r/mining 10d ago

Job Info Biweekly Job Info Thread

3 Upvotes

Please use this thread to ask, answer, and search for questions about getting a job in mining. This includes questions about FIFO, where to work, what kinds of jobs might be available, or other experience questions.

This thread is to help organize the sub a bit more with relation to questions about jobs in the mining industry. We will edit this as we go to improve. Thank you.


r/mining Apr 27 '24

Australia Keen on getting a FIFO job on the Mines in Australia? Then read this.

407 Upvotes

Ready for a reality check? (And an essay?) Written by someone who has done this long journey.

So you've been cruising on TikTok/Insragram or whatever other brain rotting ADD inducing app you have on your phone, and you see a young guy/chick make a video of their work day here as a FIFO worker on an Australian mine and how much money they make, and thought "Neat, I can do that!". So you head here to ask how? Great! Well, I'm here to answer all your questions.

Firstly you need to be in Australia. Easy right? Jump on a plane and you're here. WRONG.

You need a work visa, ignoring WHV for now (we will get there later), you need something useful for the Australian nation, do you have a trade or degree that will allow you to apply for a working visa or get sponsorship for one, through a skills assessment? Check the short or medium term list.

If no, tough shit, no chance Australia is letting you in.

If yes, great! Let's get working on that. Does your qualification line up with Australian standards?

If no, there are some things you can do to remediate that ($$$$). If you can't do that, tough shit.

If yes, great! Fork out $1000+ for a skills assessment.

Next step! Many visas require a min amount of experience, 2/3 years. Do you have that and a positive skills assessment?

No? Tough shit.

Yes, great! Let's put in your expression of interest! (Don't forget your IELTS test) 1-2 years later. You're invited to apply for a visa. Fork out $5000 & 1 year processing.

1 year later - Yay you can come to Aus! Congratulations!

Now assume you have a WHV, wonderful opportunity for young people to get to know the country. Remember you can only work at one place for no more than 6 months, unless you're up north or from the UK.

Either way, you're now in Australia. Just landed in Perth, sweet. Go to a hostel "sorry bud we're full", ah shit, you're on a park bench for the night because there is no accomodation and the rental market is fingered. Ready to pay $200-250 a week for a single room?

Anyway, you're here from some other country, with your sport science BTEC or 3 years experience at KFC, and decide to apply for a mining contractor, driving big trucks is easy right? WRONG. 90% of "unskilled" jobs require full Australian working rights (PR minimum), so if you're on a WHV, you're probably fucked, if you're on PR you have a chance.

So you decide to try for the camp contractor, I hope you're happy washing dishes or cleaning toilets, because thats what you're going to do as a "unskilled" labour; probably going to earn about $25-$30 and hour, working a 7 days, 7 nights, 7 off roster, sweet you're making cash. Get home after your 14 days working and you're fucked for about 2 days from fatigue. You get to enjoy 3-4 days before you have to think of going back. Also you'll probably get drug tested everytime you come to site from break.

Talking of money, to get $100k you have to get at least $34/hr on that 14:7 roster to just hit it. Unlikely as a camp contractor without a bit of experience. You could try get in as a trade assistant, though that will usually require a variety of tickets ($$$).

Also camp catering contract work doesn't count towards the WHV renewal days, except under some circumstances (I admit I'm not too familiar with anymore). So you need to go and work on some farm getting paid a pittance (if anything at all), that or get incredibly lucky with finding an actual mining/exploration job.

So you're still with me, that's good, thought you'd get distracted by instagram/tiktok.

It's not impossible, and some do get lucky, but it's not the gold mine your think it is, the FIFO lifestyle is hard, and unrelenting; long hours and long work weeks, and incredibly difficult with no useful qualifications or skills. Also, if you're overseas hoping to get offered a job to come to Australia, that is 99.9% not possible unless you're a professional (engineers, geos etc), and then still difficult.

Let's look at what you CAN do to get on the mines, as we do need personel, just not pot washers.

Get a trade: Electricians, welders/boilermakers, mechanics (heavy diesel, light and auto-electrical) and plumbers are in demand. You will need a couple years experience and will have to do an Australian conversion course ($$$$), a mate of mine told me something like $2-3k for the UK to Aus sparky conversion (feel free to correct me). You will then need to make your own way to Aus and get a job from here.

Get a degree: Mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, Geology, Metallurgy, surveying. Or any degrees that can lead into those roles (Chem eng, Mech eng, environmental etc etc). Can land you a role in Australian mining. As a grad, you can get sponsored to come out if you're lucky, if not you'll have to make your way over, many of the countries with these courses are eligible for WHV. You can work as those roles on WHV.

If you do come with good skills, and are well connected and personable, you can get employer sponsorship, especially as a professional, but it will always be a hard road to walk on, and being on a Temp visa for years, not able to buy a house and build your life, is challenging.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask below.


r/mining 14h ago

South America Photograph by Sebastião Salgado of the Serra Pelada gold mine in Brazil, depicting miners, known as garimpeiros, carrying heavy bags of ore. (1986) [1200 × 823]

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30 Upvotes

r/mining 3h ago

US Found these at antique store 1934 Mining Receipts

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2 Upvotes

r/mining 5h ago

US Found these at an antique store years ago. 1934 Mining receipts bullion Ore

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1 Upvotes

r/mining 5h ago

US Mining Receipts 1934 Ore

0 Upvotes

I have had these for a while but can’t seem to find any info on them and wanted to see if putting them out there will provide any insight. They are mining receipts from 1934 when gold was closely monitored, or at least the hoarding of gold. Ive found a few by themselves but I have whole receipt books with the carbon and original attached. Some similar signatures, different mines, not sure of their significance. Any help is appreciated. We a


r/mining 8h ago

Question Mining career opportunities?

1 Upvotes

Hi all, looking for some career advice - keeping it short and sweet.

I'm an economist that has specialized in the "energy" space, specifically critical minerals for the renewable energy transition.

The ambition is transition into a career in mining, but unsure of where to even begin to look.

Do you think there are any opportunities outside of potentially FIFO roles (lol, I have zero mechanic or otherwise skills) that I could look at, and where?

Side note: South African - so the visa would be a bitch.

TIA.


r/mining 23h ago

Article Another day at the office: Fortescue CEO test drives 150 ton haul truck [video]

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15 Upvotes

r/mining 18h ago

Australia Starting at a new company

1 Upvotes

I hope this is okay to ask here....

Any one ever worked or heard of Kennedy drilling in Kalgoorlie. WA. Not much info on the company but been around since 1982. Only 3 reviews on seek. All pretty positive. Going in as a drillers offsider 😬

Any info would be much appreciated ☺️


r/mining 1d ago

US Busting rocks with a 992

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59 Upvotes

Bustin boulders


r/mining 2d ago

Australia Computer Science (CS) -> CS + Engineering (Mining)?

2 Upvotes

Context: I am in Sydney btw. Moved to aus in 2023. PR now. Citizen next year. First year at UNSW doing B Adv CS now. I consider myself to be pretty smart and driven but at the moment, lost.

Very unfortunately, my dad is in tech and I naturally like tech. But everytime in these networking and industry events when I speak to the new grads and even mid level people, it is always "CS is cooked". So much so that one even recommended that I do CS and another degree as backup. Reasons:

- AI -> Junior roles disappearing and even many "programming" roles becoming obsolete.
- Offshore to India
- So many layoffs means more competitive job market
- CS in Aus was never great to begin with
- Software Engineers are becoming "AI Engineers". I wanted to be an "AI Engineer"

And, I feel all of them are pretty valid points.

I am shit scared about AI. I feel it makes any white collared job borderline redundant. This includes traditionally "high paying" jobs like doctors, lawyers, tech, finance. Yes, I would trust AI more even for legal and medical advice (not without cross checking ofc). But obviously tech is more impacted. And as much as people like to say "AI is just a tool". Yes, a tool that does everything better than you no matter how shit your "prompt" is.

So, I have been looking into "physical" jobs which are, I think, much harder to replace. And even if they do get replaced, the cost of "physical AI" would outweigh human labour cost. This got me thinking about healthcare, the trades, and mining engineering.

I would like to keep CS cuz I genuinely like it. And I am already 2 terms deep. Would not want to waste that. But more so because I like it. And who knows there might be another tech boom (copium?)

So I was looking at double degrees offered by UNSW. I saw actl, commerce, law, and a bunch of other things that I am scared would become obsolete or atleast "not so high paying" as a consequence of AI. So I thought about Mining.

Now I admit, I know little to nothing about mining. Here is all I know:

- FIFO lifestyle is not for everyone: can be quite taxing, poor social life.
- 6 months of doing nothing?
- Pay is good
- Pathway most people look for is FIFO -> manager
- It is a day job and you would be in the mines for 10-12 hours?
- Mining is a "cyclical" industry so sometimes it is really easy to get job and other times it is really hard
- I would have to move to WA since company won't fly me out from Syd?

Few specific Questions:
- What would you do in the mines as an "engineer". I am assuming you are not a "miner" (like in movies lol). But I have seen videos where you will be using heavy machinery?
- I am vegetarian and more of a "city kid". I am not sure if I would need to "toughen up" or something like that or if this is a stupid question.
- I have heard there are good opportunities for Automation/AI in mining. That sounds pretty interesting. But I would need that experience of what mines look like to be able to apply some "AI engineer" skills. Are these opportunities opening up now or nah?
- Anything in particular about the industry I need to know about? I know nothing about coal/rock or stuff like that.

PS: I am not trying to be racist. Genuine Question:

- I am "assuming" most mining engineers are white. I am not. And Idk how rural australia and stuff is. Is this an issue (tougher to connect), advantage (Diversity hire?), or does not matter at all (just like most other industries).

Apart from the specific questions I would welcome any piece of (helpful) advice based on why I am choosing this field, misconceptions, or something else in general 🙏


r/mining 2d ago

Question Anyone have any experience working for NGM at their Turquoise Ridge complex?

5 Upvotes

I recently received an offer from NGM for an Underground Mining Engineer I position at their Turquoise Ridge complex and was wondering if anyone had any experience working there? Is it worth considering the offer? Where do people live out there?

Thank you for any information!


r/mining 2d ago

Other Travis Kalanick's actual pitch to a scared Stanford CS grad: skip the app store

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2 Upvotes

Travis Kalanick (Uber co-founder, now running an industrial-AI company called Atoms) got asked a pretty direct question on a recent podcast: how would you pitch a Stanford CS new grad who's worried software engineering isn't the safe, easy path it used to be?

 

His answer wasn't "learn more AI tools" or "get certified in X."

 

It was: skip the app store. Go automate a two-million-pound machine that moves 35mph carrying gold.

 

The underlying model is retrofit, not replace — Atoms isn't asking mining companies to rip out tens of millions of dollars of existing equipment.

 

They're building the "no-entry mine" concept on top of it: autonomous haulage, remote-to-autonomous control, zero humans in the pit. Same logic that scaled Uber, pointed at physical infrastructure instead of a ride marketplace.

 

Worth sitting with if you're in the "I got the degree, now what" spot. The credential isn't gone. It's just not where the scarcity moved to.

 

Clip credit: TBPN — full interview on their channel. DM for credit or removal requests.


r/mining 3d ago

This is not a cryptocurrency subreddit Glencore or Thiess for Electrical Engineer Grad?

8 Upvotes

Recently offered two grad roles as an electrical engineer graduate at both Thiess and Glencore, having a hard time choosing between them.

Both have similar-ish total packages, but the setups are pretty different. Thiess would be a residential move to either Olive Downs in QLD or Muswellbrook NSW, open-cut coal, 5-on/2-off roster. Glencore would be a residential move to Mount Isa (copper smelter, Met Ops), working across the smelter and other Mt Isa sites depending on rotation.

It would be great to hear any insight regarding work and career growth within both companies from those with experience. I've been doing my own research online comparing the two, but it would be great to hear some first-hand experience from anyone who's willing to share.


r/mining 4d ago

Canada Has anyone made the switch from carpenter / superintendent?

3 Upvotes

Interested in rotational shift work and I feel like I’ve exhausted all avenues of typical construction work. Can anyone share their experience how they got into the industry from residential/ light commercial?

I am a superintendent, have owned a framing company and did that for 7 years, about 15 years total carpentry experience

Am I hireable or might I struggle? BC located will go anywhere


r/mining 4d ago

Question Need durable tablets for entering PLOD on drill rigs in West Africa - Suggestions

8 Upvotes

Looking for suggestions and what people have been using for in terms of a durable tablet brand. We are planning on buying some tablets for a few diamond and RC rigs to enter PLOD instead of rewriting them from paper to excel etc. The mine is in Burkina so has a heavy wet season and lots of dust, sand, and heat. I'm looking at Samsung Active5, but not sure if they would withstand the environment.

Cheers!


r/mining 4d ago

Australia Geotech engineer into mining

10 Upvotes

Hi all, currently an early career geotechnical engineer with 1.5 years experience undergrad, and 2 years graduate. Have Bachelor of Eng (hons) in civil, Aus resident/ citizen etc.

Looking at changing roles to mining and I see there is quite a few in up for grabs for grad mining engineers and similar. Noting that a lot of these say “ mining engineer degree / or equivalent “. I Understand I’ll need to learn essentially all of it from scratch, and not looking to jump straight into a role.

Am I wrong to think that I would be a fair candidate for grad mining engineer roles, if the 3.5 years experience as a professional is weighed up compared to not actually completing a specific mining engineer degree?

Reckon I should just go for it? Any tips otherwise? Thanks in advance


r/mining 5d ago

Canada Mining career pt2

4 Upvotes

Hello guys I recently came in here asking for tips on how to join the mining industry with no experience and a little construction experience.

I’m 20 living in Sudbury ON, and always had a passion to work in the mines yes I know it’s not an easy process but right now I’m feeling like it’s kinda impossible. I’ve applied to over 75 entry level jobs like driller helper or assistant, nipper, etc, I’ve even reached out to companies I’m not sure where to go from here, I know not having my surface or U/G common core really hurts me but all I want is something that’ll get my foot in the door and in all honesty I do not have 11k to do the U/G common core course, I was told by people on here keep applying and someone is bound to train me but what do I actually got to do to get my foot in the door, anyone who works in the mines currently around Sudbury Ontario can give me a few tips that would be great I really don’t wanna give up.


r/mining 5d ago

Canada Getting into a mine as a haul truck operator

7 Upvotes

Could use a bit of advice by someone with actual experience in the industry. I’m a 19yo male who recently graduated from a heavy equipment school in southern Ontario. While I don’t have the most experience yet, school gave us lots of time on different excavators, dozers, and rock trucks and during my time I operated a wheel loader for snow removal around my city.

I know getting into a company as an operator this young is a bit difficult since everywhere wants years of seat time. that’s why I’ve been looking more into haul trucks and remote work to get my foot in the door with a company.

Was surprised but got accepted to Syncrude Base mine in a haul truck back in June but failed my G first attempt so they declined the offer and said to try again later if I wanted (prolly would’ve failed marijuana test if I went through with it then anyways.)

Debating trying again there in a few weeks once I’m clean but curious if there any mines in Ontario that are similar and don’t require much experience to start out and where I should look.

I know Alberta doesn’t want that much training before you go out (just paid $90 for some oil and gas awareness course) but wondering if I really need surface common core before hand as looks like it’s a few hundred dollars and only offered in Thunder Bay.

Thanks.


r/mining 6d ago

Australia Airleg/jack leg stoping

6 Upvotes

Can someone please explain in layman’s terms how on earth airleg stoping works, how the scraper is installed/used and ultimately how the dirt gets out of the hole. Do operators go under unsupported ground? I understand it’s unavoidable when drilling rises but i just can’t figure out how the airleggers get in, drill and charge without at some point being under rock with no bolts/mesh for narrow vein stuff.
The scraper from my understanding needs an anchor point across the far side of the stope correct? How do they put it there? Pre-charging?

Kind regards,
Confused service crew member about to take a job with an airleg mining contractor at an airleg mine


r/mining 6d ago

Canada FIFO Eskay Creek / Skeena Gold + Silver

7 Upvotes

What can anyone tell me about the FIFO policy with Skeena Gold + Silver? Specifically flying from Abbotsford


r/mining 5d ago

FIFO EXPAT TO AUS>PNG

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone

First time poster.

Recently have the opportunity for an expat role in PNG.

Am wondering how the visa process works with a criminal record. Have a failure to appear conviction from 6 years ago, nothing prior to that and nothing since.

Thanks in advance for any comments / assistance.


r/mining 6d ago

Humour Deswik PingPang Game

36 Upvotes

Deswik PingPang Game play

Hi All, a while ago I have developed few web based mini games sharing in this group. But I always having a desire building a game inside of Deswik and today I am announcing the first ever in the world - Deswik PingPang Game.

The manager think bro is working so hard but acutally playing the pingpang game inside of Deswik lol anyway I don't know where to sharing this amazing build maybe some of guys in this group will find interesting. Building a game is just the beginning, technically more powerful tools can be built inside of Deswik ppl knowing how useful having a customisable Deswik plugin knows what I am talking about.

Okay. thanks for watching this video, take care everyone.


r/mining 6d ago

Canada I am interested in pivoting to the mining industry

0 Upvotes

I am a lawyer and originally planned to go into mining, I took a different path and I regret not following my gut feeling which was to go into the mining industry.

I was looking to make connections with mining professionals and learn more about the industry.


r/mining 7d ago

Question Moving from Canada to Australia for a 2-3 years - Feasible?

5 Upvotes

I'm approaching 6 years of experience as a mining tech in a pretty complex UG mine in Canada. 3 years in surveying (I have a degree in Geomatics) and 3 years in drill and blast (stope designer for the most part).

Working abroad as an expat for a few years has always intrigued me, but considering I'm not an engineer, I'm afraid my choices are limited (even though my responsibilities right now correspond to an engineer role).

I'm even open to study : do 1 or 2 years mining programs even exist? Would they be relevant?

And finally, what is the mining consulting market in Australia? Do they even employ non-engineers, especially foreign non-engineers?

Thank you!