Is a Mining Career Right for You? Here’s What to Expect On-Site

Mining jobs in Australia come with major perks: high income potential, solid career growth, and the chance to be part of a thriving, future-focused industry. But what’s the catch?

One of the main considerations is location and time away from home. Many of Australia’s major mining operations are in remote parts of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Luckily, the mining industry has adapted, offering flexible work models and support systems to help workers thrive—whether they’re new to the game or seasoned pros.

Let’s break down what to expect if you’re considering an on-site role in mining.

FIFO: Fly In, Fly Out

You’ll hear the term “FIFO” everywhere in mining. It stands for Fly In, Fly Out, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—being flown to a remote site for your work roster, then flown back home for your time off.

Common FIFO rosters include:

• 2 weeks on / 1 week off

• 4 weeks on / 2 weeks off

• Or even monthly rotations, depending on how remote the site is.

While you’re on-site, expect long shifts (typically 12 hours), often across 6–7 days a week. But the pay and perks are generous. Mining companies cover your flights, provide food and accommodation, and in some cases, offer relocation bonuses or lifestyle allowances.

The trade-off? You’ll need to be okay with spending time away from home, adjusting to a set schedule, and working in isolated conditions.

Accommodation & Camp Life

Forget tents in the desert—modern mining camps are comfortable and well-equipped. Depending on the site, you might stay in:

• Private cabins

• Hotel-style rooms

• Camp-style dongas with en-suites

Facilities usually include:

• Daily cleaning and laundry

• Access to recreation rooms, gyms, and BBQ areas

• Catered meals (yes, three a day!)

  
  

Some companies partner with accommodation providers like Fleetwood or Stayover, while others build and manage their own facilities. Either way, your basic living needs are taken care of—so you can focus on work (and rest).

Social Life in the Mines

Let’s be real—working 84 hours a week doesn’t leave much time for partying. But that doesn’t mean FIFO life is all work and no play.

Camps often feature:

• Gyms and swimming pools

• Pool tables, basketball courts, and BBQ areas

• Mess halls for shared meals and casual chats

• Even soccer fields or golf driving ranges at larger sites

  
  

For miners living in nearby towns instead of camps, there’s a more traditional social scene: schools, shops, sports clubs, and community events. These towns often have families, non-mining workers, and the usual amenities you’d find in any small community.

Important to note: strict drug and alcohol policies are always in place, with random testing common across all sites, so if you're into the booger sugar or Mary Jane, one will have to refrain in order to gain.

Health, Safety & Mental Wellness

Your safety is priority number one. Most mining operations provide:

• 24/7 medical support

• On-site emergency care

• Access to mental health services

  
  

Mining is physically and mentally demanding, they don't pay you the big bucks for nothing. It’s critical to look after your wellbeing. One in five workers in the industry reports experiencing mental health challenges. That’s why many companies now offer confidential counseling, resilience training, and wellness programs on-site or via telehealth.

Want In? ProspectX Can Help

If you’re thinking about launching a mining career, ProspectX is here to make your journey easier. We take care of the entire onboarding process for you. From booking discounted training and writing industry-ready resumes to matching you with FIFO jobs across Australia—we’ve got your back.

Join a booming industry. Live life on your own terms. Start your mining career today with ProspectX. Click the image below and book a consultation to get you mine ready.