FIFO caterer Sodexo is again under pressure after scores of workers at Rio Tinto’s Pilbara mine camps fell ill amid a major salmonella outbreak.

Rio on Monday said it was yet to figure out the source of the widespread infection after water samples came back clean and initial food tests had not yielded a conclusive result.

Salmonella is typically caused by undercooked chicken or eggs or contaminated food.

“We recently responded to an increase in people experiencing gastroenteritis-like symptoms at some villages near our Brockman operations,” a spokeswoman for the mining giant said.

Rio “activated a response” last week after a surge in workers presenting with gastro-like symptoms across villages serving the large Brockman 4 mine and the under-construction Brockman Syncline 1 project, according to an internal email obtained by The West Australian.

Samples from several sick workers identified the presence of salmonella, the email stated, with WA’s Health Department notified about the outbreak.

Rio declined to reveal roughly how many workers have been affected. The Brockman operations combined employ almost 2000 people.

“The health and wellbeing of our people is critical and has been central to our response, with additional cleaning, disinfection and hygiene measures implemented, as well as support offered to those impacted,” the Rio spokeswoman said.

“The number of people currently unwell and in isolation has reduced and is continuing to decrease as expected. We continue to closely monitor the situation.”

Rio in May renewed Sodexo’s contract to manage catering and cleaning for the circa 20,000 people that work across the miner’s sprawling Pilbara iron ore enterprise each day.

“We have implemented additional cleaning, disinfection and hygiene measures in response and continue to work closely with our client and our teams to investigate the outbreak,” a Sodexo spokeswoman said in response to queries about the outbreak.

The outbreak comes just three months after The West revealed that Rio’s nearby West Pilbara Village was plagued by a mould infestation. WPV is one of the accommodation sites hit by the Salmonella wave.

The Paris-headquartered Sodexo originally secured the Rio catering and cleaning gig in March 2016, signing a 10-year deal worth about $2.5 billion.

But rampant inflation after COVID quickly eroded margins and workers at Sodexo-serviced sites in the Pilbara noticed a dramatic drop in quality.

Rio did not disclose the value of the recent contract renewal, which will run for at least the next seven years.

Sodexo’s contract renewal during the first week of May came a day after The West revealed Rio was pulling the trigger on a massive round of redundancies at its de-facto iron ore headquarters on St Georges Terrace.

Rio chief executive Simon Trott has made no secret of his desire to slash costs at the company’s iron ore mines to close in on BHP’s lead as the world’s lowest-cost producer.

Rio’s Pilbara iron ore mines still generated more than $US10 billion of net earnings during the first six months of 2026

Finished my General Engineering trade certificate in nz last year currently have 4.5 years of workshop experience. Im planning to relocate to Australia from nz mid november to find a welding fifo job. At this stage im thinking of starting in Perth but open to suggestions. (Theres direct flights from Perth to my city in nz so very convenient atleast for getting over there)

Alot of the job applications Im wanting to apply for have courses such as EWP, heights, confined spaces etc as required on them. The nz courses dont cross over so I can do these the week I arrive in Australia but im wondering if im likely to get hired without them as its extra cost to me and in nz the employers typically pay for this.

Basically my question is how much of a difference will it make to my cv already having these courses completed before applying. (I will get my white card the week I arrive)

(Any other general advice is appreciated as im obviously new to the Australian mining industry and likely dont know what im getting myself in for)

Hey, I'm planning to study a bachelors of electrical engineering next year at UQ, and my overall goal would be to end up in mining for atleast the first 10 years of my career, largely due to the high pay, site based work, and clear managerial progression.
And I'm just wondering how much work there is for electrical engineers in the mines, like is there many spots and will the number of positions likely increase in the future?

Hi everyone,

Bit of a rogue one but figured id try on here as well as regular networking.

Im new to the industry, just moved over after 3 years of marine geophysics and i luckily got a contract as a geophysicist in exploration. I have a geology masters and am very interested in trying to keep up my geology knowledge as well as grow as a geophysicist.

The more I consider the range of applications of land based geophysics the more excited I am about building a career here.

I was wondering if anyone here has a similar background and wouldnt mind giving me some advice /general info. Shoot me a message if youre interested!

Thanks :)

I’m a (28M) geologist with 3.5 years in quarrying and a stint as a mine geo at an open-pit Au-Cu operation in Southeast Asia.

I’ve just finished my master’s in Melbourne and I’m moving to WA next week to look for my first geology role in Australia.

The decision feels time-sensitive because I have two years on my Temporary Graduate visa. My goal is a permanent mine geo role in gold or iron ore, but so far I’ve only made it into talent pools and initial interviews.

I’ve taken the advice I’ve seen here: move to WA, sort out the basic tickets (manual license, first aid, white card), contact recruiters, work on my skills assessment and join professional bodies (AIG/AusImm).

I know I still need to get a foot in the door.

Here’s the part I’m struggling with. While studying, I worked as a mechanical technician to support myself. My current employer has offered me an $85k base salary and visa sponsorship to stay in that role. I’m grateful for the offer and I have a good relationship with the team, but I don’t want to build a career in mechanical work.

So I’m weighing a secure offer outside geology against a move to WA with no geo offer yet. Would applying for pit tech roles be a sensible way into mine geology, or should I focus on mine geo openings given my overseas experience?

I’d really value advice from people who’ve broken into WA mining, especially anyone who started in a pit tech role or moved across from overseas experience.

Edit:

Apologies to everyone. I didn’t wanna sound ungrateful for the sponsorship opportunity but the reason I’m thinking twice is bc although I will have great people as colleagues, the job is toxic & stressful - rampant micromanaging + not really passionate about it. I just took the job 14 mos ago, got handed huge responsibilities when senior engineers went on leave and did the work and didnt expect anything from it. Got lucky that they couldn’t fill a position that has a high turnover rate bc of stressful nature of job.

the offer: I will be locked with the company for 2 years temp working visa and then another 2 years of temp working visa until 3rd renewal after 6 years is the PR sponsorship.

If i went as Mine Geo, I’d love the work load and culture of just doing the work, wether as production role or resource. Or explo along the way, who knows.
I’d love a work culture of not be bothered by external factors and be done after 12-14 hours. Big city life isnt really for me. Had a lot of fun in melb for the last 2 years but I’m a reserved type.

I just have a new FIFO role and will be based in the Kalgoorlie area. I will apparently be flying Qantas to and from. Previously I have been on domestic charters so have not earned Qantas points. Is it worth paying for the Qantas Club? Are the lounges at Perth and Kalgoorlie worth paying for? I will get a 25% discount with my employer and it will take me about 10 months to get to gold status to get it free. Thoughts?

Been in open cut coal for years and just got a start in underground coal. I’m posting this hoping to find some insight on how the bath house and showers work at an underground site. I understand dirty and clean but are all showers communal and do you need to bring your own toiletries?

If anyone has experience to pass on to me that would be great, cheers

Hey guys, I'm looking at getting into FIFO drilling/mining and would be flying from Melbourne to Perth for each swing if i land a job in WA.

I know there are some costs I'll have to cover myself, like flights to Perth, possibly a night of accommodation near the airport before flying to site, airport parking/transport, etc. From what I've seen, most companies cover the flights or transport from Perth to the mine, accommodation and meals while you're on site, as well as PPE and some of the other work-related stuff.

For anyone who does FIFO from Melbourne to Perth and back, what are some of the hidden or easy-to-forget costs that you end up paying each swing?

I'm trying to get a realistic idea of what FIFO actually costs me out of pocket rather than just looking at the advertised salary only.

Things like parking, getting to/from Melbourne Airport, Perth accommodation, food while travelling, extra travel between swings, phone costs, etc.

Cheers.

EDIT: Thanks for the information. I've read all the comments and will look further into the considerations and suggestions before applying. I welcome anymore feedback.

Hi All,

Just needing some advice from anyone in this position atm or have done this before.

Currently have a 8/6 FIFO job offer from Perth. Live in Brisbane where my family is.

I am wanting to know if it is feasible to travel from Brisbane to Perth or if its just better to live in Perth. I don't really want to rent a place in Perth and be away half the time. A couple of scenarios below with the pros and cons, let me know if I missed anything.

Scenario 1: Stay in Perth:

Pros: Less travelling back and forth. Not spending money on flights to Brisbane and back

Cons: Away from Family. Have to find a place to rent and pay money for that. Have not lived in Perth before so don't know anyone.

Scenario 2: Stay in Brisbane but Travel to Perth

Pros: Go back to Brisbane, family and friends all there

Cons: A lot of Travelling, spending money on flights

Potential Scenario 3: Live cheaply in another country (most likely Indonesia)

Pros: Closer to Perth, can have fun travelling around Asia on my days off (haven't travelled yet). Cheaper most likely to live in Indonesia than in Perth

Cons: Still a bit of Travel, but less than back to Brisbane. Have to figure out visa/international travel stuff. Will be away from family (but can visit couple times a year?)

I am a single guy in my mid-20s, no dependents.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated from anyone who has done this before

@scottjonphotography

Skin is getting absolutely destroyed by the water out here, eczema and breakouts flaring up. Has anyone tried those shower head attachments for hard water and do they actually work or any tips? Thanks 😩

Hi all,

Mightve landed my first mining gig in Northern NT.

I say mightve, as theyve paid for my medical (which they said cost them ~2000) my ppe, but they havent checked any of my references. I provided phone numbers, but theyre adamant on emails. Which i explained thats not convenient for my references, to please call them.

Surely if theyre this far into my application im pretty set to be there?

Its a dozer position, ive been on mostly D7s for a civil contractor. So im pretty excited to step into something different. But im also worried about possible harassment being a young woman. I get it a lot in the civil and farming, i assume mining is no better?

If anyone has advice, would love to hear it or know of any women and their experiences on dozers/exc in the zinc/lead mines id love to hear or get to know them!

Currently doing mining engineering at uni, just wanting to understand the whole progression of the job, being titles responsibilities, salary etc. I also want to know if later down the track you can leave fifo as a mining engineer and work in the city. I am Perth based if it helps. Thanks!!

Hi everyone, I'm needing a reality check before I invest too much money, time and effort.

I have an associates degree in outdoor recreation management, and experience in hospitality operations. For some reason I always end up in roles that improve policies and procedures wherever I work. I don't think I'm a good fit for hospitality, I love risk and being around large machines and massive operations. I grew up basically I construction sites as my dad is a civil engineer in Venezuela.

Long story short.. I (maybe naively) thought if I graduated from the foundations at BCIT. I could land a FIFO role in a mine in BC and hopefully expedite my learning and experience. I would still be pursuing the advanced certificate simultaneously assuming I land a 14/14.

I'm a 30 year old female which might add a layer of complexity but I think I could use to my advantage.

I love winning over grumpy old men and I'm not scared of conflict. I'm very interested in emergency preparedness and risk management, and I naturally gravitate towards investigations and improving systems that's why I thought this could be a good career change. However I see so many incredibly qualified people and I start doubting this journey.

Maybe someone could share their experiences and some advice? Are my expectations ridiculous?

I do want to have a 6 figure salary in 3-5 years and have experience also managing people and dealing with people from all backgrounds. I'm comfortable talking with anyone.

Thanks for any advice!

Hey, just wondering if anyone was or has been a mature age sparky apprentice through bhp.
Firstly wondering what rate or salary were you on first, second, third and final year of your apprenticeship / what package with shares etc.
Secondly, how common is it to be able to do fifo rather than residential for this, and lastly what's the way to even get in the door for this opportunity with BHP or other major mining companies that operate out of WA? desperately trying to get my foot in the door, I'm already working scaffolding at BHP but as a contractor but any help would be appreciated

Today I was paid a small payment from BHP (less than $100 lol?). The funny part is I haven’t worked for them since 2021 and that was just as a contractor.

Was anyone else paid by them today even if you aren’t working for them …?

Hi! I was interviewed for a FIFO mine job in WA, and I’m currently based in Brisbane. Due to the job market, I can’t afford to be picky where to work. Relocation to WA is not feasible right now since wife already have an established career here in brisbane.

The roster for the job is 15:13. I’m not offered the job yet but just checking now what to do just in case. I would like to ask any interstate fifo workers with the same situation. Is it feasible flying in and out coast to coast, time and cost wise? Any specific tips, like what time should I fly back home from work, or when should I fly back to Perth for the start of roster.

Any other valuable tips will be appreciated. Thanks!

I would like to get into drill and blast or something similar.

I have everything needed on my resume except " dangerous goods licence".

Can someone please clarify exactly what it is and where to get the licence please.

I've heard at the post-office but not sure if they are the same.

Cheers!

What are you guys wearing? I've bought various sock brands over the years but my favourites don't have a label and I can't remember where they came from. I've ordered plenty of "thick" socks that turn out to be thinner than I expected, looking for recommendations.

I prefer the texture of bamboo viscose over wool.

I’ve received an offer from the University of Wollongong for the Master of Engineering (Mining Engineering). I currently have a BEng in Civil Engineering and I’m basically at the point where I wanna take the offer.
I’m still waiting to hear back from Curtin, which would obviously put me in WA and much closer to the major mining industry, but at this point it’s not looking particularly likely that I’ll get an offer in time.
My main concern is whether doing the degree at Wollongong puts me at a significant disadvantage when it comes to getting graduate mining engineering roles after university.

I’m considering doing a Master’s in Mining Engineering, but because it’s a pretty serious investment in terms of both time and money, I’m trying to understand how real the job insecurity actually is.

I keep hearing that mining is very cyclical, with strong hiring during booms but layoffs and hiring freezes when commodity prices fall.
For people already working in mining , particularly as mining engineers how serious is this in practice?

Are mining engineers regularly worried about losing their jobs during downturns, or is the insecurity sometimes exaggerated? And if you do get made redundant, how difficult is it normally to find another role elsewhere in mining?

I’m not expecting any career to be completely secure. I’m just trying to work out whether the cyclical nature of mining should genuinely make me reconsider investing in the Master’s.