Evolution Mining is one of Australia’s leading mid-tier gold and copper producers, with a reputation for strong safety culture, career development, and operational excellence. The company operates across several states, offering a mix of open-pit, underground, and processing FIFO roles that suit tradespeople, operators, engineers, and professionals alike.
This 2026 guide explores what to expect when working FIFO for Evolution Mining — including the key sites, pay, rosters, facilities, training, and long-term opportunities.
1. Company Overview
Founded in 2011, Evolution Mining has grown rapidly through strategic acquisitions and smart investment. It operates a portfolio of gold and copper mines across Australia and Canada, but its Australian operations remain the core of its workforce and FIFO opportunities.
Key Australian Operations:
- Cowal Gold Mine (NSW): A large open-pit and underground operation near West Wyalong.
- Mungari Operations (WA): Located 20 km west of Kalgoorlie, combining the Frog’s Leg underground mine and White Foil open pit.
- Mt Rawdon (QLD): Open-pit gold mine transitioning toward renewable power integration.
- Ernest Henry Mine (QLD): Copper-gold operation near Cloncurry, producing high-value concentrates.
- Red Lake (Canada): An international site with Australian management teams, offering overseas FIFO for senior professionals.
Evolution focuses on low-cost, high-margin production and prides itself on sustainability, Indigenous engagement, and advanced automation systems.
2. Work Locations and Access
Cowal (NSW)
- Located 38 km northeast of West Wyalong.
- FIFO from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne.
- Expanding underground development expected to add hundreds of roles through 2026.
Mungari (WA)
- Based in the Goldfields near Kalgoorlie.
- FIFO from Perth or DIDO from Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
- Excellent processing plant and strong trades demand.
Ernest Henry (QLD)
- Near Cloncurry, 1,000 km northwest of Brisbane.
- FIFO from Townsville, Cairns, or Brisbane.
- Focused on copper-gold production with underground operations.
Mt Rawdon (QLD)
- Located near Gayndah in southeast Queensland.
- DIDO or short FIFO depending on residence.
- Renewable transition site integrating solar and battery systems.
3. Job Categories and Roles
Mining and Operations
- Open-Pit Operators (Excavators, Loaders, Haul Trucks).
- Underground Miners, Bogger and Jumbo Operators.
- Shotfirers, Drillers, and Blast Technicians.
- Mining Engineers and Geologists.
Processing and Maintenance
- Process Technicians and Control Room Operators.
- Mechanical Fitters, Boilermakers, and Welders.
- Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Lubrication Technicians, Pump Fitters, and Mill Reliners.
- Reliability Engineers and Planners.
Support and Professional Roles
- HSE Advisors and Emergency Response Officers.
- Surveyors, Metallurgists, and Environmental Scientists.
- Warehouse, Logistics, and Camp Management staff.
- Administration, HR, and Training Coordinators.
4. Rosters and Lifestyle
Typical Rosters:
- Cowal: 8 days on / 6 off or 7:7 for operations staff.
- Mungari: 2 weeks on / 1 week off.
- Ernest Henry: 2:2 rotation for underground operations.
- Mt Rawdon: 5:2 or 9:5 for DIDO crews.
Camp Life:
- Single ensuite rooms with air conditioning.
- Onsite dining, tavern, gym, and recreation areas.
- Wi-Fi, laundry, and medical support.
- Fitness programs and mental health services.
Evolution’s sites are known for maintaining strong morale, with staff BBQs, recognition programs, and community engagement initiatives.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
Estimated Annual Salaries:
- Camp Utility / Hospitality: $85,000 – $105,000
- Process Technician: $130,000 – $160,000
- Electrician / Fitter: $150,000 – $200,000
- Underground Miner: $170,000 – $230,000
- Control Room Operator: $180,000 – $220,000
- HSE Advisor: $150,000 – $210,000
- Engineer or Geologist: $180,000 – $260,000
- Supervisor / Superintendent: $200,000 – $280,000
Additional Perks:
- Paid flights, accommodation, and meals.
- Annual bonuses linked to production performance.
- Private health cover and life insurance.
- Generous annual leave and parental policies.
- Employee share programs and education support.
6. Training and Inductions
Evolution prioritises internal upskilling and safety training.
Mandatory Requirements:
- White Card.
- Working Safely at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- First Aid and CPR.
- High Risk Work Licence (as required).
- Pre-employment medical and police clearance.
Site Inductions:
Each mine conducts site-specific inductions focusing on safety leadership, environmental management, and cultural heritage.
Training Pathways:
- Apprenticeships in electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation trades.
- Graduate programs for engineers, geologists, and metallurgists.
- Leadership and supervisor training through the Evolution Academy.
7. Life at Evolution Mining Camps
Cowal Camp (NSW):
- Lakeside setting near Lake Cowal.
- Modern gym, pool, recreation centre, and tavern.
- Private rooms with ensuite and daily housekeeping.
Mungari Village (WA):
- Close to Kalgoorlie with top-tier camp facilities.
- Reliable mobile service and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Cafeteria, cinema room, and sports courts.
Ernest Henry Village (QLD):
- Desert setting with strong community culture.
- Gym, pool, tavern, and on-site medical centre.
- Remote but well-maintained and secure.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Strong job security with multi-site operations.
- Competitive pay and modern rosters.
- Great training and development systems.
- Clear internal promotion pathways.
- Strong sustainability and community involvement.
Challenges:
- Remote lifestyle and long travel for some sites.
- Hot climates and dust exposure.
- Limited personal time during back-to-back swings.
- High technical standards and compliance requirements.
9. Career Progression
Common Progression Paths:
- Operator → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Fitter / Electrician → Planner → Reliability Engineer.
- Graduate → Senior Engineer → Technical Superintendent.
- HSE Officer → Senior Advisor → Site Lead.
Long-Term Opportunities:
Evolution promotes internally and encourages cross-site transfers. Many trades and operators advance into training, supervision, and planning roles within 2–3 years.
10. Future Outlook (2026–2030)
- Cowal Underground Expansion: Major growth creating hundreds of new roles for operators, electricians, and mechanical trades.
- Mungari Mill Upgrade: Expected to boost production and add maintenance capacity.
- Ernest Henry Development: Increasing copper-gold output with new shafts and automation.
- Renewable Transition Projects: Hybrid power systems rolling out across sites.
With ongoing expansions and a strong gold price forecast, Evolution Mining will remain one of Australia’s most reliable FIFO employers for the next decade.
11. Final Thoughts
Evolution Mining offers an excellent balance of stability, safety, and career mobility. It’s a company where skilled workers can grow from the workshop to leadership positions while maintaining consistent rosters and long-term employment.
If you want to build a career with a reputable Australian miner that invests in its people and its communities, Evolution provides one of the best FIFO pathways in the gold and copper sector.
