Australia’s mining and energy industries rely heavily on FIFO (fly-in fly-out) workforces to operate some of the largest and most advanced projects in the world. From iron ore giants in the Pilbara to emerging lithium and renewable energy hubs across regional Western Australia and Queensland, thousands of FIFO jobs are available across diverse companies and trades.
This guide provides a full overview of the most important FIFO employers in 2026 — including where they operate, the types of roles they offer, and what makes each company stand out if you’re planning your FIFO career path.
1. BHP (Iron Ore and Nickel West)
Overview:
BHP remains Australia’s largest resource employer with extensive FIFO operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara and Nickel West across Mt Keith, Kalgoorlie, and Kwinana. Known for consistency, strong safety standards, and structured career pathways, BHP is the backbone of Australian FIFO employment and a common starting point for people moving from entry-level FIFO jobs into skilled roles.
Major FIFO Locations:
- Newman, Jimblebar, Area C, South Flank (iron ore)
- Mt Keith and Leinster (nickel)
Typical Roles:
Equipment Operators, Electricians, Mechanical Fitters, Process Operators, Geologists, Engineers, HSE Advisors.
Why Work Here:
Job security, long-term projects, extensive training programs, and above-average superannuation benefits, especially for those wanting a structured path into supervisory and leadership roles.
2. Rio Tinto (Iron Ore, Rail and Port)
Overview:
Rio Tinto operates 17 iron ore mines, 2,000 km of rail, and four port terminals in the Pilbara, making it one of the largest autonomous mining systems in the world. FIFO opportunities span operations, rail maintenance, logistics, and engineering, with strong demand for experienced production operators and trades.
Key Sites:
Gudai-Darri, Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Brockman 4, Cape Lambert, Dampier.
Roles:
Haul Truck Drivers, Fixed Plant Operators, Trades, Port and Rail Technicians, Process Engineers, Safety Advisors.
Why Work Here:
World-class automation technology, stable employment, premium camps, and performance bonuses — ideal if you want long-term stability and high exposure to autonomous mining systems.
3. Fortescue Metals Group (FMG)
Overview:
FMG has become synonymous with innovation and sustainability, running high-tech autonomous mines across the Chichester and Solomon Hubs and expanding into hydrogen and renewables through Fortescue Energy.
Sites:
Cloudbreak, Christmas Creek, Solomon Hub, Iron Bridge Magnetite Project.
Roles:
Operators, Mechanical Fitters, Electricians, Engineers, and Energy Technicians.
Why Work Here:
Modern fleets, excellent pay, top-tier accommodation, and a strong focus on decarbonisation and future-energy projects.
4. Roy Hill and Hancock Prospecting Group
Overview:
Roy Hill, led by Hancock Prospecting, is one of the most advanced integrated mining operations in the Pilbara. Its high safety standards and modern FIFO villages have made it one of the best-rated employers for worker wellbeing and camp life.
Location:
Roy Hill Mine (near Newman), Port Hedland Export Facilities, Perth ROC.
Roles:
Mine Operators, Maintenance Trades, Process Technicians, Port Operators, HSE Staff.
Why Work Here:
High pay, outstanding camps, world-class automation, and a strong leadership culture that invests heavily in safety and mental wellbeing.
5. Mineral Resources (MinRes)
Overview:
MinRes is a fast-growing diversified company running operations in iron ore, lithium, and energy, known for its privately funded projects, innovative logistics, and resort-style FIFO villages.
Key Projects:
Onslow Iron Project, Wodgina Lithium Mine, Mt Marion Lithium, and Yilgarn Iron Ore Operations.
Roles:
Haulage Drivers, Fitters, Electricians, Process Operators, Camp Utilities.
Why Work Here:
Industry-leading camp standards, strong innovation, and multiple entry points for people transitioning from entry-level FIFO roles into mining and energy.
6. Northern Star Resources
Overview:
Northern Star Resources is Australia’s largest gold producer with operations across the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, Jundee, and Thunderbox. It offers stable FIFO employment and advancement opportunities for underground trades and process operators.
Key Sites:
Kalgoorlie KCGM Super Pit, Jundee Mine (Yandal Belt), Thunderbox Mine (Leonora).
Roles:
Underground Miners, Fitters, Process Technicians, Electricians, Shotfirers.
Why Work Here:
Excellent retention, competitive salaries, and long-term site continuity in some of WA’s most famous goldfields.
7. Gold Fields Australia
Overview:
Gold Fields Australia is a global gold producer operating multiple FIFO mines across WA’s Goldfields. The company focuses heavily on safety, training, and strong site communities.
Key Mines:
Granny Smith, Agnew, St Ives.
Roles:
Drill Fitters, Process Operators, Mine Geologists, Supervisors.
Why Work Here:
Family-friendly rosters, quality accommodation, and world-class training programs that support long careers in gold mining.
8. IGO Limited
Overview:
IGO Limited is a leader in nickel, copper, and lithium production with high-demand FIFO opportunities for electrical, instrumentation, and technical specialists.
Sites:
Nova Operation (Fraser Range), Forrestania, Cosmos Nickel Project.
Roles:
Electricians, Instrument Technicians, Process Operators, Geologists.
Why Work Here:
Modern technology, strong ESG values, and consistent growth in battery minerals that support long-term job security.
9. Pilbara Minerals
Overview:
Pilbara Minerals is the flagship Australian lithium producer, operating the Pilgangoora Project near Port Hedland and acting as a major FIFO employer in lithium concentrate production.
Roles:
Process Technicians, Fitters, Electricians, Mobile Plant Operators.
Why Work Here:
Rapid expansion, stable rosters, and exposure to the global EV and battery supply chain.
10. Liontown Resources
Overview:
Liontown Resources is an emerging lithium producer developing the Kathleen Valley Project, one of Australia’s most anticipated 2026 start-ups.
Roles:
Construction Trades, Electricians, Process Operators, Supervisors.
Why Work Here:
Early-stage project entry, long-term career growth, and integration with renewable power and decarbonisation initiatives.
11. Woodside Energy
Overview:
Woodside Energy is Australia’s largest LNG operator with massive FIFO workforces across onshore and offshore facilities.
Sites:
Pluto LNG, Karratha Gas Plant, Scarborough Project, Browse Development.
Roles:
Process Operators, Offshore Technicians, Electricians, Engineers.
Why Work Here:
High salaries, top safety culture, world-class projects, and global career mobility across energy and decarbonisation projects.
12. Santos Ltd
Overview:
Santos is a major energy producer with LNG, gas, and offshore projects across Darwin, Onshore WA, and the NT.
Key Projects:
Darwin LNG, Barossa Gas Project, Devil Creek and Macedon Plants.
Roles:
Process Technicians, Electricians, Mechanical Fitters, Offshore Crew.
Why Work Here:
Diverse roles, excellent training, and opportunities in both traditional gas and the wider energy transition.
13. Chevron Australia
Overview:
Chevron Australia, operator of Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG, provides some of the most stable and highest-paying FIFO jobs in the energy sector.
Roles:
Process Operators, Electrical Technicians, Mechanical Fitters, Control Room Operators.
Why Work Here:
Top pay, advanced technology, long-term projects, and a strong global company culture.
14. INPEX Ichthys
Overview:
INPEX Ichthys is a Japanese-backed energy company operating one of the largest LNG developments in the world, based offshore near Darwin.
Roles:
Offshore Technicians, Marine Crew, Engineers, Electricians.
Why Work Here:
Offshore experience, strong global backing, and stable long-term contracts in a world-scale LNG project.
15. Monadelphous Group
Overview:
A key contractor to the mining and energy industries, Monadelphous delivers construction, maintenance, and shutdown services across multiple major projects.
Roles:
Boilermakers, Fitters, Riggers, Scaffolders, Electricians, Project Supervisors.
Why Work Here:
Consistent project flow, varied experience across different sites, and a strong entry pathway for trades wanting to build shutdown and construction experience.
16. UGL / Downer / Thiess / NRW Holdings
Overview:
Australia’s largest contract services and project delivery companies, supplying workforce solutions across mining, infrastructure, and energy.
Roles:
Trades, Operators, Supervisors, Civil Workers, Engineers.
Why Work Here:
Frequent project turnover means continuous work availability, diverse experience, and good pathways into frontline leadership for strong performers.
17. Gold & Battery Metals Mid-Tier Employers
Evolution Mining – Mungari Mine and Cowal Gold Operation.
Sandfire Resources – DeGrussa and Motheo Copper Operations.
Iluka Resources – Mineral sands and rare earths operations (Eneabba and Cataby).
Covalent Lithium – Mt Holland Mine and Kwinana Refinery.
Tianqi / Albemarle Kemerton Plant – WA’s largest lithium hydroxide refinery.
All these companies offer FIFO roles for process operators, electricians, mechanics, and technicians entering the next wave of the clean-energy mining boom, complementing the opportunities covered in our FIFO pay and salary guide.
18. Civil and Infrastructure Employers with FIFO Roles
John Holland, CPB Contractors, Acciona, and Laing O’Rourke – delivering roads, rail, and renewable infrastructure in remote areas.
Roles: Civil Operators, Formwork Carpenters, Concreters, Electricians, Project Engineers.
Why Work Here: Infrastructure continuity, exposure to renewable and transport megaprojects, and good cross-over for workers coming from or moving into construction and shutdown FIFO work.
19. Energy Transition and Renewables Leaders
Fortescue Energy, Synergy Renewables, Alinta Energy, APA Group – developing solar, wind, and hydrogen facilities across WA, NT, and QLD.
Roles: Electrical Technicians, Project Engineers, Mechanical Installers, Renewable Operators.
Why Work Here: Fast-growing green-energy sector with strong long-term career stability and alignment with Australia’s decarbonisation targets.
20. Mining Services and Contract Operators (Entry Gateways)
MACA Ltd, BGC Contracting, Perenti, Barminco, Byrnecut – contract miners servicing major operators.
Roles: Operators, Trades, Underground Miners, Supervisors.
Why Work Here: Great for new FIFO entrants to gain experience across multiple projects, especially if you’re using FIFO as a pathway into specialised roles like underground mining or drill and blast.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s FIFO industry in 2026 is more diverse than ever. From global giants like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Woodside to emerging lithium producers such as Pilbara Minerals and Liontown Resources, the range of employers spans mining, oil & gas, renewables, and infrastructure. Understanding who hires, where they operate, and which roles they offer is a key step in planning your own FIFO career strategy.
For workers ready to take on the challenges of remote living and rostered shifts, these companies represent some of the best long-term career and lifestyle opportunities available in the country — especially when combined with the right tickets, licences, and training.
