Roy Hill, owned by Hancock Prospecting, is one of Australia’s most successful privately run iron ore mining companies. Known for its world-class technology, productivity, and strong leadership under Gina Rinehart, Roy Hill is the benchmark for modern mining operations in the Pilbara. The company employs thousands of FIFO workers across production, maintenance, engineering, and logistics, and is renowned for its strong safety culture, premium accommodation, and high-paying roles.
This 2026 guide explains what FIFO workers can expect at Roy Hill — from pay and rosters to training, site life, and career pathways.
1. Overview of Roy Hill Operations
Roy Hill operates a single but enormous integrated iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, encompassing a mine, railway, and port.
Core Features:
- Located 115 km north of Newman.
- Open-pit iron ore mine producing over 60 million tonnes annually.
- 344-kilometre heavy-haul railway linking the mine to Port Hedland.
- Dedicated export port and processing facilities at Port Hedland.
- One of the most technologically advanced mining operations in Australia.
The project is powered by automation, remote operations, and digital monitoring from the Perth Remote Operations Centre — creating a mix of both FIFO and city-based technical roles.
2. Work Locations and Access
- Mine Site: Roy Hill Mine, located in the central Pilbara region.
- Port Site: Roy Hill Port Operations, located at Port Hedland.
- Rail Network: Connects mine to port, managed by specialised train and signalling teams.
- Perth Headquarters: Remote Operations Centre for control room, engineering, and planning staff.
Access:
FIFO flights from Perth, Geraldton, or regional WA airports directly to the mine’s private airstrip near Newman. Buses transfer staff to camp and work areas.
3. Common FIFO Job Roles
Mining Operations
- Excavator, Dozer, Loader, and Haul Truck Operators (CAT 793, Komatsu 930E).
- Production Supervisors and Dispatch Coordinators.
- Mining Engineers, Surveyors, and Geologists.
- Autonomous Haulage and Fleet Management Technicians.
Processing and Maintenance
- Process Plant Operators and Control Room Technicians.
- Mechanical Fitters, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Fixed Plant and Mobile Maintenance Technicians.
- Lubrication Technicians and Condition Monitoring Specialists.
- Boilermakers and Welders.
Rail and Port Operations
- Locomotive Drivers and Rail Maintainers.
- Port Operators and Ship Loaders.
- Electrical, Signalling, and Communications Technicians.
- Logistics and Scheduling Planners.
Support and Services
- HSE Advisors and Training Coordinators.
- Camp Utilities, Chefs, and Cleaning Staff.
- Administration and Logistics Officers.
- IT, Automation, and Data Specialists at Perth ROC.
4. Rosters and Lifestyle
Typical Rosters:
- Mine Operations: 2 weeks on / 1 week off.
- Maintenance and Trades: 8 days on / 6 off or 14:14 during shutdowns.
- Rail and Port Operations: 2 weeks on / 1 week off or 5:2 for Hedland residents.
- Corporate and ROC (Perth): 5 days on / 2 off.
Camp Life:
Roy Hill’s village is among the best in WA, designed for comfort and wellbeing.
- Private ensuite rooms with air conditioning.
- Modern dining with high-quality food and variety.
- Gym, swimming pool, tavern, and cinema.
- Wi-Fi, medical services, and recreation spaces.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Roy Hill offers premium pay across all departments, reflecting both the workload and the high safety and performance standards.
Estimated Annual Salaries:
- Utility / Hospitality: $90,000 – $110,000
- Process Plant Operator: $140,000 – $170,000
- Haul Truck Operator: $150,000 – $190,000
- Mechanical / Electrical Trades: $160,000 – $210,000
- Control Room / Process Supervisor: $180,000 – $230,000
- Engineer / Superintendent: $190,000 – $270,000
- Rail and Port Technicians: $170,000 – $230,000
Benefits:
- Flights, meals, and accommodation provided.
- Annual bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
- Comprehensive medical and life insurance.
- Access to Hancock Prospecting training programs.
- Flexible rosters and strong employee wellbeing focus.
6. Training and Induction Requirements
Mandatory Requirements:
- 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.
- Trade Certificate or relevant qualification.
- Pre-employment medical, drug/alcohol screening, and police clearance.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with autonomous systems or control room operations.
- Familiarity with CAT, Komatsu, or Hitachi fleets.
- Fixed plant isolation and lockout experience.
- EEHA certification for electricians.
- Heavy mobile plant and shutdown maintenance background.
Roy Hill operates its own Training and Innovation Centre near Perth, which provides simulation-based equipment training and leadership programs.
7. Life at Roy Hill Camps
The Roy Hill mine village is known as one of the cleanest, safest, and most modern FIFO camps in Australia.
Facilities:
- Ensuite rooms with daily servicing.
- Restaurant-quality dining and coffee bar.
- Gym, tavern, basketball court, pool, and running track.
- 24-hour medical and emergency services.
- Employee recreation programs and social events.
Daily Routine:
- 5:00 am pre-start meeting.
- 12-hour shift (day/night rotation).
- End-of-shift debrief, dinner, and downtime.
- Regular hydration and heat management breaks enforced.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Excellent pay and world-class facilities.
- Stable long-term employment with a company investing heavily in technology.
- Strong focus on safety, culture, and performance.
- Opportunity to upskill through automation and leadership training.
- Supportive environment and top-tier amenities.
Challenges:
- High expectations for productivity and behaviour.
- Strict compliance and reporting standards.
- Heat and isolation during Pilbara summers.
- Competition for permanent staff roles.
9. Career Progression and Development
Roy Hill promotes from within and supports workers through structured training and mentoring.
Progression Pathways:
- Operator → Dispatcher → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Fitter / Electrician → Planner → Reliability Engineer.
- Graduate → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Superintendent.
- HSE Officer → Senior Advisor → Site Manager.
Training Opportunities:
- Apprenticeships and traineeships in mechanical, electrical, and processing trades.
- Leadership programs through the Hancock Group.
- Technical certifications for control systems, maintenance, and automation.
10. The Future of Roy Hill (2026–2030)
Roy Hill plans major expansions in automation, renewable energy, and processing upgrades.
- Autonomous Haulage: Ongoing fleet conversion to driverless trucks and drills.
- Sustainability Projects: Solar energy, hydrogen studies, and decarbonisation programs.
- Port and Rail Expansion: Increasing export capacity to meet global iron ore demand.
- Training Academy Growth: Aiming to double training capacity for new FIFO entrants.
These initiatives will sustain thousands of FIFO jobs for tradespeople, operators, and technical professionals across the next decade.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO for Roy Hill offers a combination of stability, top-tier pay, and access to some of the most advanced mining technology in the world. It’s a demanding but highly rewarding environment for those who value professionalism, performance, and teamwork.
If you’re a tradesperson, operator, or technician looking for a long-term career in mining, Roy Hill stands out as one of the best FIFO employers in Australia in 2026 — combining modern infrastructure, great facilities, and a clear path for growth within the Hancock Prospecting Group.
