Gold Fields Australia is one of the most established names in the nation’s gold mining industry. With more than two decades of continuous operation across the Granny Smith, Agnew, and St Ives mines, the company has built a reputation for safety, technology, and long-term employment stability.
For FIFO workers, Gold Fields represents consistency and professionalism. Its sites are known for well-organised rosters, modern facilities, and strong career development programs. This guide explores each of Gold Fields’ major operations in detail, including the types of jobs available, what life is like on-site, and how to join one of the country’s leading gold mining employers in 2026.
2. About Gold Fields Australia
Gold Fields is a global mining company headquartered in South Africa with operations in Australia, Ghana, Peru, and Chile. The Australian division contributes the largest share of its total gold production. Its mines operate on long-life deposits, ensuring continuous work opportunities for both skilled trades and technical professionals.
Gold Fields has pioneered autonomous mining, renewable energy integration, and mental health programs that have influenced the entire FIFO industry. In 2026, it remains one of the most respected employers for mining specialists looking for reliability and a clear career path.
3. The Granny Smith Mine (Near Laverton, Western Australia)
Overview
Granny Smith is located 740 kilometres northeast of Perth and about 20 kilometres south of Laverton. It is one of the longest-running underground gold mines in Australia, producing high-grade ore that is processed on-site at a modern treatment plant.
Operations
The site operates the Wallaby Underground Mine, an extensive system reaching below 1,200 metres in depth. The mine uses long-hole open stoping and paste fill to maximise recovery.
Common Roles
- Underground truck and bogger operators
- Charge-up crew and nippers
- Mechanical fitters, auto electricians, and HV electricians
- Processing operators and metallurgists
- Engineers, geologists, and mine planners
Lifestyle and Rosters
Typical rosters are eight days on and six days off for surface crews and fourteen days on and seven days off for underground teams. The FIFO route is from Perth to Laverton, followed by a short bus transfer. Accommodation includes single rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, gym, and well-regarded catering.
Highlights
Granny Smith is widely recognised for its safety culture, career retention, and focus on staff wellbeing. The mine is also an early adopter of renewable energy through a hybrid solar and gas power system that reduces reliance on diesel.
4. The Agnew Gold Mine (Northern Goldfields, Western Australia)
Overview
Located 375 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie and 23 kilometres west of Leinster, Agnew combines underground and surface operations with advanced renewable infrastructure. The site has achieved near-total energy self-sufficiency through one of Australia’s largest off-grid wind and solar hybrid systems.
Operations
The mine includes the Waroonga Underground Complex and the New Holland Underground Mine, supported by a central processing facility. Agnew continues to push the boundaries of underground safety and automation, using advanced equipment and digital monitoring systems.
Common Roles
- Underground operators and service crew
- Electricians, fitters, and maintenance planners
- Process operators and plant controllers
- HSE coordinators, logistics officers, and supervisors
Lifestyle and Rosters
FIFO flights depart from Perth to Leinster, with a short bus transfer to site. Rosters typically follow eight days on and six off, with some twelve-hour shifts for underground operators. The camp features premium facilities, strong mobile coverage, a recreation centre, and healthy food options.
Highlights
Agnew is considered one of the most sustainable mines in Australia, providing opportunities to work with renewable energy systems and digital control systems. It suits professionals who want to combine traditional mining skills with emerging green technologies.
5. The St Ives Gold Mine (Near Kambalda, Western Australia)
Overview
St Ives lies around 80 kilometres south of Kalgoorlie and operates as both an open-pit and underground mine. It is one of Gold Fields’ largest and most diverse operations, producing more than 350 thousand ounces of gold annually.
Operations
The mine includes multiple open pits and underground deposits feeding a central processing plant. Mining methods include long-hole open stoping and conventional open-cut mining. St Ives is a leader in operational efficiency and orebody modelling, making it an ideal training ground for new engineers and geologists.
Common Roles
- Open pit and underground equipment operators
- Haul truck drivers and production drillers
- Processing plant operators and maintenance crew
- Safety officers, surveyors, and mining engineers
Lifestyle and Rosters
Workers typically fly from Perth to Kalgoorlie, then travel by road to the site. Rosters vary by role, with common patterns being seven days on and seven off or eight on and six off. The accommodation village is large, well-equipped, and located close to Kalgoorlie amenities.
Highlights
St Ives offers one of the widest ranges of career options in the Gold Fields network. It is ideal for those seeking long-term progression or training pathways across both open pit and underground environments.
6. Pay and Benefits
| Role Type | Typical Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level or Utilities | 85,000 – 110,000 |
| Underground Operators | 150,000 – 190,000 |
| Trades and Maintenance Technicians | 160,000 – 220,000 |
| Processing Technicians | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| Engineers and Supervisors | 180,000 – 260,000 |
Additional Benefits
- Flights, meals, and private accommodation included
- Annual bonuses tied to performance and safety
- Access to internal training and leadership programs
- Company-funded health insurance and wellbeing support
- Clear pathways for internal promotion and site transfer
7. Career Development and Progression
Gold Fields invests heavily in workforce training. Employees can move between operations, apply for secondments, or pursue professional development through accredited programs.
Career pathways include:
- Operator to Leading Hand to Supervisor
- Technician to Maintenance Planner or Reliability Engineer
- Graduate Engineer to Senior Engineer to Technical Superintendent
- HSE Advisor to Coordinator to Manager
The company’s training partnerships with TAFE and Curtin University also allow trade and graduate employees to continue study while working FIFO.
8. Company Culture and Safety
Gold Fields is recognised for one of the strongest safety records in the Australian mining industry. The company follows a “visible leadership” model where managers work alongside crews to identify and fix potential hazards.
Wellbeing is equally prioritised. Each camp includes access to health professionals, mental wellness programs, and recreational events. The company also runs family support initiatives for workers who spend long periods away from home.
9. Sustainability and Innovation
Gold Fields has taken a leading role in decarbonising the mining industry. The Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project provides up to 70 percent of its energy through wind and solar power. Granny Smith operates a large solar farm and battery storage system, while St Ives is investing in water recycling and rehabilitation projects.
Employees are encouraged to contribute to these environmental programs, giving trades, operators, and engineers hands-on involvement in sustainability projects.
10. Final Thoughts
Gold Fields Australia continues to define what a modern FIFO mining career can look like. Across Granny Smith, Agnew, and St Ives, workers find consistent rosters, excellent facilities, genuine career progression, and a culture built on respect and safety.
For anyone seeking a reliable and future-focused employer in 2026, Gold Fields remains one of the most trusted names in Australian mining. Whether your background is in trades, engineering, or processing, these operations offer the kind of long-term security and purpose that make FIFO work truly rewarding.
