The mines in Perth
 

Anybody tell me anything about the mines? Do you need a trade? Can you work casual / tempor:confused::confused:ary ie for 2 - 6 weeks? What is the av rate of pay for a non-qualified / tradesman working there? How safe are these mines? What are they mining - sorry my ignorance?

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Well, the mines are not in Perth, but either up north (Port Hedland, Kimberley, etc) or east (Kalgoorlie). You will probably need a trade to work there...otherwise what did you plan to do? Probably pretty unlikely that you can work temp at the mines. There are many different types of mines in WA, diamonds, coal, gold, other minerals. Yes, the mines are relatively safe as far as mines go.

Take a look at some of the mining companies for what opportunities are available for your particular skills/experience.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining_...tern_Australia

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Worsley (google them ) also has a massive expansion going on at their Collie site which is 50 (ish) km out of Bunbury. THey do 'drive in drive out' and the company is currently snapping up all sorts of housing around Australind for its workers. May be worth a look if you dont wanna go way up north. I believe Iluka, which has place in Caple and also one North of Harvey also do the same sort of work (but dont quote me on that one!)

Re: The mines in Perth
 

I can't help with your work queries, sorry but I would look into it if you can get a job before going for it.
I worked in a few mining toiwns and lived in Kalgoorlie for a year and it's definitely different.
It really takes dedication I'd say to be in that environment.
I see you have three kids, I was there as a young single woman and I wouldn't take my daughter there to live at all.
I think it could be hard even if you were FIFO. I know a lot of guys found it very dificult and a lot of marriages went down the pan.
Oh, and I hated Collie every time I went btw, I'd take Kal, or Leonora or Mt Magnet over there any day!

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Yes I think you can safely say the newly arrived british bride with 3 kids, interpretation of the australian dream is probably not some mining town 1700 klms from civilisation. :D :eek:

Seriously, most men fly in fly out, so wife would probably be in perth with 3 small kids and no family back up for weeks at a time. R has flown in and out of projects in North qld and at that time we had 3 kids of various ages. Frankly most women would not want to be dumped in that situation on arrival in a new country which they may/may not even like.

However as a teacher rural/remote life might be part of the WA education system if you want a postiing with them, so more research on these type of places might be worthwhile not just for mines.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

you cant simply walk onto the mines, you will need first aid, Hr license, marksta as well as other things.

For unskilled minesite workers the money aint that great neither the shift rotation 2on 1 off paying around $90k a year.

might as well stay in the big smoke and live life

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Everyone seems to think the mines are great,want the money.You're not close to Perth and you would generally work 7 X 10 hr or12hr shifts for 13 days straight.The days when the companies gave you a house close to the mine and you lived there with your family are long gone.Whole towns disappeared.

In my glory days (cue B Springsteen) chasing the money in the 80,s we did 7 X 12 usually with 6 weeks on 1 week off.

I see some of the young tradesmen that do shutdowns once in awhile,they tend to work 6 months of the year.They went chasing the big money and they all say the same thing,staff turnover is extremely high as the heat and long hours really grind you down.Some people think it is great though.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Agree. You either hate it or love it. I think it takes a specific type of person to be able to handle it. Marriages can take a lot of strain and some fail. Some guys, especially the more senior/experienced guys, can make a fortune. The senior superintendents on our project can earn $300-500k. Also, a lot of younger guys who are looking for good experience, head up there, and some end up doing quite well.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

I always thought the sensible guys went in, made the money for a few years and got out with good savings.
This doesn't apply to everyone of course but I saw so many guys who were still there years later, hating it and spending most of their wages in the pub night after night. All they did was drink and work. This was in Kal btw where most weren't FIFO and a lot I met in other towns who were FIFO were having major marriage issues. A lot of affairs going on.
I had a lot of fun there, made some great mates, had a great social life, made a lot of money but no way would I have stayed to raise a family.
Obviously I came home but I said to the ex at the time I'd stay in Kal 3 more years max to save money and then if I stayed in Oz it would have to be Sydney.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

On the other hand Collie is only half an hour's drive to Dalyellup, which is a nice family place to live, 10 mins from Bunbury with nice beaches and great schools. We went to look at it on our reccie and the people in the newsagents said lots of Collie workers live there. Also Australind and surrounds aren't bad. If you're not a miner, you need to have a heavy driver's license or builder's ticket or something useful. We were tempted, but decided on Queensland.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

It varies. If you work for a sub-contractor on a mine expansion it can be as much as 4 weeks on before you get a week off, and yes 12 hour days are normal – but what else would you do? There is usually a gym plus wet and dry messes but that is it. Pay reflects that of course.

But the better mining companies do much better rosters. Week on, week off is becoming common (as it means they can better utilise limited accommodation). All training including H&S is provided. If you are lucky and want that sort of thing there are still residential jobs available in places like Karratha, Tom Price and Newman and I assume inland and south as well. Those jobs come with a premium of about 30 / 35% on Perth rates and include discounted amenities and accommodation.

I have not lived up north but had several day trips to site. I love it up there for the scenery and camaraderie but with a wife and 11 year old options are limited. There is a high school in Tom Price so it could work. 7 days without nagging has its advantages too!;)

You either love it or hate it, I guess. But I don’t think it is a good move when you have just moved over with all the other stresses in your life.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

G'day,

I hear that the drivers of those big dump trucks (CAT 797B) make realy good money $100k+.

1) Is this true?

2) What License do you need and how do you get it? Is there private training centres that you can do it in or is it done through the mining company you work for?

All info appreciated:D

Re: The mines in Perth
 

maybe half an hour in a plane,never did it in less than 55 minutes keepin to speed limits:unsure:

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Ok, I stand corrected. I was just going by what the locals told us.
I guess you could still call that commutable distance, which might be preferable to living separately from your famly. Sounds like it's not that great a place to work though.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

I live North of Perth, and quite a few families have bought in Geraldton. So its not so far to go for work. Also rents way cheaper than say Karratha.
The family stays in Geraldton while hubbies fly in and out.
Also building a port here for the mines, and rail so looks like its going to get busier around here.
Mind you town seams to have had lots of money chucked at it recently. New marina, waterpark on the beach, and we keep getting leaflets with new waterfront developments and new housing.


Gems

Re: The mines in Perth
 

The main non trade jobs would be cleaning or driving the trucks after training for that .Week on week off i found great . the mine had basic ensuite rooms in dongers (portacabins) dry mess, wet mess, gym, pool, tennis courts , bbqs ,green area for sports. few straight into the mine from perth .
All food supplied unless you want crisps etc . Safety now comes 1st , if it doesn't yr working for the wrong people . Most accidents small or large are normally down to someone not following safety procedures. I know of one person who got hit in the head after 3 time being told not to use a tool the way he was ! :unsure:

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Sounds like he's the tool!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Re: The mines in Perth
 

That was one word for him :eek:

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Yes it's true and there are companies who specifically train heavy dump truck drivers from scratch...however I'm pretty sure you'd have to have a visa already...

A lot of the coal mines in NSW and Queensland offer mon-fri work because they are so close to major towns...

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Well i suppose i am one of the most qualified people on here to answer this one. But it is actually a difficult question.
I am a geologist currently working in a remote are of NSW at a underground mine, though moving to Perth this week for a new job with a bigger mining company.
A lot of what has been said is good advice such as rostas. However, unskilled guys very rarely are given the option of fifo, (fly in fly out) as it is too expensive for the company. Normally, companies pay for proffesional grades such as geologists and mining engineers to fifo. Tradesmen will often fifo or dido, (drive in drive out) at there own expense. Unskilled staff will usually be required to be residential in a local town.
However, many people like the advantage of this and some of the senior staff here have taken that option, as the country side is interesting, the people in small towns, (mine is population 3000) are friendly and the company will usually provide very cheap housing, allowing people to save a lot of money very quickly.
You would be very unlikely to obtain casual / short term work, as the cost of getting you on site with things such as medicals, safety training, inductions and things is too prohibative. However, many mines will take inexperienced people and train them - we have just had a lady from the local old peoples home join us here and train as a underground truck driver.
However. Before you decide to chase the $$$ think hard about it. This isnt a industry like most others. Underground is hot, dirty, wet and dangerous. Even the best mines have serious accidents. There is a good reason why we have a medical team with our own mini hospital and ambulance on site - how would your OH feel about that? Whould she be worried all the time you are at work? I ask, because it is a big thing - my OH hates me been ug

Re: The mines in Perth
 

It's different in WA. Virtually everyone does FIFO. Some guys will drive up if they need to take some kit to site, but everyone else flies. The difference comes in with how much the company needs you. If you are really vital to them and are in a crushing skill shortage, say diesel mechanic, then you will get whatever rotation you want. Say 1 week on, 1 week off. For an unskilled worker it might be 3+1. In WA, mining companies have virtually given up on local labour (apart from affirmative action programs for aboriginies) as there is no one up there.

There are a few underground mines - Argyle Diamond for instance - in WA but most are open cut. It's still a dirty, hot and sometimes unpleasant job though and it's not suited to a lot of people.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Just going to put my few cents worth in. My hubby is up at Murrin Murrin at the moment on 4on 1off, working 13 days straight 12 hour days. He is FIFO. On the camp itself there is swimming pool, tennis courts, football pitches, bbq area, shop, bar and mess. He says it is about 40 degrees at the moment so very hot and the mine itself is extremely dangerous. He is glad he has went and done the experience but says it is more suited to single guys. It is hard on the family back at home but I am used to him been away. If your wife and family are not used to this there could be trouble for you. You both have to agree to it. It is also not that easy to get into the mines after the interview stage it took about 4 weeks before he was actually on his way and this seems to be the norm as it was the same with the last one he was on as well. But he says other than the mine been a bit dangerous it is alright and has met a lot of interesting people and got a glimpse of the wildlife which he says will give you the shock of your life. Well he is back this Thursday for a week and we will see if he wants to go back. I for one will not be making him go back if he doesn't want to.
Hope this gives you some idea of what it is like.

Sandra

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Hi,

Thanks for the info. we are going on my wifes 175 visa. Just waiting on case officer. We applied may & should hear something soon (fingers crossed). I will surf the net to see who does this training.

Thanks,
Tony.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

I was working as a TA (trades assistant) in the eighties and the money was pretty good. We were only allowed 2 flights out a year, don't know if it's still the same. Not a place I would recommend you take the good woman on her first visit to oz. Trades people with family's used to be supplied homes to rent but single men were usually put in dongers.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Everything is pretty much FIFO now. At our mine there is virtually a flight a day in/out, direct to the mine. It's a 100 seater jet too.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Cushty. :thumbup:

Re: The mines in Perth
 

hi, sorry to butt in on the thread (may be a bit old now anyhow) am interested in the mines for two reasons.
firstly when you talk about fifo where do they fi to, as am an airport firefighter and would be interested to know if they have their own on the mines or if its a secondary role like the oil rigs over here.
secondly driving licences, which one should i resit am also an lgv 1 driver with 20yrs experience which one earns me the most (assuming they use different trucks in different mines etc)
thanks for any help.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Hi,

Has anyone got information/contacts on companies that employ unqualified people to train in the mining industry like dump truck driving ect. Or companies/contacts that I can train with privately. Any names or web sites are greatly appreciated. Has anyone bought any of the ebooks from "Theaussieminer".com if so are they any good.

Cheers,

Tony.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

The West Australian newspaper used to have adverts for companies that train people in mines work - MARCSTA, health and safety, first aid, driving etc.The best day was usually the Saturday paper as that was when the jobs were advertised.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Cheers,

I will try to look it up on line. :thumbsup:

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Hogan Mining... they train dump truck drivers. Use www.infomine.com.au

This is purely my opinion but with the economic downturn you're much safer going to work in the coal mines in QLD, NSW as the metals sector is suffering and mothballing mines left, right and center. Over here there is no need for FIFO as you can live within driving distance of the mines and it's a lot more suited to people with families.... Not to mention much better job security.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Very true to interview the company on safety attitude and culture.

We are all bonused on safety performance. I was sent on a course earlier this year which was all about controlling safety yourself. What has been found is that the majority of incidents are now have a contributing factor that was under control of the employee.

Some of our employees operate in the most dangerous parts of a mines operation yet we have stats far better than the mines.

Anyone joining the mines with a get rich attitude should think again. It is tough work and not for the faint hearted. All I am saying is have a reason other than money to do it.

I would also research the finances of the mine as a few of the smaller operations have cash flow issues at the moment.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Coking coal is getting hit as that is used in steel production. I understand that there are high stocks of coal in China which is a big coal customer.

Commodites has always been cyclical and will always be so.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

HELLO, I WAS READING THROUGH, AND AS THE OTHER GUY WITH A THREAD, I WAS LOOKING FOR A DUMP TRUCK DRIVER JOB IN THE MINES-
THE thing is, i wish to know DO THEY SPONSOR BRITS to do it?

im single- no family, and its something ive wanted to do since i was a kid( i have slkills in other fields, but this takes my fancy)

can anyone give some advice??
cheers.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Not sure where you are planning to go in aus..but try this site..www.miningpeople.com.au hope this gives you some help......:D

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Here's a brilliant site... you have to register and pay $15 a month (so can just cancel after first month if needs be) to see most of the details but look... over 3000 mining jobs in Oz!!! These include everything from truck drivers to mining engineers to nurses to boilermakers to cleaners and admin assistants...

http://www.infomine.com/careers/jobs...ning.jobs.aspx

Re: The mines in Perth
 

I have a feeling the rules were changed last year so that truck drivers can't be sponsored, but I'm not 100% sure of the details. I'd contact a registered agent, or post the question in the Immigration forum HERE where someone will know for sure.

Re: The mines in Perth
 

Bloody hell guys. I wouldn't be looking at jobs in the mines right now. Those mines that are not being closed due to the economy are being scaled back. There was an article in the paper this weekend about how all the guys that went to the Pilbara chasing the big money are starting to return to Perth looking for work.

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Agreed. I would also assume that if things are slowing down in the mines then there should be quite a few trained people looking for work. It doesn't leave much chance for someone with no experience to be sponsored when they've got lots of local people looking for work.