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Mining Towns near the WA coast

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Created by Little Jon > 9 months ago, 31 Aug 2011
Little Jon
NSW, 2115 posts
31 Aug 2011 2:41PM
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Is there any mining towns (and jobs) near the coast or windsurfing locations in WA?

whippingboy
WA, 1104 posts
31 Aug 2011 1:16PM
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IMO Not really.

There's wind in Karratha/Dampier but it's tidal, rocky and a short season. Most people work FIFO and live in company accomodation with no personal transport to get to the beach and you get 1 day off a week.

Port Hedland's tidal and not very good, Barrow Island (Gorgon) would be good but your not allowed out of the compound.

Plenty of jobs if your qualified/experienced but it's pretty tough working FIFO hours if you're not used to it

The really keen folks live in Exmouth, Geraldton and down south to make the most of their time off work.

Pugwash
WA, 7733 posts
31 Aug 2011 1:36PM
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Three Springs.

Keep an eye on Ravensthorpe, and that magnetite project near Albany.

Griffin coal, Collie.

That said, the truely desireable mines usually have stable crews.

Oh and, coal mining in Margies Not going to happen

TwinMan
WA, 108 posts
31 Aug 2011 5:00PM
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I'm looking for a Civil / Structural Engineer for the AECOM Geraldton office.....

pepe47
WA, 1382 posts
31 Aug 2011 5:48PM
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Eneabba, mineral sands
Geraldton, oakagee iron ore
Port Hedland, iron ore
Karratha, iron ore
Wickham, iron ore

firiebob
WA, 3182 posts
31 Aug 2011 6:00PM
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A 100 years ago (feels like it, 1977) I worked for Texada Mines (Lake MacLeod) near Carnarvon, I believe they are still operating. From memory the wind blew it's A off all the time, we used to go to Red Bluff & Coral Bay often camping but gave up trying to put a tent up and slept in the Cruiser.

Little Jon
NSW, 2115 posts
31 Aug 2011 10:37PM
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Thanks for the help, unfortunately I don't have experience relating to mining or things like it.

Wet Willy
TAS, 2317 posts
1 Sep 2011 2:05AM
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good thread, the papers say there'll be a huge shortage of qualified mining peeps in Oz in the coming years, so I guess basically anyone could start doing some courses etc now and get themselves into a noice new job a bit further down the track. The money could very well be good enough to compensate for reduced windsurfing time in the short term, keeping in mind all the wonderful toys and trips it can buy later...

Hey, I tried panning for gold on a school trip back in grade 4; this valuable experience should put me in good stead, eh?

dinsdale
WA, 1227 posts
1 Sep 2011 1:11AM
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whippingboy said...
There's wind in Karratha/Dampier but it's tidal, rocky and a short season. Most people work FIFO and live in company accomodation with no personal transport to get to the beach and you get 1 day off a week.

The typical FIFO swing is 2 weeks on 1 week off. There are other rosters but 2/1 is the most common. You don't have any days off during the 2 weeks on. I'm not aware of any normal rosters where you get days off during the swing.

FilthyAmatuer
WA, 877 posts
1 Sep 2011 9:34AM
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firiebob said...

A 100 years ago (feels like it, 1977) I worked for Texada Mines (Lake MacLeod) near Carnarvon, I believe they are still operating. From memory the wind blew it's A off all the time, we used to go to Red Bluff & Coral Bay often camping but gave up trying to put a tent up and slept in the Cruiser.


Rio Tinto owns Lake McLeod (Carnavon). Mines salt from the salt lake.

westozwind
WA, 1419 posts
1 Sep 2011 10:11AM
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Eneabba mineral sands mine is no more.
Lives in Leeman (on the coast) and worked there from 93-97.
Iluka (company that shut down Eneabba) in Gero is keeping their plants running with feed stock from Victoria and SA.
Okagee is a double edged sword, probably good for the mid west, devastating for Spot X and Corros

Pugwash
WA, 7733 posts
1 Sep 2011 11:47AM
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dinsdale said...
The typical FIFO swing is 2 weeks on 1 week off. There are other rosters but 2/1 is the most common.


It's all about 8 and 6 now (nights). FIFO, meh West Perth

TerryA
WA, 101 posts
1 Sep 2011 8:10PM
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I just applied for a job on Barrow Is. 20 days on 10 off FIFO.

The Craw
WA, 229 posts
1 Sep 2011 10:47PM
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westozwind said...

Eneabba mineral sands mine is no more.
Lives in Leeman (on the coast) and worked there from 93-97.
Iluka (company that shut down Eneabba) in Gero is keeping their plants running with feed stock from Victoria and SA.
Okagee is a double edged sword, probably good for the mid west, devastating for Spot X and Corros


have heard of some possible activity at eneaba,my bro has just moved back there

tomp
NSW, 692 posts
3 Sep 2011 10:35PM
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Jon,
There was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald in today's weekend business. I'm assuming you can find that on SMH website.

I guess it depends on your family situation for a move to WA. Also days/weeks ON/OFF suit some people. There appears to be plenty of jobs and good prospects until at least 2015. Great $ but could be relationship breaker.

I think the brothels in Kalgoolie are pretty busy. Those girls REALLY earn big $!!



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"Mining Towns near the WA coast" started by Little Jon