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When working holiday makers head to Australia in search of a job in mining, they often don’t know what to expect. Drawn by the attractive salaries showcased in countless TikTok and Instagram videos, many dive in hoping to land the golden opportunity. Yes, mining can be a lucrative opportunity, but at what cost?
Through Julien’s story, we take a look behind the scenes of mining jobs. His experience offers a realistic account of this sought-after experience, highlighting both the positives and the drawbacks. Hopefully this unfiltered look can help you make informed choices for your own journey.
pvtistes
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us what brought you to mining in Australia?
Julien
Hey, I’m Julien. I’ll turn 30 on March 23, and I’m from France. I’ve been working as a steelfixer and formworker in civil engineering for six years.
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I arrived in Perth on 16 June 2023 with a clear goal: to get into the mining sector. I had heard about it through word-of-mouth, and my best friend put me in touch with a scaffolder who’d been in Australia for years. I also had a contact on the ground based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder who operated heavy machinery.
pvtistes
How did you go about finding work in this field?
Julien
My first step was getting my white card in Perth. Then, following Lucas’s solid advice, I headed to Kalgoorlie for a first stint at a construction company… but honestly, the slow pace just wasn’t for me. I need action! So I went back to Perth and selectively targeted civil engineering companies… and that’s when I struck gold!
pvtistes
Would you say finding a mine job was relatively easy on your visa? Why?
Julien
Honestly, for me, it was pretty easy. I arrived in mid-June and landed my first FIFO job (fly-in, fly-out; you’re flown to and from the site) in early October, with flights paid by the company.
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But I had an advantage: six years of experience in a trade where French expertise is respected. I worked on major projects, like at CNIT in Paris in 2019, on the EOLE metro expansion. We were working 30 meters underground! People don’t realize what’s happening beneath their feet. I also worked on Monaco’s sea extension, the Anse du Portier project. My resume definitely helped.
pvtistes
Can you tell us about your current contract in the mines?
Julien
I had a casual FIFO contract out of Perth. My starting pay was $45 AUD/hour, plus a $75/day meal allowance, and housing was covered. I was staying in Kalgoorlie, a mining town of 35,000.
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Each morning, we met at the depot at 4:45 a.m. and headed to nearby mines (BHP Nickel West, Silverlake, KCGM Superpit…). We typically worked 72 hours per week with Sundays off. On longer shutdowns (maintenance periods), we’d work up to 84 hours/week, every day for 12 days, with just 2 rest days before wrap-up. That came out to about AU$3,360 net per week after taxes (AU$1,365 in tax).
pvtistes
What’s a typical day like?
Julien
4:00 Wake up, push-ups, quick shower.
4:20 Breakfast and prep lunch.
4:45 Head to the depot for daily PreStart.
5:00 PreStart — safety brief, task recap, and day’s goals.
5:45-6:00 Work begins.
4:20 Breakfast and prep lunch.
4:45 Head to the depot for daily PreStart.
5:00 PreStart — safety brief, task recap, and day’s goals.
5:45-6:00 Work begins.
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Civil engineering is varied (demo, machinery, rebar, formwork) every day is different.
9:00 20-minute break.
12:00 1-hour lunch.
3:00 Another 20-minute break.
5:00 Day ends (in theory… sometimes breaks get skipped).
5:15 Shower
6:00 Gym
7:00 Dinner
9:00 Lights out
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It’s intense, but that’s what makes the job great!
pvtistes
What are the main challenges on the ground?
Julien
Poor sleep can really affect you, especially during long weeks. My team works hard. We love what we do, but it’s physically demanding.
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You have to get to bed early. The routine can be robotic. It’s okay to be tired and slow down some days (thankfully).
pvtistes
The working conditions are known to be tough. What’s the physical and mental toll?
Julien
There’s everything in the mines. Some jobs are repetitive but necessary, like spotters or hosing mud. These are usually entry-level.
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There are tons of roles: mechanics, engineers, scaffolders, equipment operators, cooks, cleaners, welders, truckers, fire safety, rope access… lots of opportunities.
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The environment is loud (PPE required), and the days are long. In summer, temps hit 43-45°C (109-113°F) in the shade, not to mention the swarms of flies!
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Physically, it’s intense, but I’ve never been in better shape. With good food, exercise, and rest, your body adapts.
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Mentally? Different story. You’re stuck in your own thoughts, with constant noise and ear protection. You operate on autopilot. You must be emotionally stable. If something’s bugging you, like family illness or relationship drama, it hits you extra hard. You have to have a clear head and healthy routine to stay solid.
pvtistes
How’s the work atmosphere?
Julien
This is personal and experiences will vary. People’s moods shift. Some miss their family, others don’t sleep well.
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I’m lucky; my team is amazing. They’re hard workers, we have a great vibe, and no toxic competition. But you do sometimes feel isolated. You’re stuck in your head. Communication is tough in this environment.
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During breaks, sometimes you feel like an outsider. Sometimes you’re part of the group and other times you’re not. Just keep your cool, focus on your work, set goals, and don’t overthink it.
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Mental health is taken seriously. There are support services, and any harassment is promptly addressed. Both men and women are protected.
pvtistes
Mining salaries are often highlighted. Do they compensate for the challenges?
Julien
Let’s be real: people come to the mines for the money. Whatever your reason, financial gain is number one. Does it make up for the sacrifice? Yes… but not completely.
pvtistes
What’s life like outside of work hours?
Julien
Housing is basic but functional: TV (gamers, bring your console), fridge, AC, private bath. The AC can be dodgy, but overall, it’s solid. And we don’t have rent to pay! Laundry rooms are also available.
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Food is amazing. There are endless choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 90% of the options are great, cooked by real chefs. Huge respect to them.
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To cope with isolation, you can work out, read, call family, play video games, watch Netflix. Camps have lounges, bars, BBQs, sometimes even tennis courts or pools. I haven’t had a pool yet, but I know they exist. It’s actually pretty social.
pvtistes
How are you managing this unique lifestyle compared to back home?
Julien
The hardest part is never fully disconnecting from work; you live, eat, and sleep all in the same place. But back home, I used to drive hours for a regular grind too. The sacrifice is greater here, but it’s worth it.
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My best tip is to exercise. It doesn’t need to be bodybuilding, but just a way to release tension. Stretching is key.
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I sometimes meditate. And of course, stay connected to loved ones, eat well, sleep, and have clear goals. Without a purpose, it can feel meaningless.
pvtistes
Social media makes life in the mines look like the ideal opportunity. Is that the reality?
Julien
I’ve seen a few videos, but don’t really follow that stuff. I think I’ve mentioned a lot of positives! But everyone is different.
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Big paychecks create hype and influencers focus on that. It’s all about views and flashy content.
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In truth, here’s what you’ll face: your own wandering thoughts, constant solitude, loud environments, extreme weather, exhausting conditions, and 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Summer can hit 48°C (118°F) even in the shade…
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You also might not feel like you belong with your coworkers. You need to be mentally prepared. That’s reality. The suicide rate in this sector unfortunately is higher than average.
pvtistes
Who would thrive in mining?
Julien
Someone who thrives on discipline and structure, who can handle routine. You need to be mentally stable, comfortable alone, and goal-driven. It suits those who push themselves physically and mentally and find satisfaction in hard work.
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Because the social side is limited, independence is crucial. Good habits (food, exercise, sleep) are essential for lasting success.
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In short, discipline, mental strength, independence, and clear goals.
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Out here, it’s like being on a mission to earn money. I try to find the positive in everything. This job gives me 80% of what I’m looking for in life right now: money, food, fitness, no distractions, investment.
pvtistes
Any last advice for those considering a mining career?
Julien
First: get the qualifications
- Working at height
- Confined space & gas testing
- White card
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Second: Have local references
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- Karratha
- Broome
Don’t expect to jump into mining straight off the plane.
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Third: Relevant experiences help
Electricians, plumbers, scaffolders, machine operators, drivers — the more skills, the better your pay and job chances.
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Fourth: Location matters
Don’t wait for the perfect FIFO job from Perth. Go straight to the source:
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If you’re going to try this life, be mentally and physically ready. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Accept the solitude, intensity, and know why you’re doing it.
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Have a clear goal: financial, career, personal. Without it, you’ll get lost in routine and isolation.
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Don’t neglect your health. Eat well, sleep well, stay active. Exercise and sports are your best tools to stay strong mentally.
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And most importantly, stay positive. Don’t let the hard days take you down. Stay focused, move forward, and remember why you came.
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It’s worth it, if you’re ready to play the game.
To follow Julien’s adventures in Australia, follow him on Instagram @fernwehdchn77
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