r/AusMining

I applied for an entry-level Driller’s Offsider role with a WA drilling company. Recruiter called and said the manager had reviewed my resume and I was “good to move forward” for the next step.

They told me the role was about $45/hr, 12-hour days, 2:1 roster, caravan-based rather than camp. They asked for passport, visa, licence, Working at Heights, First Aid, etc., and references through Referoo.

I completed the pre-employment medical last Friday through Knight Health. Clinic said everything looked good and they would send results to the employer. I haven’t done drug and alcohol yet, so I assume that may come later before mobilisation/site entry.

It’s now Wednesday and I haven’t heard back yet, so around 3 business days.

For people in drilling/mining: does an employer-paid medical usually mean you’re a preferred candidate, or do companies send several people through? How long did it take you to hear back after medical? Could references/mobilisation admin be slowing it down?

Not counting it as confirmed until contract/start date, just trying to understand how strong of a sign it is.

Cheers.

Hi guys,

Is 40 too old to become a driller’s offsider? I’m physically fit, can handle hard work, and have no issues following directions..

Thanks 🙏

Gday all, I’m posting this to let off a bit of steam, I’m 24 year old bloke been on and off mining since 19, I’ve had a couple really good fifo jobs and have just started another one but I seem to have a reoccurring problem where I get homesick and just want to be pull the pin and go home, I’m a final trim digger operator so I can find work in Perth no problem, I’ve just started a new gig and I’ve been here for one day and I’m already feeling homesick, the moment I stepped into my room at camp I just felt so miserable, and after getting off the phone to the Mrs, going for a smoke and coming back I just look around this little room and just can’t help but to think this isn’t for me, this has been an issue in past mining jobs, just lost on what to do, seems the only way to move forward now days is to go fifo, I’m ready to read all the negative comments but I’m sure there are people just like me out there…

I have heard the camps in the Pilbara are better but the culture in Kalgoorlie is a bit more down to earth for younger grads

Hi all, I’m starting a new gig as of next week from Perth and it’s the first time I’ll be flying myself to Perth for work then they’ll send me to site, 2 and 2 roster.

I’m just wondering if there’s anyone else who’s got some experience paying and organising for your flights to the departure airport. Do you fly super early so you don’t miss your flight to site? How do you save and get the best prices for your flights? I have been comparing flights online but I’m just wondering what others do.

Thank you, any help or tips would be appreciated.

Hello everyone, finally after 5 months that I am in Australia I finally found a job in the mining sector, on Friday I will leave as a driller, the pay is not good it is $33.50 dollars per hour 3 weeks on and 1 off with 12 hours of work. I'm super excited. I will work for a private company I will have accommodation and food paid but not a gym the only thing I regret. Do you have any advice? I'm in Cairns

I’m about to join boart longyear as a driller offsider and I was curious to know on what they are like as a company, my last company was always quite unprofessional with getting my flights sorted and made the first fifo experience absolutely terrible

Hey everyone,
I’m currently working a 2:1 roster out of Perth and I’m seriously considering making the move to Bali full-time. With the rental market in WA being what it is, the math is starting to look like a no-brainer, but I want to hear from those actually doing it.

For those of you living the "Bali FIFO" life in 2026:

Flights: I'm seeing return flights (TransNusa/Jetstar) around $450–$600. Are any of you successfully salary sacrificing these, or is that a myth for international residency? Also, how do you handle the 4 AM arrivals before heading straight to the airport for your swing?

Cost of Living: What are you actually spending per month on a "moderate" lifestyle (decent villa, scooter, food, and insurance)? I’m budgeting around $2,500 AUD—is that realistic?

Would love to hear any "traps" you’ve encountered (tax residency, health insurance, etc.) or if you’d never go back to living in Perth.

Cheers!

I've been in the fifo game for only a few months, I started out in civil and was lucky to get a foot in the door with a company that offers fifo work throughout Queensland. I've been working at a mine in Cobar, and it's been interesting to see all the different jobs available, underground, production mining, fixed plant, etc.

Just wondering where other people have started and where they've ended up, in terms of career progression, location, job roles, etc?

Hey all,
Chasing any insight as to base salary (plus and site loading if applicable) for senior engineer positions.

I’ve been offered a gig with a smaller company as a senior, but my current (bigger) company is offering to bump my pay to the same level but not give me the senior title.

There’s a lot of other factors at play here too, but I just wanna make sure I’m not getting mucked around on pay.

This is UG gold on the West Coast if that makes any difference.

Cheers!