Thousands of FIFO mine workers wanted

Mining companies are desperately trying to fill a large number of remote jobs that no one is available to perform.

The resources sector needs to hire a further 40,000 workers between now and 2023 just to keep up with demand for new construction and shipments, according to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) of Western Australia.

“If these workers are sourced from WA it will solve the problem for the resources sector. However, the need will be transferred to the broader WA economy and skills shortages will remain,” CME said in its latest skills report obtained by News Limited.

Severe shortage

The Golden State is struggling with a severe worker shortage across the industry due to low unemployment and periodic state border closures.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force survey shows WA recorded the lowest unemployment rate of all states for the third month in-a-row. The state’s May 4.7 per cent jobless figure is lower than the national average of 5.1 per cent.

‘Running hot’

WA Premier Mark McGowan declared the Golden State’s economy is officially “running hot” with a major influx of FIFO jobseekers relocating from the East Coast.

“More people are moving to WA from the eastern states to take advantage of the economic opportunities that our great state has to offer, and our strong handling of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said in a public statement.

$30K incentive

Rio Tinto recently tried to avoid a drop in production due to the lack of enthusiastic employees by offering FIFO workers up to $30,000 to move to the West Coast.

QMEB understands the money can be used to cover the cost of relocating, living, flights, renting and repaying the mortgage. The latest amount eclipses the State Government’s previous $20,000 Building Bonus Grant to help cover the cost of building a new home in Perth or regional WA. Applications for that grant closed at the end of 2020.

Hiring now

The following positions have been advertised:

• specialist geotechnical design engineers (multiple)
• resource development geologists (multiple)
• superintendent – learning and development
• senior electrical and controls engineer
• HR advisor – expression of interest
• mechanical maintainers (multiple)
• electrical maintainers (multiple)
• fixed plant operators (multiple)
• heavy duty fitters (multiple)
• project lead – exploration
• network locomotive driver
• mobile plant operator
• superintendent MEM
• process engineer
• blast operator
• boilermaker.

Click here to apply.

Related articles

Several Queensland FIFO workers sought
Multiple coal mines begin hiring across Central Qld
Mining giant welcomes jobseekers without experience
Mining giant offers FIFO workers up to $30K to relocate.

“The State Government’s encouragement for eastern states’ FIFO workers to shift west is succeeding, helping to ensure the benefits of the high incomes generated from the mining sector stay in WA,” McGowan said.