Newmont Corporation is the world’s largest gold mining company, and its Australian operations are among the most advanced in the global mining industry. With major sites like Boddington in Western Australia and Tanami in the Northern Territory, Newmont employs thousands of FIFO workers across mining, maintenance, processing, and engineering.
Working FIFO for Newmont is known for combining world-class safety standards, strong pay packages, and long-term job stability, but also for demanding precision, accountability, and endurance in remote locations. This 2026 guide explains everything workers need to know before joining one of Australia’s most established gold producers.
1. Overview: Newmont in Australia
Newmont operates two of the most productive gold mines in the Southern Hemisphere:
- Boddington Mine (WA): Australia’s largest gold mine, located about 130 kilometres southeast of Perth. A fully integrated open-pit and processing operation producing both gold and copper.
- Tanami Mine (NT): A remote underground gold mine about 540 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs, operating on a 2:1 roster via charter flights from Darwin or Alice Springs.
Together, these sites produce over a million ounces of gold annually and support hundreds of FIFO workers in operations, maintenance, engineering, logistics, and camp services.
2. Work Locations and Access
Boddington (Western Australia)
- Located in the Peel region, south of Perth.
- FIFO available from Perth or DIDO from Mandurah, Bunbury, or Albany.
- Modern village with single ensuite rooms, gym, pool, tavern, and medical centre.
- One of the few gold mines close enough to Perth for short FIFO travel times.
Tanami (Northern Territory)
- One of Australia’s most isolated mines, accessible only by charter flight.
- FIFO from Darwin or Alice Springs, with private airstrip and sealed roads for logistics.
- Fully self-contained village with accommodation, dining, recreation, and medical facilities.
3. Common FIFO Job Roles at Newmont
Mining Operations
- Underground Miners and Bogger Operators (Tanami).
- Open-Pit Operators (Boddington).
- Shotfirers, Drillers, and Blast Technicians.
- Excavator, Loader, and Haul Truck Operators (CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi fleets).
Processing and Maintenance
- Process Plant Technicians and Metallurgists.
- Mechanical Fitters, Boilermakers, and Lubrication Technicians.
- Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Mill Reliners and Fixed Plant Maintenance Crews.
- Control Room Operators and DCS Technicians.
Technical and Support Roles
- Mine Surveyors, Geologists, and Mining Engineers.
- Reliability Engineers and Maintenance Planners.
- Safety and Training Coordinators.
- HSE Advisors, Environmental Officers, and Emergency Response staff.
Camp and Village Operations
- Chefs, Utilities, Cleaners, and Administration Support.
- Logistics, Transport, and Aviation Coordinators.
- Warehouse and Procurement Officers.
4. Rosters and Lifestyle
Typical Rosters:
- Boddington: 8 days on / 6 off or 7 on / 7 off (DIDO or FIFO).
- Tanami: 2 weeks on / 1 week off (FIFO only).
- Maintenance Shutdowns: 3 weeks on / 1 week off for contractors.
Lifestyle Insights:
- Boddington offers more flexibility for short rotations and easy access to Perth.
- Tanami requires stronger mental resilience due to extreme isolation and desert climate.
- Both sites operate 12-hour shifts, with full meals, recreation, and medical support included.
Workers describe Newmont’s camps as clean, structured, and well-managed — not luxurious, but reliable.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Newmont remains competitive in the Australian mining market, with rates often above other gold producers.
Approximate Annual Earnings:
- Utility / Camp Support: $90,000 – $110,000
- Process Operator: $140,000 – $170,000
- Underground Miner: $170,000 – $220,000
- Mechanical / Electrical Trades: $160,000 – $200,000
- Control Room / Process Supervisors: $190,000 – $240,000
- Engineers / Geologists: $180,000 – $260,000
- Supervisors and HSE Leads: $190,000 – $250,000
Benefits:
- Flights, meals, and accommodation included.
- Annual bonuses based on gold production targets.
- Health and life insurance.
- Long-service leave and relocation support for staff roles.
- Ongoing training and upskilling programs.
6. Training and Induction Requirements
Mandatory Tickets and Licences:
- White Card.
- Working Safely at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- High Risk Work Licence (EWP, Forklift, Dogging, Rigging).
- First Aid and CPR.
- Trade Certification or relevant tertiary qualification.
- Police Clearance and full medical screening.
Preferred Extras:
- Underground Safety and Emergency Response Certification (for Tanami).
- Isolation and Lockout Procedures.
- Ventilation and Ground Control knowledge for mining roles.
- SCADA and DCS control system experience (for Boddington).
Newmont provides induction programs that emphasise safety, environmental responsibility, and cultural awareness, including Indigenous heritage training at both sites.
7. Life at Camp
Boddington Village:
- Short travel times to site.
- Fully catered dining and recreation areas.
- Fitness facilities, swimming pool, and tavern.
- Stable mobile coverage and Wi-Fi.
Tanami Village:
- Self-contained community with medical, dining, and recreation.
- Air-conditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
- Gym, cinema, and sporting facilities.
- Limited connectivity due to remoteness.
Both camps maintain strong safety culture and support networks for mental health and wellbeing.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Stable, long-term employment with a global leader.
- Excellent pay and structured rosters.
- Clear pathways for training and advancement.
- Strong community culture with emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
- Opportunity to work with world-class processing and mining systems.
Challenges:
- Long shifts and remote conditions, especially at Tanami.
- Isolation from family during swings.
- Strict safety procedures and performance expectations.
- Competition for permanent Newmont staff positions.
9. Career Progression and Growth
Newmont encourages internal promotion and continuous development.
Common Progression Pathways:
- Operator → Control Room → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Tradesperson → Leading Hand → Maintenance Planner → Reliability Engineer.
- Graduate Engineer → Mining Engineer → Senior Engineer → Superintendent.
- HSE Officer → Senior Advisor → Site Safety Lead.
Training Programs:
- Apprenticeships and traineeships in mechanical, electrical, and process trades.
- Graduate programs for engineering, geology, and environmental science.
- Leadership development through the Newmont Academy.
- Scholarships for Indigenous and female candidates.
10. Future Outlook (2026–2030)
- Boddington: Ongoing expansions in automation and autonomous haulage. Increased demand for electricians, auto technicians, and control system operators.
- Tanami Expansion 2 Project: Major underground growth expected to extend mine life by 15 years, creating new roles in construction, engineering, and maintenance.
- Renewables Integration: Both sites introducing solar and battery systems, requiring new skill sets in electrical and process control.
Newmont is also exploring new deposits in WA and NT, which could lead to additional FIFO job opportunities through 2030.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO for Newmont offers stability, safety, and strong long-term prospects. It’s not an easy environment — the work is demanding and the standards are strict — but the career development, pay, and reputation are exceptional.
If you value structure, teamwork, and the pride of working for one of the world’s best-run mining companies, Newmont Australia provides one of the most rewarding FIFO career paths available in 2026.
