For those aiming to build a stable, well-paying career in gold mining, Gold Fields Australia stands as one of the most respected employers in the FIFO industry. With a portfolio of high-performing mines across Western Australia, the company combines strong operational performance, world-class safety standards, and genuine long-term employment opportunities.
This guide explores every aspect of FIFO life with Gold Fields in 2026 — from where they operate and what roles they hire, to roster types, pay, lifestyle, and the future outlook for gold mining in Western Australia.
2. About Gold Fields Australia
Gold Fields Limited is a global gold producer headquartered in South Africa, operating across Australia, South America, and Africa. The Australian division is its strongest contributor, responsible for around half of the company’s global production.
Gold Fields Australia operates four major mine sites, all in Western Australia: Granny Smith, Agnew, St Ives, and Gruyere (a joint venture with Gold Road Resources). Each site runs on FIFO or DIDO models, with flights primarily departing from Perth.
The company is renowned for its safety-first culture, modern fleet, investment in technology, and commitment to employee development and wellbeing.
3. Key Operations and Locations
3.1 Granny Smith Gold Mine (Near Laverton, WA)
Located about 20 km south of Laverton, this underground mine is one of the most consistent gold producers in Australia.
- FIFO from Perth, Kalgoorlie, or regional hubs.
- Major roles include underground miners, jumbo operators, fitters, electricians, and geologists.
- Camp facilities include private rooms, gym, and entertainment areas.
3.2 Agnew Gold Mine (Leinster District, WA)
A combination of underground and open-pit operations with a reputation for strong safety performance.
- FIFO from Perth or DIDO from Leinster.
- Notable for its renewable energy microgrid that powers most of the site — one of the first of its kind in Australia.
- Roles include electricians, mechanical fitters, process technicians, and drill & blast crews.
3.3 St Ives Gold Mine (Near Kambalda, WA)
Located south of Kalgoorlie, St Ives is a large open-pit and underground complex producing hundreds of thousands of ounces of gold annually.
- FIFO or residential options via Kalgoorlie or Perth.
- Frequent recruitment for mobile plant operators, heavy diesel fitters, and field technicians.
3.4 Gruyere Gold Mine (Joint Venture)
Operated in partnership with Gold Road Resources, this is one of Australia’s newest large-scale open-pit gold mines.
- Located east of Laverton.
- FIFO from Perth.
- Roles include mobile operators, process technicians, laboratory staff, and field geologists.
4. Typical FIFO Job Roles
Mining Operations
- Underground Miners and Truck Operators
- Jumbo Operators and Service Crew
- Open-Pit Operators (Excavator, Dozer, Loader)
- Mine Surveyors and Geotechnical Engineers
Maintenance and Trades
- Mechanical Fitters (Fixed and Mobile Plant)
- Electricians and Auto Electricians
- Boilermakers, Diesel Mechanics, and HV Technicians
- Refrigeration Mechanics and Instrumentation Technicians
Technical and Engineering
- Mining Engineers and Geologists
- Processing Plant Engineers
- Metallurgists and Lab Technicians
- Maintenance Planners and Reliability Engineers
Safety, Training, and Support
- HSE Advisors and Trainers
- Emergency Response and Paramedics
- Camp Management, Catering, Cleaning, and Logistics
5. Rosters and Work Patterns
Roster Formats
Gold Fields maintains balanced rosters designed to support worker wellbeing. The most common patterns include:
- 8 days on / 6 days off (common for trades and processing).
- 7 days on / 7 days off (used in maintenance and admin).
- 2 weeks on / 1 week off for underground or remote operations.
Travel and Camp Life
All sites operate as FIFO from Perth, with company charter flights to regional airports such as Leinster, Laverton, and Kalgoorlie. Workers stay in well-equipped camps offering single rooms, meals, laundry, gyms, and recreational areas.
6. Pay and Benefits (2026 Estimates)
| Role Type | Typical Salary (AUD per year) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Mining / Utility Roles | 100,000 – 120,000 |
| Trades & Technicians | 150,000 – 190,000 |
| Underground Operators / Mobile Plant | 160,000 – 220,000 |
| Engineers / Supervisors | 180,000 – 260,000 |
| Senior or Specialist Technical Staff | 220,000 – 300,000+ |
Employee Benefits
- Flights, accommodation, and meals included.
- Competitive base salary and site allowance.
- Health insurance, bonuses, and superannuation.
- Long-term service recognition and internal promotions.
- Training and education assistance through Gold Fields Academy.
7. Training, Safety, and Entry Requirements
Mandatory Tickets and Certifications
- White Card (Construction Induction)
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Entry
- Gas Test Atmospheres
- First Aid and CPR
- Valid Driver’s Licence
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Previous experience in gold or hard rock mining.
- Trade qualifications (Cert III or IV in Mechanical, Electrical, etc.).
- Strong understanding of safety systems and mine site protocols.
- Physically fit and able to work 12-hour shifts in hot, dusty conditions.
Entry Pathways
Gold Fields regularly offers apprenticeships, traineeships, and graduate programs, particularly for trades, geology, and engineering disciplines.
8. Life on Site
Camp Facilities
Accommodation at Gold Fields sites is high-quality, with single en-suite rooms, daily cleaning, gyms, pools, and recreation areas. Meals are prepared by professional catering teams, offering healthy and varied options.
Wellbeing and Lifestyle
The company invests heavily in employee wellbeing, with programs for mental health, financial education, and fitness. Workers enjoy social events, sports, and team initiatives during downtime.
Community and Culture
Gold Fields has built a reputation for a positive, inclusive culture where safety and respect are central. Many long-term employees cite strong team spirit and support from management as key reasons for staying.
9. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages
- Excellent pay and job security.
- Strong safety record and supportive management.
- Modern technology and automation in gold mining.
- Multiple sites offering career movement opportunities.
- Positive camp culture and comfortable living standards.
Challenges
- FIFO lifestyle requires long hours and time away from family.
- Heat and dust conditions typical of WA’s Goldfields.
- Competitive recruitment process, especially for surface operator roles.
10. Career Progression and Future Outlook
Career Pathways
- Operator → Senior Operator → Leading Hand → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Tradesperson → Maintenance Planner → Reliability Engineer → Maintenance Manager.
- Graduate → Engineer → Technical Superintendent → Site Manager.
Future Demand (2026–2030)
Gold Fields continues to expand exploration and optimise operations, meaning ongoing demand for trades, operators, and engineers.
Automation and renewable integration (like the Agnew hybrid power system) are creating new roles in electrical, instrumentation, and data-driven maintenance fields.
Gold Fields’ long mine life across its portfolio ensures FIFO stability well beyond 2030.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO with Gold Fields Australia provides one of the most stable and rewarding experiences in the mining industry. With excellent pay, safe conditions, and an employer known for treating workers with respect, Gold Fields is a standout choice for anyone looking to build a lasting career in Western Australia’s gold sector.
Whether you are a first-time operator, a seasoned tradesperson, or an engineer looking for technical growth, Gold Fields offers genuine opportunities to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
