MINING INSIGHTS
FIRST SWING SURVIVAL GUIDE
Your mining era begins now! Are you ready for it?
Embarking on your very first mining or FIFO job is exciting! You may also be DIDO, BIBO or residential. A lot of the information here is for FIFO, but most will still be applicable to those working a site-based role. However you’re getting to your home away from home, it’s important to know what to expect, and to plan and pack strategically. Now, pay attention and prepare for the ultimate adventure! (And yes, that was a Taylor Swift reference…)
Airport and Flights
You’ll receive your flight details from the mobilisation team. If you haven’t received confirmation of your flight 24 hours before takeoff, get in touch with your supervisor ASAP.
Companies may have chartered flights, or use commercial options. Where possible, check-in to your flight using the airline’s app, which generally opens around 24-48 hours prior to takeoff.
Yes, you can usually provide your frequent flyer number to the mobilisation team. Some flights won’t accumulate points, don’t complain about it.
Mandatory COVID-19 screening and masks at airports has been mostly removed, however if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask in certain environments, you are welcome to do so. Some sites conduct their own procedures, such as temperature checking, or declarations if you have travelled overseas recently.
Be early. Don’t be late. Don’t miss your flight. Prepare your travel to the airport beforehand. The only excuse is an emergency. If you happen to miss your flight, call your supervisor immediately.
Check with your supervisor whether you’ll need to wear your uniform in. If you’re going onto dayshift, that’s usually a yes. Some work boots will need to be removed when going through airport security.
Airplanes can be chilly, so think about how you’ll keep warm when you’re flying and pack/wear a jumper.
Reclining your seat on a FIFO flight is a contentious subject. As a general rule of thumb and all-round general life advice - be courteous of others, observe what’s going on around you, and make your best judgements.
Packing preparation and tips
It seems obvious, but don’t forget to bring your uniforms! Usually, your employer will issue you with shirts, pants and safety boots. If working in colder climates, you may also receive a hi vis jumper and/or jacket.
Additional PPE like safety glasses, gloves and a hard hat are usually issued on site, but may be issued to you with your uniforms. You’ll also find items like sunscreen, earplugs, electrolyte drinks and other consumables on site.
Break in your boots before heading to site! Get ‘em a little dirty if you can, and wash your shirts and pants so it’s a little less obvious that you’re wearing fresh out of the pack uniforms. Nothing wrong with that, but it’ll make things a little comfier for you, and they may shrink a teeny bit.
Bamboo socks are highly recommended for wearing with work boots. You may also want to consider undergarments made of comfier or breathable material.
You won’t spend much time in your casual clothing, usually no more than a couple of hours a day after work, so don’t bring too much.
It may be easier to buy a second lot of toiletries, or bring spare shirts and underwear to keep at camp, so you won’t need to bring these with you every time you travel in for a swing.
If you have any prescribed medications, ensure they are packaged/labelled, transported and stored appropriately. Consider packing a basic first aid kit including painkillers, bandaids and antiseptic cream.
There are strict prohibitions on bringing in alcohol to mining camps. It’s not worth the risk, and people do get caught and will be sent home immediately on sites with a “zero tolerance” policy. Visit this site if you think you or someone you know may need help with drinking habits.
Minimise the valuables you bring with you to site/camp, and leave them at home. Yes, your personal belongings should be safe and your room will be locked, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Camp accommodation/rooms
Your typical camp room is nothing fancy - unless you’re one of the lucky ones. It will consist of a single bed, desk and chair, and wardrobe. Rooms will usually have a small bar fridge, but not always a kettle, and rarely a microwave.
If you want to bring in any larger items such as a microwave or air fryer, contact facilities management or your supervisor first. This is simply for the safety of yourself and everybody else at camp.
Air conditioning usually works pretty well, however you may want to check/clean the air filters - they can get pretty dirty.
Bedding will of course be provided, but it’s always nice to have your own pillow and/or pillowcase. You’ll also receive clean towels and a bar of soap. You can request extra bedding from camp admin.
Rooms are usually cleaned once per week. Don’t forget to display the nightshift sign on your door so you’re not disturbed during the day. Sometimes, camp admin may roster a cleaner to your room while you’re sleeping. Humans make mistakes, so please be understanding if this does happen.
Be courteous of others around you, especially in rooms next to yours. Keep noise to a minimum as the walls are thin. Don’t stomp about, slam doors, blast music or talk loudly on the phone. If somebody is bothering you, just kindly say something or knock on their door.
Shower steam has been known to set off smoke alarms. Best to keep your bathroom door closed when showering.
Before check-out, it’s nice to tidy your space as much as possible. Strip the bed, and leave sheets in a pile with towels on the floor in the bathroom. Tie up your bin bag and remove it from the room, as well as any perishable foods from the fridge. Don’t turn your fridge or aircon off.
Ask your supervisor or camp admin if you’ll be issued a permanent or temporary room, and whether you’ll have a “back to back.” Then, you’ll have an idea of what you could leave in your room while on R&R. Most rooms have lockable storage.
Camp facilities and etiquette
The “mess” is where you have sit-down meals and grab your crib. Check with camp admin for open hours for breakfast, dinner and picking up crib. Some villages offer take-away containers for crib, but it’s easier and best practice to bring your own. (Save the trees and turtles and all that)
Meals are usually bistro-style. You’ll pick up your plate and cutlery, and serve yourself from the bain-maries. Some camps offer made-to-order, such as for grilled chicken, meats or for special dietary requirements. Yes, you can go for “seconds”, but try not to waste food by taking too much and not finishing everything.
Always bring your plates and cutlery back to the drop-off area and clear the food from them. Saying “thank you” to the cooks and staff is the bare minimum you can do for those serving you at the end of a long day.
Wash your damn hands.
The “wet mess” is where you can have an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) drink. Many companies have introduced a “four no more” policy and offer “mid-strength” at most. Visit this site if you think you or someone you know may need help with drinking habits.
Some villages have gym facilities, a swimming pool or even recreation rooms. You may need to book in for a gym induction with camp admin.
Be mindful of what sort of clothing is appropriate in the mess or communal areas. It’s good practice to wear shirts with at least short sleeves (no singlets), and nothing too short on the bottom. Thongs are usually fine, though work boots and uniforms are discouraged and sometimes not allowed in eateries. Bags should be left outside.
There will be washing machines and dryers, and washing powder provided. Set a timer and remove your clothes promptly once they’re finished. If you come across a full machine and the load has finished, you can remove the clothing and leave in a neat pile somewhere safe and clean - not the floor. Use your best judgement. There may be washing lines about, there may not. Bring pegs just in case.
Mobile coverage is usually poor, unless you’re with the Telstra network. Some villages offer wifi.
There are designated areas for smoking around camp. Keep it away from the dongas.
Make sure to have your supervisor’s name and phone number on you at all times, as well as a backup contact
