get into a mine?

jank

If you need to be asking that question I dont think you will be working at a mine anytime soon.

TeddyTedson

mandrake04 wrote: »

Yeah mining is defined as specified work for 2nd WHV, the wages is probably $2500-$3000 per week.

Bet you are glad that your mining degree and years of mining experience is going come in handy now, only 3 months and you can get a 2nd year WHV.

too easy.

OMG

Can anyone get this job?

Can I do it for the whole year in Oz?

aido79

dizzle with ur frizzle wrote: »

holy mother of god. but tell me this, are the mines as dangerous as they used to be? and how wud i get into a mine?

What qualifications or mining experience do you bave? On a whv with no experience or relevant qualifications your cv will probably end up in the shredder. This question has been asked already many times on this forum so do a search. There are so many people trying to get into the mines that you're chances of getting a job there without experience and relevant qualifications or tickets are practically zero.

dizzle with ur frizzle

good man jank.......... :rolleyes:

mandrake04

dizzle with ur frizzle wrote: »

holy mother of god. but tell me this, are the mines as dangerous as they used to be?

Dangerous enough I suppose, not good if you have a touch of claustrophobia.

dizzle with ur frizzle wrote: »

how wud i get into a mine?

Usually in one of those mine elevators

irishmover

mandrake04 wrote: »

Usually in one of those mine elevators

Actually no, quite a few mines are drive through declines.

mandrake04

irishmover wrote: »

Actually no, quite a few mines are drive through declines.

Yeah I guessed so, think you missed the sarcasm in that post.

ellaq

irishmover wrote: »

Actually no, quite a few mines are drive through declines.

But underground pays the best

As for dangerous. I reckon maybe 1 death on average every 2 months in WA, may be higher in the last 6 months. But I haven't been tracking properly. The deaths are usually not given a lot of media, often just a small paragraph in the middle of the paper... I have to tell my OH. He would only know if the death was on his site or in his company. And that doesn't include the number of electricutions and serious injuries on site.

Lets not forget the young Irish lad that dies up North in WA a few months ago. He was working for a scaffolding company.

irishmover

ellaq wrote: »

But underground pays the best

Many underground mines use drive through declines (a decline is like a large central spiralling tunnel which will generally give you access to most of the mine). Never worked in an open pit mine so cant comment.

mandrake04 wrote: »

Yeah I guessed so, think you missed the sarcasm in that post.

No I got the sarcasm, which is why I replied.

ellaq

irishmover wrote: »

Many underground mines use drive through declines (a decline is like a large central spiralling tunnel which will generally give you access to most of the mine). Never worked in an open pit mine so cant comment.



No I got the sarcasm, which is why I replied.

So if you have worked in the mining industry in Australia maybe you could answer the OP. Maybe you might have a different impression than myself. I seem to be the only person answering these questions these days so a different prerogative might help people.

irishmover

ellaq wrote: »

So if you have worked in the mining industry in Australia maybe you could answer the OP. Maybe you might have a different impression than myself. I seem to be the only person answering these questions these days so a different prerogative might help people.

Oh I would definitely have helped the OP out if I did work in mining in Australia but I havent! Only a year in a mine in Ireland unfortunately.

I've done a little bit of research about mines in Australia but really couldnt give a good enough answer to the OP's questions.

Although in saying that:

OP take a look here if you havent already

someday2010

Definitely go for it you will earn an absolute fortune the rosters you mention are good. Remember you will spend nothing when you are on site. Mining is not dangerous especially if you are working for the big 2/3. As long as you do not do something stupid. The big 2/3 have an unwavering commitment to safety and will sack on the spot anyone who does anything dangerous or that contravenes their health and safety policy and procedures. Most of the mining in WA is open pit. All of the Iron Ore mining which accounts for most of the sector in WA is open pit i.e. the same as rock quarries back home.

There are plenty of Irish people working directly in the mining industry or indirectly in construction work associated with the mining industry in WA. You have nothing to lose by trying it out. It is not easy but at the end of the day the rewards are phenomenal.

Sundy

Hey thanks for all the advice. Ellaq, hopefully if i go il help out with the advice.

Its quite a daunting choice to decided to move from ireland, when i have a secure job (doesnt mean i like it though) etc, but im gona do it. As they say you only live once.

I find it quite interesting to hear what mining life is like, because i have really no idea what its like.
If all goes to plan il be working in an open pit, im still waiting to hear. I'll keep this thread updated as to how the recruitment process goes.

backflick

Thanks everyone for the great advice in this thread (especially about camp life etc.).

I am currently in Melbourne where I have been working as a Contracts Administrator for the past 2 years (3 years before that in Ireland). I was thinking of going out to the mines for a couple of years before I go back home. Although I haven’t applied for any jobs yet I have being looking them up every couple of days.

The main question I have is in FIFO work do companies generally just fly the people back to Perth or would they fly them back to anywhere in Australia (or do I have to pay for my own connecting flight). I have a great house here and my girlfriend has a good job so moving to Perth is not an option really.

Also, I am on a 457 visa at the moment, would you think mining companies would be interested in taking this over or would I go to the bottom of the pile with the 457 visa holders?

mandrake04

backflick wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the great advice in this thread (especially about camp life etc.).

I am currently in Melbourne where I have been working as a Contracts Administrator for the past 2 years (3 years before that in Ireland). I was thinking of going out to the mines for a couple of years before I go back home. Although I haven’t applied for any jobs yet I have being looking them up every couple of days.

The main question I have is in FIFO work do companies generally just fly the people back to Perth or would they fly them back to anywhere in Australia (or do I have to pay for my own connecting flight). I have a great house here and my girlfriend has a good job so moving to Perth is not an option really.

Also, I am on a 457 visa at the moment, would you think mining companies would be interested in taking this over or would I go to the bottom of the pile with the 457 visa holders?

What you are looking to administrate mining contracts? would that be FIFO or maybe just based in Perth?

backflick

mandrake04 wrote: »

What you are looking to administrate mining contracts? would that be FIFO or maybe just based in Perth?

It would be more assessing works done by contractors on site and dealing with subcontractors. A lot of the jobs are FIFO working in the mine offices.

Most of the jobs advertised seem to be based in Hedland, Karratha etc.

ellaq

Not sure about the 457 but you can only try. The fact that you have been working in Australia for a few years would probably help your chances. Are you in a position to apply for PR yet?

Getting a job from over East is also not a problem at all. Most people on my OH crew are from the eastern states. The company pays for transport to Perth airport, from there you are on your own. The guys usually just bulk book cheap flights home a few months in advance. The cost of your flights back to Melbourne are not tax deductible, the tax office are very clear on this.

Sometimes you might see a company willing to pay the flights to the eastern states, those jobs are few and far.

uglyjohn

ellaq wrote: »

Not sure about the 457 but you can only try. The fact that you have been working in Australia for a few years would probably help your chances. Are you in a position to apply for PR yet?

Sometimes you might see a company willing to pay the flights to the eastern states, those jobs are few and far.

backflick
if you have a skill and qualification in demand the 457 probably wouldnt be a big problem. if they have a role and think you're the man for the job they'll do what it takes to get you.
i think the role your describing is commercial/contracts manager. sponsorship wouldnt be a problem for that but i'd be very surprised to see a site admin on a 457.

OP what sort of role are you going for? if you're being head hunted it seems like you'd be a professional which implies salary rather than hourly wages. is it mining or mine construction? if you're management then rosters are generally 8/6 for mining and 2/1 or 3/1 for civil. civil generally pays a little bit better in my experience but it varies for very specialised roles. one thing to bear in mind is that although while they money they're offering may seem great from ireland it could be a lot less than all your australian peers are on when you get here. i know a lot of poms that were hired on what they thought were big dollars in london and then they realised they were being underpaid for australia and locked into long contracts with relocation/visa costs to be repaid if they left early.

ellaq

I think the OP is in the geology field.

I have also noticed the money issue. Some companies are really taking the piss with the money offered.

backflick

uglyjohn wrote: »

backflick
if you have a skill and qualification in demand the 457 probably wouldnt be a big problem. if they have a role and think you're the man for the job they'll do what it takes to get you.
i think the role your describing is commercial/contracts manager. sponsorship wouldnt be a problem for that but i'd be very surprised to see a site admin on a 457.

Yea contracts manager or quantity surveyor would be my role. Seek and other websites seem to have a lot of jobs that i would fit well into at the moment, lack of mining experience and my 457 visa will go against me though which could make it hard to get a foot in the door

ellaq wrote: »

Not sure about the 457 but you can only try. The fact that you have been working in Australia for a few years would probably help your chances. Are you in a position to apply for PR yet?

Getting a job from over East is also not a problem at all. Most people on my OH crew are from the eastern states. The company pays for transport to Perth airport, from there you are on your own. The guys usually just bulk book cheap flights home a few months in advance. The cost of your flights back to Melbourne are not tax deductible, the tax office are very clear on this.

Sometimes you might see a company willing to pay the flights to the eastern states, those jobs are few and far.

Thanks ellaq just as I thought about the flights from Perth, that's another cost I will have to consider before I commit to anything.

I am in a position to apply for PR but as I was thinking of going home in the next couple of years i never really followed up on it.

ballbag05

Thinking of upping sticks and humping out there for a few years, in this mining field, i am 37 have over 15 yrs experience in the construction sector in the roofing and scaffolding game, working for the last 3 years as self employed, would companies be willing to sponsor and how do you go about it?
Do u need a migration agent or can u go about it yourself?
Any help appreciated

ellaq

Celtic scaffolding has a few contracts up north. They do employ Irish lads but I am not sure about sponsorship.

whosyour_daddy

Sundy wrote: »

Hey thanks for all the advice. Ellaq, hopefully if i go il help out with the advice.

Its quite a daunting choice to decided to move from ireland, when i have a secure job (doesnt mean i like it though) etc, but im gona do it. As they say you only live once.

I find it quite interesting to hear what mining life is like, because i have really no idea what its like.
If all goes to plan il be working in an open pit, im still waiting to hear. I'll keep this thread updated as to how the recruitment process goes.

What I would give to be in your shoes. Definately go for it!
Out of curiosity how did you get offered this proposition?

Brndn

Camp life is not for everyone, it can be tough to fit in with some of these rough miners and construction workers.
Personally i find that my health deteriorates on the camp, I'm sick more often, I get indigestion, food poisoning and skin rashes etc while I'm here. I improve on my week off. This is coming from someone who is rarely sick.
You get the big wages for a reason, you are heavily restricted in what you can and can't do. Trivial things, like you can't talk on a mobile and walk at the same time! Sometimes the health and safety rules seem over the top and are policed by anal super-nazi supervisors.
I am lucky enough to be on a 15/ 6 roster, but once I did 5 weeks up here and it was hell!

Also you will be super lucky to get a job up here with no experience. If you have zero experience you'll have to know someone high up to have a shot at a job. I was lucky enough to get a shot at covering someone's annual leave for a week and then made a good enough impression to get kept on when that person quit.

whosyour_daddy

Brndn wrote: »

Camp life is not for everyone, it can be tough to fit in with some of these rough miners and construction workers.
Personally i find that my health deteriorates on the camp, I'm sick more often, I get indigestion, food poisoning and skin rashes etc while I'm here. I improve on my week off. This is coming from someone who is rarely sick.
You get the big wages for a reason, you are heavily restricted in what you can and can't do. Trivial things, like you can't talk on a mobile and walk at the same time! Sometimes the health and safety rules seem over the top and are policed by anal super-nazi supervisors.
I am lucky enough to be on a 15/ 6 roster, but once I did 5 weeks up here and it was hell!

Also you will be super lucky to get a job up here with no experience. If you have zero experience you'll have to know someone high up to have a shot at a job. I was lucky enough to get a shot at covering someone's annual leave for a week and then made a good enough impression to get kept on when that person quit.

What kind of leisure facilities does your camp have, if any? Is there a gym? place to run?
Thanks.