The Onslow Iron Project is one of the most ambitious and innovative mining developments ever undertaken in Western Australia. Operated by Mineral Resources (MinRes) in partnership with Hancock Prospecting and Baowu, this multi-billion-dollar project is reshaping how iron ore is mined, transported, and exported from the Pilbara. It combines large-scale mining, private haulage infrastructure, and world-class FIFO facilities — offering long-term, high-paying roles for workers across all trades and disciplines.
For FIFO professionals, Onslow represents a new generation of mining — smarter, cleaner, and designed with worker comfort and efficiency in mind. This 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about the project, from the job types and pay to the living standards and future growth opportunities.
1. Project Overview
The Onslow Iron Project is a next-generation iron ore operation designed for a 35 million tonnes per annum capacity, making it one of the largest private resource projects in Australia. It combines mining at Ken’s Bore in the West Pilbara with a 150-kilometre private haul road and a state-of-the-art port facility at the Port of Ashburton near Onslow.
The operation stands out for its advanced modular crushing systems, autonomous haulage technology, and environmental design focused on reducing emissions and dust.
Key Features:
- Mine site located approximately 150 km east of Onslow.
- Private haul road connecting the mine to the port.
- New trans-shipping terminal for efficient ore loading.
- Fully owned and operated by MinRes with Hancock as a major joint venture partner.
- Over 30-year mine life providing long-term job security.
2. Location and Access
The project’s main operations are centred at Ken’s Bore, with supporting infrastructure extending across the Pilbara coast.
Access and Logistics:
- FIFO workers typically fly from Perth or regional WA airports to Onslow Airport.
- Workers are transported via charter flights and dedicated buses to site villages.
- The private haul road to the port ensures controlled transport and safety conditions.
- MinRes has built premium resort-style FIFO accommodation known as the Mungala Village, setting a new standard for comfort and lifestyle in the industry.
Onslow Town Connection:
Unlike older Pilbara mining towns, Onslow offers coastal access, local amenities, and improved connectivity, making it one of the most desirable FIFO locations for those seeking better work-life balance.
3. Job Categories and Opportunities
The Onslow Iron Project offers opportunities across mining, logistics, maintenance, and camp operations. With construction completed and production ramping up, hiring continues across multiple departments.
Mining and Production Roles
- Excavator, Dozer, and Grader Operators.
- Road Train and Haul Truck Drivers operating along the private haul road.
- Drill and Blast Technicians and Blast Crew Members.
- Mining Engineers, Geologists, and Surveyors.
- Dispatch and Fleet Control Technicians for autonomous systems.
Maintenance and Trades
- Mechanical Fitters and Diesel Mechanics.
- Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Boilermakers, Welders, and Structural Fabricators.
- Auto Electricians and Field Service Technicians.
- Lubrication, Condition Monitoring, and Reliability Engineers.
Infrastructure and Port Logistics
- Port Operators, Ship Loaders, and Conveyor Technicians.
- Rail and Haul Road Maintenance Crews.
- Marine Engineers and Tug Operations Support.
- Civil Operators for haul road and plant upkeep.
Support, Safety, and Camp Services
- HSE Advisors and Emergency Response Officers.
- Utilities, Chefs, and Cleaning Staff for village operations.
- Logistics Coordinators and Administration Officers.
- Training and Compliance Coordinators.
4. Rosters and Lifestyle
Working FIFO at Onslow comes with flexible and worker-friendly roster options designed to support retention and wellbeing.
Typical Rosters:
- Operations: 8 days on and 6 off.
- Trades and Maintenance: 14 days on and 14 off during shutdowns.
- Road Haulage Drivers: 7 days on and 7 off rotation.
- Support and Camp Roles: 2 weeks on and 1 week off.
Lifestyle and Camps:
The Mungala Village offers resort-style facilities that redefine FIFO living standards.
- Private rooms with king beds, lounge, kitchenette, and balcony.
- High-quality dining with multiple food stations and café options.
- Fully equipped gym, swimming pool, and recreation courts.
- Tavern, cinema, and entertainment lounges.
- 24-hour health and wellness centre.
The standard of accommodation and amenities at Onslow is widely considered the best in Australia’s mining sector, showing the joint venture’s commitment to worker satisfaction.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Pay rates at Onslow Iron are highly competitive and reflect the scale and complexity of the project.
Estimated Annual Salaries:
- Utility / Camp Staff: $90,000 to $110,000
- Process Operator: $140,000 to $170,000
- Haul Truck and Road Train Drivers: $160,000 to $200,000
- Mechanical and Electrical Trades: $160,000 to $210,000
- Supervisors and Coordinators: $190,000 to $240,000
- Engineers and Senior Technicians: $200,000 to $300,000+
Additional Benefits:
- Flights, meals, and accommodation provided.
- Production and safety performance bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and income protection insurance.
- Superannuation above industry standard.
- Leadership and training program access through MinRes Academy.
6. Training and Safety Requirements
To maintain its world-class safety record, the project enforces rigorous training and induction standards.
Mandatory Requirements:
- White Card.
- Working at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- High Risk Work Licences (EWP, Forklift, Dogging, Rigging).
- Trade Certificate or Demonstrated Competency.
- Pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol screening, and police clearance.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with autonomous equipment and digital systems.
- Mobile plant and heavy vehicle maintenance skills.
- Instrumentation or electrical control expertise.
- Understanding of MinRes or Hancock Prospecting safety systems.
All new hires complete a comprehensive Onslow-specific induction, covering environmental, cultural heritage, and emergency response training.
7. Life on Site and in Camp
The Onslow Iron Project has redefined what FIFO life can look like.
Camp Experience:
- Large, private ensuite rooms with personal workspace.
- Restaurants, bars, and café-quality dining options.
- Daily recreation activities and fitness classes.
- Coastal proximity for fishing and weekend relaxation when off roster.
Community and Wellbeing:
MinRes and Hancock Prospecting have prioritised health and wellbeing through mental health programs, recreation access, and medical support. Worker fatigue and mental health monitoring are embedded into site operations.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Premium camp lifestyle with world-class facilities.
- Long-term career potential with stable joint venture partners.
- High automation exposure and modern equipment.
- Competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
- Supportive culture with strong leadership and safety focus.
Challenges:
- Remote Pilbara location requiring long travel times.
- Demanding physical work and extreme heat.
- Limited off-site access during swing periods.
- Early-stage production still adjusting workflows.
Despite these challenges, Onslow is known for providing unmatched comfort and structure, making it one of the most attractive FIFO environments in Western Australia.
9. Career Progression and Development
The partnership between MinRes and Hancock Prospecting creates extensive opportunities for internal growth.
Career Pathways:
- Operator to Dispatcher to Supervisor.
- Fitter or Electrician to Planner to Reliability Engineer.
- Utility to Site Coordinator to Camp Manager.
- Graduate to Project Engineer to Superintendent.
Development Support:
- Apprenticeships and traineeships through MinRes Training.
- Leadership programs for high-performing trades and operators.
- Cross-site mobility between Onslow, Roy Hill, and other Hancock assets.
10. Future Outlook (2026 to 2030)
The future of the Onslow Iron Project is exceptionally bright. With production ramping up to full capacity, the project will remain a major FIFO employment hub for decades.
Upcoming Developments:
- Expansion of haulage operations and logistics fleets.
- Additional crushing and screening plant installation.
- Integration of renewable energy solutions for site power.
- Development of new port facilities to boost export capacity.
- More permanent, long-term roles as construction transitions to operations.
The combination of cutting-edge mining and top-tier worker conditions positions Onslow Iron as a model for the future of mining in Australia.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO at the Onslow Iron Project is more than just a mining job — it is a career within a landmark Australian operation that represents the next era of resource development. With exceptional pay, premium living standards, advanced technology, and strong leadership from MinRes and Hancock Prospecting, Onslow Iron is setting a new benchmark for what FIFO work can be in 2026.
