Northern Star Resources has emerged as one of Australia’s most powerful and fast-growing gold producers, operating a network of high-grade mines across Western Australia and Alaska. Known for its strong culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous growth, Northern Star offers thousands of FIFO positions every year across its core sites — Kalgoorlie Operations, Jundee Mine, and Thunderbox Mine.
This 2026 guide provides an in-depth overview of what it’s like to work FIFO for Northern Star: from pay and rosters to training, lifestyle, and career growth inside one of the country’s most active gold mining companies.
1. Overview: The Company and Its Operations
Northern Star Resources is headquartered in Perth and listed on the ASX. Over the past decade, it has transformed from a small gold explorer into one of the world’s top five gold producers. Its operations are divided into three major Australian production centres:
- Kalgoorlie Production Centre: Includes the Super Pit (joint venture with Newmont), Kanowna Belle, and Kundana mines.
- Yandal Production Centre: Based around the Jundee underground mine near Wiluna, one of Australia’s most productive gold operations.
- Thunderbox Operations: Near Leinster, combining open-pit and underground mining with a modern processing plant.
Each site operates under FIFO rosters with large modern camps, stable production, and strong emphasis on safety and efficiency.
2. FIFO Work Locations and Access
Kalgoorlie Operations
- Based in the historic Goldfields, about 600 kilometres east of Perth.
- FIFO flights from Perth or DIDO for regional residents.
- Multiple underground and open-pit operations feeding a central processing hub.
- Access to the world-famous Fimiston Super Pit and the Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) joint venture.
Jundee Mine (Yandal)
- Remote underground site located 45 kilometres northeast of Wiluna.
- FIFO from Perth or regional hubs such as Geraldton.
- Modern village with ensuite rooms, gym, tavern, and pool.
Thunderbox Mine
- Located near Leinster, about 900 kilometres north of Perth.
- FIFO from Perth or Kalgoorlie, with options for DIDO.
- Open-pit and underground operations with new mill upgrades completed in 2025.
3. Job Categories and Common Roles
Northern Star employs a mix of operational, technical, and trade professionals.
Mining and Operations
- Underground Miners, Bogger and Jumbo Operators.
- Open-Pit Excavator and Haul Truck Operators.
- Shotfirers and Blast Crew Technicians.
- Mine Surveyors and Geologists.
- Mining Engineers and Production Supervisors.
Processing and Maintenance
- Process Operators and Control Room Technicians.
- Electricians, Instrumentation Technicians, and Mechanical Fitters.
- Boilermakers, Welders, and Diesel Fitters.
- Fixed Plant and Mill Maintenance Crews.
- Laboratory Technicians and Metallurgists.
Support and Services
- HSE Advisors, Training Officers, and Emergency Response.
- Camp Cooks, Cleaners, and Utilities.
- Logistics, Procurement, and Admin Coordinators.
- Planners, Schedulers, and Reliability Engineers.
4. Rosters and Work-Life Structure
Standard Rosters:
- Kalgoorlie: 8 days on / 6 off or 7 on / 7 off.
- Jundee: 2 weeks on / 1 week off (standard FIFO rotation).
- Thunderbox: 2 weeks on / 1 week off or 8 days on / 6 off.
- Maintenance / Shutdown Contractors: 3 weeks on / 1 off.
Camp Conditions:
- Air-conditioned ensuite rooms.
- Modern dining facilities and recreation areas.
- Gyms, taverns, pools, and sports facilities.
- Medical and mental health support on site.
Workers report a strong culture of teamwork, safety, and stability.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Northern Star offers competitive pay and consistent roster structures.
Average Annual Earnings:
- Utility / Camp Worker: $85,000 – $105,000
- Process Operator: $135,000 – $165,000
- Underground Miner: $170,000 – $220,000
- Mechanical / Electrical Trades: $150,000 – $200,000
- Control Room or Plant Supervisor: $180,000 – $230,000
- Mining Engineer / Geologist: $180,000 – $260,000
- HSE or Maintenance Superintendent: $190,000 – $240,000
Additional Benefits:
- Paid flights and airport transfers.
- Private room accommodation with meals.
- Annual bonus and share incentive programs.
- Career development and leadership pathways.
- Strong safety and wellbeing programs.
6. Training and Licensing Requirements
Mandatory Certifications:
- White Card (Construction Induction).
- Working at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- High Risk Work Licence (EWP, Forklift, Dogging, Rigging).
- First Aid and CPR.
- Police Clearance and Pre-Employment Medical.
Preferred Experience:
- Underground mining or mill operations experience.
- Familiarity with CAT, Sandvik, or Atlas Copco equipment.
- Knowledge of DCS or SCADA systems for process control.
- Experience with isolation, lockout, and permit systems.
Training Pathways:
Northern Star runs internal training programs for operators and trades. The company also partners with WA TAFEs for apprenticeships and traineeships, offering clear progression for motivated workers.
7. Life at Northern Star Camps
Each site has its own modern FIFO village, with strong focus on comfort and community.
Kalgoorlie and Thunderbox Villages:
- Private ensuite rooms.
- 24-hour gym, tavern, and dining hall.
- Laundry, recreation rooms, and Wi-Fi.
- Shuttles to site and airport transfers.
Jundee Village:
- One of the best-regarded FIFO camps in WA.
- Gym, cinema, basketball court, and swimming pool.
- Onsite medical centre and physiotherapy access.
- High-quality meals and daily cleaning services.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Strong job security due to multi-mine operations.
- Above-average pay for gold sector.
- Opportunities to move between sites and departments.
- Investment in automation and safety systems.
- Active Indigenous employment and local training programs.
Challenges:
- Repetitive shift patterns and remote lifestyle.
- Harsh heat and dust, especially in Yandal and Leinster.
- Limited personal time during long rosters.
- Entry-level competition for production roles.
9. Career Progression
Pathways for Trades and Operators:
- Operator → Control Room → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Fitter / Electrician → Planner → Reliability Engineer → Maintenance Superintendent.
- Underground Miner → Jumbo Operator → Shift Supervisor → Mine Foreman.
Graduate and Technical Pathways:
- Graduate Engineer → Production Engineer → Senior Engineer → Technical Services Superintendent.
- Geologist → Senior Geologist → Exploration Lead.
- HSE Advisor → Senior HSE → Site Manager.
Northern Star encourages upskilling through accredited training and promotes internally wherever possible.
10. The Future of Northern Star (2026–2030)
- Kalgoorlie Super Pit: Life extension projects underway to deepen pits and expand processing.
- Jundee and Thunderbox: Increasing automation, tele-remote loaders, and mill upgrades.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Solar hybrid power systems being deployed across WA sites.
- Exploration Projects: New discoveries in the Yandal and Eastern Goldfields regions are expected to expand the workforce further.
The company plans to grow production past 2 million ounces annually, ensuring steady demand for skilled FIFO labour.
11. Final Thoughts
Northern Star Resources combines the excitement of a growth company with the stability of a global miner. With high safety standards, strong culture, and opportunities for advancement, it’s one of the best employers in Australia’s gold sector.
If you’re a tradesperson, operator, or engineer looking for long-term FIFO work in WA with real career mobility, Northern Star provides one of the most balanced and rewarding pathways in 2026.
