Post: #26

It's been a few years since I was there but I'll give my 2 cents anyway.

In my opinion, it is certainly possible to get a well-paid job in the mines in Oz. Someone said on the Canada thread that the industry there is in decline. While that may be technically true on paper compared to the massive boom they've just had, I think that statement is a tad pessimistic myself and a bit of an over-generalisation. Over the long term, there are plenty of opportunities for foreign graduates, tradesmen and unskilled workers. Companies like Shell, Chevron and BHP are investing many billions every year.
Yes iron ore or bauxite prices will rise or fall and that can have a certain knock on effect on the ground, but that's the nature of the resource industry. It's not something that would put me off personally. There are big projects in the pipeline all the time for things like liquified gas that will be going on for years over there.

If you have a mining/civil engineering related degree or a trade, there are definitely opportunities to get sponsored. It's not just the mines themselves where the work is. It's all the related stuff too like building and maintaining the infastructure around the mines : Building the towns themselves ie roads, houses and facilities, constructing pipelines to get the water in etc etc.

Here is a list of just some of the big companies in Oz: http://www.gradconnection.com.au/forums/...ia/?page=1
This is not an exhaustive list. I would suggest doing your own research - reading miningaustralia and other trade publications to find who the big players currently are and what they're planning.

Even if you're 'unskilled' or 'semi-skilled', there is plenty of work in the industry and in the camps. I'm not sure if it's easy to get sponsored or not. You might need to be there already with a working visa. Like I said, it's been a few years since I was there. Obviously for this kind of work there will be more competition for places, but hey it's worth a try in my opinion.
Companies like Sodexo manage the camps and facilities so there are all sorts of jobs going; everything from food prep to cleaning to office administration to driving.
http://au.sodexo.com/

Hope that helps.

Post: #27

Mack, if one actually gets there, what's the least amount of time one is required to work there? Can you just work for like 6 months and say, fuck this, i'm going back home for some rest and to see my family and friends, and then you come back for another gig, or you're locked in for at least a year or 2?

Post: #28

(02-05-2013 06:59 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  

(02-04-2013 11:48 PM)LooTa Wrote:  I'm from western australia where the boom is centred. No doubt about it, theres loads of money to be made but you'd better have an existing qualification and preferably experience. Every man and his dog is trying to get into the mines, so competition from the locals is fierce - you've got to think "what can I offer that a local can't?"

But why does it says in almost every article that the shortage of skilled and unskilled workers are pretty great?

Like in that article that was already posted (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424...69312.html) for example?

There's no shortage of workers, what they really mean is a shortage of 3rd world workers they can exploit.

Quote:Another thing to consider is that while the annual salary sounds nice, accommondation prices around the mining regions is astronomical, that is, if you can even find some. It's not unusual for people to rent a room (not a house - a room) in a crap shack for $400-$500 a week, although most jobs these days are fly in, fly out.

That's what i wanted to ask. If it's fly in fly out, you live in let say Perth, and i've seen prices for nice apartments at already 200$ per week. Is that true?

You won't get anything at all for $200 a week and a nice apartment in a nice suburb with good logistics will cost you at least double that. My Mother in law pays $250 a week for a 1 bedroom flat in a 40 year old complex in a shit neighbourhood.

Post: #29

(02-05-2013 02:13 PM)Jourgensen Wrote:  

(02-05-2013 01:48 PM)salmonfella Wrote:  no i am sure he means a trade.

I see this word being used all the times. I know what it means but what meaning has it in this context?

When we say trades, we mean things like electricians, carpenters, chefs - really any qualification that you get from an apprenticeship rather than a classroom.

Post: #30

(02-05-2013 02:55 PM)Jourgensen Wrote:  Mack, if one actually gets there, what's the least amount of time one is required to work there? Can you just work for like 6 months and say, fuck this, i'm going back home for some rest and to see my family and friends, and then you come back for another gig, or you're locked in for at least a year or 2?

I gather it depends on what you do I suppose. If you're good at your job and that job is in demand like I don't know, an specialist engineer or diesel mechanic or grader driver or something, and you left after a short time, yeah you might get a start somewhere else when you came back.
If you're a labourer or a bus driver or a food prep guy and you piss off after a few months, telling them you want to go "back home for some rest and to see your family and friends", you might not be so lucky.
Like everywhere, companies prefer you to see out a contract you agreed to. If you leave after 6 months of a 2 year job or before it finishes, they have to replace you which is hassle for them. You might get a reputation for coming and going as you please, presumably making it harder on yourself to get work every time you come back.

Post: #31

Well, screw Australia, i just aplied for canadian visa. 28/7 is just too much, 14/7 is alot more humane and survivable. And from what i can tell, those martian mining fields in Australia are so damn awfull that even Canadian oil fields are looking like a lively paradise. At least they got some trees and woods in there!

Post: #32

Anyone have any idea on the sort of hours scientists work? Is it standard 9-5? Also... length of contracts? Any chance of any 6-month type setups?

Post: #33

Hi, anybody know how easy it is to find on-site IT support or some work? I work as a SAP consultant and I guess SAP is well used in these kind of global mining corps. Also don't think many IT guys want to live down in these minings towns?

Post: #34

(02-06-2013 07:05 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  Well, screw Australia, i just aplied for canadian visa. 28/7 is just too much, 14/7 is alot more humane and survivable. And from what i can tell, those martian mining fields in Australia are so damn awfull that even Canadian oil fields are looking like a lively paradise. At least they got some trees and woods in there!

Non of those rotations are set in stone, they often vary company to company and site to site, myself I prefer to work the most I"m legally allowed to 24/4 for a 5-6 months each year then fuck off the rest. I would say that if you're trying to have a decent lifestyle in-country then yes, 14/7 is probably the best. Its not easy, at all, working those longer shifts.

Post: #35

Wow, really tough schedules. 28/7 is brutal. Totally inhumane. I got accustomed to working 180/14. Sounds like the OZ is a pure hell. I'll avoid.

Post: #36

(02-06-2013 09:02 AM)scotian Wrote:  Non of those rotations are set in stone, they often vary company to company and site to site, myself I prefer to work the most I"m legally allowed to 24/4 for a 5-6 months each year then fuck off the rest.

I suppose only expirienced guys are allowed to work for 5-6 months a year, then take a vacation? Are rookies locked for longer contracts?

Post: #37

(02-06-2013 09:57 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  

(02-06-2013 09:02 AM)scotian Wrote:  Non of those rotations are set in stone, they often vary company to company and site to site, myself I prefer to work the most I"m legally allowed to 24/4 for a 5-6 months each year then fuck off the rest.

I suppose only expirienced guys are allowed to work for 5-6 months a year, then take a vacation? Are rookies locked for longer contracts?

I've never worked on a contract, I just show up or make a few calls and start working with a company, usually based on a few different factors: amount of pay, work location, type of work, accommodations, work conditions, etc.

I tell the employers straight up that I'm only willing to work for a few months at a time and that I like to travel and take lots of time off and most are more than happy to have me work for them.

I busted my ass for three years getting tickets, making contacts and establishing myself within my field, my record speaks for itself. Although most companies prefer guys who will work all year round, they take me on because they know that I'm not an idiot and I will show up to work on time, sober and do what is expected of me, I'm also good with the clients
and often they call my office specifically requesting that I come out to their site to work for them. I know that it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn but there's so many fucking idiots on job sites that when a client gets a decent worker, they will keep him busy.

Anyway, as a rookie you can't be too fussy for the first few years, I never said no to work and still have a hard time doing so, a good work ethic goes a long way. You could luck out and get on with a company who is flexible with time off but don't count on it. As a junior guy your main concern should be working your bag off to make tons of cash, gain experience and qualifications, the good times will come after that.

Post: #38

Scotian, how dangerous are these jobs anyway? Any chance one might lose an arm, or a leg, or just get himself killed?

Post: #39

oh of course there is always the chance of serious injury with these jobs when i was there a worker broke several fingers when an object fall on them. another person got his hand crushed and it become a dead hand. i have heard storys of people being killed. there was quite a number of people killed years ago in new zealand in an underground mine this work can be very dangerous.

Post: #40

(02-06-2013 11:25 AM)salmonfella Wrote:  oh of course there is always the chance of serious injury with these jobs when i was there a worker broke several fingers when an object fall on them. another person got his hand crushed and it become a dead hand. i have heard storys of people being killed. there was quite a number of people killed years ago in new zealand in an underground mine this work can be very dangerous.

That's why you don't see women breaking down the door to get to these jobs like they do to get into corporate boardrooms!

Post: #41

(02-06-2013 11:20 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  Scotian, how dangerous are these jobs anyway? Any chance one might lose an arm, or a leg, or just get himself killed?

Yes there's a chance you may get hurt but nowadays safety is so huge that these risks are minimized but of course, the risk is always there. I've been doing it for five years and have never had a lost time incident, I don't cut corners or do unsafe tasks, period.

Post: #42

As Scotian said, there are different rotations for different jobs. Depends on the location and its remoteness. The mines closer to civilisation have 14/7's apparently. eg Kalgoorlie area.

And yeah it can be dangerous. In general though, the big operators take site safety very seriously. You're arguably safer on a big mining job than with some small contractor in the city, many of whom don't give a shit as long as the work is done quickly.

Post: #43

28/7 means 28 days of work 7 days off?

Post: #44

(02-06-2013 03:24 PM)KingCokeSnorter Wrote:  28/7 means 28 days of work 7 days off?

Yes. Your optimum money maker is 28/14. 2 weeks is enough to relax and chase tail, but a lot of guys get bored on a 30 day off time and spend too much cash. Even 60 days in isn't bad, depending on living conditions and the kind of work you do. Personally I'd rather front load time in to have a bigger block of time off to be worth traveling. 2 weeks isn't much for me. I'd rather have a minimum of 1 month to do my walkabouts.

Post: #45

(02-06-2013 02:02 PM)scotian Wrote:  

(02-06-2013 11:20 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  Scotian, how dangerous are these jobs anyway? Any chance one might lose an arm, or a leg, or just get himself killed?

Yes there's a chance you may get hurt but nowadays safety is so huge that these risks are minimized but of course, the risk is always there. I've been doing it for five years and have never had a lost time incident, I don't cut corners or do unsafe tasks, period.

LOL, nice how it's a "lost time incident" and not a "heinous injury"


Can anyone comment on the hours/contract length for scientists? (It's probably different for oil/gas vs minerals). If 6-month contracts are a possibility I'd really start getting excited about it.

Post: #46

(02-06-2013 03:32 PM)Aliblahba Wrote:  

(02-06-2013 03:24 PM)KingCokeSnorter Wrote:  28/7 means 28 days of work 7 days off?

Yes. Your optimum money maker is 28/14. 2 weeks is enough to relax and chase tail, but a lot of guys get bored on a 30 day off time and spend too much cash. Even 60 days in isn't bad, depending on living conditions and the kind of work you do. Personally I'd rather front load time in to have a bigger block of time off to be worth traveling. 2 weeks isn't much for me. I'd rather have a minimum of 1 month to do my walkabouts.

Yeah, but can one choose? If you're gonna wait only for gigs with your optimum time i doubt you could make any serious cash, no?

Post: #47

(02-06-2013 03:34 PM)RichieP Wrote:  

(02-06-2013 02:02 PM)scotian Wrote:  

(02-06-2013 11:20 AM)Jourgensen Wrote:  Scotian, how dangerous are these jobs anyway? Any chance one might lose an arm, or a leg, or just get himself killed?

Yes there's a chance you may get hurt but nowadays safety is so huge that these risks are minimized but of course, the risk is always there. I've been doing it for five years and have never had a lost time incident, I don't cut corners or do unsafe tasks, period.

LOL, nice how it's a "lost time incident" and not a "heinous injury"


Can anyone comment on the hours/contract length for scientists? (It's probably different for oil/gas vs minerals). If 6-month contracts are a possibility I'd really start getting excited about it.

It would obviously depend on what you're doing and whether its a field position or in a city working in a lab. I'm sure some scientists would work on short term projects of a few weeks or months, I know of guys who do soil samples on jobs site in the initial stages of construction and that only lasts a few months. What kind of scientist are you?

Post: #48

az

Post: #49

Some links for big Mining and Civil companies. (in no particular order)

BHP : http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/Pages/default.aspx
Bechtel : http://www.bechtel.com/australia.html
Chevron : http://www.chevronaustralia.com/home.aspx
Golding : http://www.golding.com.au/
Shell : http://www.shell.com.au/
Barrick : http://www.barrick.com/
Adani : http://www.adanimining.com/
Xstrata : http://www.xstrata.com/
Rio Tinto : http://www.riotinto.com/
Fortescue : http://www.fmgl.com.au/
Hancock : http://www.hancockprospecting.com.au/
John Holland : http://www.johnholland.com.au/
Santos : http://www.santos.com/
Anglo-American : http://www.angloamerican.com/
Newmont : http://www.newmont.com/
Baulderstone : http://www.baulderstone.com.au/
Inpex : http://www.inpex.com.au/
Laing O'Rourke : http://www.laingorourke.com/
OzMinerals : http://www.ozminerals.com/careers/
Yancoal : http://www.yancoal.com.au/
Newcrest : http://www.newcrest.com.au/
McMahon : http://www.macmahon.com.au/
Thiess : http://thiess.com/
Alliance : http://www.alliancecontracting.com.au/
Leighton : http://www.leighton.com.au/
Downer : http://www.downergroup.com/

Post: #50

Y'all need to approach these boom towns with a Red Pill Mentality.

The piece opens up with a tatted up high school drop out with a 60,000 truck, and a 1200 dog.

These roughnecks are spending XX,XXX dollars on
- booze
- drugs
- women
- trucks/car/cycles
- dogs
- HOUSING

Can you rent some store space in town and sell things to Miners with a whole bunch of money and not enough sense?

Pitbull Puppies?
MMA equipment?
GUNS
Comic Books
Gym Shoes?

Wouldn't it be better to make 5K a week moving everyday products to people that want them NOW, than spending your time and and putting your life/health at risk?

WIA