Fortescue Metals Group, commonly known as FMG, is one of Australia’s largest iron ore producers and a pioneer in mining innovation and sustainability. Founded in 2003 by Andrew Forrest, FMG has reshaped the Pilbara’s mining landscape with world-class iron ore operations, cutting-edge automation, and bold investments in renewable energy through its new division, Fortescue Energy.
For FIFO workers, FMG offers a unique combination of excellent pay, strong safety culture, modern camps, and access to some of the most advanced mining technology in the world. This 2026 guide explores everything you need to know about working FIFO for FMG — including sites, pay, rosters, and future opportunities in both mining and green energy.
1. Overview of FMG Operations
FMG’s operations are fully integrated, covering mines, rail, port, and energy infrastructure. The company’s core business remains iron ore production, but it is rapidly expanding into hydrogen, renewable power, and green steel.
Major Operations:
- Cloudbreak Mine: Central to FMG’s Chichester Hub, producing high-grade ore.
- Christmas Creek Mine: One of FMG’s largest operations, known for its advanced ore processing plants.
- Solomon Hub (Firetail and Kings Valley): Produces premium iron ore for global markets.
- Iron Bridge Project: FMG’s flagship magnetite project near Port Hedland, one of the largest magnetite developments in Australia.
- Fortescue Energy (Green Hydrogen): Based in the Pilbara and global locations, offering future roles in renewable energy engineering and infrastructure.
FMG employs more than 12,000 people, with a large proportion working on FIFO rosters from Perth and regional WA.
2. Work Locations and Access
Chichester Hub (Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek)
- Located approximately 250 km south of Port Hedland.
- FIFO from Perth, Geraldton, or regional WA.
- Both sites feature modern process plants and autonomous haulage systems.
Solomon Hub (Firetail and Kings Valley)
- Situated 60 km north of Tom Price.
- FIFO from Perth or Karratha.
- Includes large mobile and fixed plant fleets, plus extensive rail logistics.
Iron Bridge Magnetite Project
- Near Port Hedland, jointly developed with Formosa Steel.
- Focused on high-grade magnetite concentrate production.
- Strong demand for trades, technicians, and process plant operators.
Fortescue Energy Sites
- Renewable and hydrogen projects across the Pilbara.
- Engineering, construction, and electrical roles expected to expand significantly by 2027.
3. Job Categories and Opportunities
Mining and Production
- Haul Truck, Dozer, and Excavator Operators.
- Autonomous Haulage Technicians and Dispatch Officers.
- Blast Crew and Drill Technicians.
- Mining Engineers, Surveyors, and Geologists.
Processing and Maintenance
- Process Plant Technicians and Control Room Operators.
- Fixed Plant Fitters, Electricians, and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Boilermakers, Welders, and Shutdown Specialists.
- Reliability Engineers and Condition Monitoring Technicians.
Infrastructure and Rail
- Rail Technicians, Signalling Electricians, and Locomotive Operators.
- Port Operators and Ship Loaders.
- Civil Operators, Truck Drivers, and Crane Operators.
Support and Administration
- HSE Advisors, Emergency Response Officers, and Trainers.
- Camp Utilities, Chefs, and Cleaning Staff.
- IT, Automation, and Remote Operations Specialists.
4. Rosters and Lifestyle
Standard Rosters:
- Operations: 2 weeks on and 1 week off.
- Maintenance and Trades: 8 days on and 6 off, or 14:14 for shutdowns.
- Iron Bridge Project: 2:1 for construction and commissioning roles.
- Fortescue Energy Projects: 14:14 or 3:1, depending on site phase.
Lifestyle:
FMG’s camps are among the most modern in the Pilbara.
- Private ensuite rooms with air conditioning.
- Restaurant-style dining and barista coffee.
- Gym, pool, tavern, and cinema facilities.
- Health and wellness centre with medical support.
- Flights, meals, and accommodation covered.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
FMG offers competitive salaries that rank among the top in the mining sector.
Approximate Annual Earnings:
- Utility / Camp Worker: $90,000 to $110,000
- Process Operator: $140,000 to $170,000
- Haul Truck Operator: $150,000 to $190,000
- Electrician / Fitter / Boilermaker: $160,000 to $210,000
- Control Room Technician: $180,000 to $230,000
- Supervisor / Leading Hand: $190,000 to $250,000
- Engineer / Superintendent: $200,000 to $300,000+
Benefits Include:
- Flights, meals, and accommodation provided.
- Performance and production bonuses.
- Share options for eligible employees.
- Health and income protection insurance.
- Parental leave and mental health support programs.
- Access to Fortescue’s leadership and training academies.
6. Training and Induction Requirements
Mandatory Certifications:
- White Card.
- Working Safely at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- First Aid and CPR.
- High Risk Work Licence (EWP, Forklift, Dogging, Rigging).
- Pre-employment medical and drug screening.
- Police clearance.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with autonomous haulage systems.
- Fixed plant and process control knowledge.
- EEHA certification for electricians.
- Understanding of digital maintenance systems.
- Leadership experience for supervisory roles.
Training Pathways:
FMG operates its own Training and Development Centre near Perth, providing apprenticeships, traineeships, and internal leadership programs. The company also offers automation and robotics training for operators transitioning to autonomous fleets.
7. Life in FMG Villages
FMG has invested heavily in high-quality accommodation and amenities to attract and retain workers.
Features Include:
- Ensuite rooms with climate control.
- 24-hour gyms and fitness facilities.
- Tavern, café, and social lounges.
- Swimming pool, recreation courts, and cinema.
- Free Wi-Fi and entertainment systems.
- Medical centre and onsite wellness programs.
The culture is inclusive and team-oriented, with emphasis on safety, respect, and personal wellbeing.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Strong company growth and job security.
- Industry-leading pay and rosters.
- Exposure to cutting-edge automation and energy innovation.
- Excellent camp facilities and mental health programs.
- Clear internal promotion and training structure.
Challenges:
- High performance expectations and tight schedules.
- Harsh Pilbara heat and isolation.
- Complex automation systems requiring technical adaptability.
- Competition for permanent staff roles.
9. Career Progression and Development
Pathways for Operators and Trades:
- Operator to Dispatcher to Supervisor to Superintendent.
- Fitter or Electrician to Planner to Reliability Engineer.
- Process Technician to Control Room Specialist to Shift Supervisor.
Graduate and Professional Pathways:
- Engineer to Senior Engineer to Technical Superintendent.
- Geologist to Exploration Lead.
- HSE Officer to Senior Advisor to Site Lead.
FMG is known for promoting from within and offering cross-site mobility between mining, rail, port, and energy projects.
10. The Future of FMG (2026 to 2030)
- Iron Bridge Magnetite: Reaching full capacity, requiring ongoing trades and technical roles.
- Chichester and Solomon Upgrades: Automation and efficiency expansions.
- Fortescue Energy: Large-scale renewable and hydrogen projects creating new electrical, civil, and mechanical roles.
- Sustainability Focus: 100 percent renewable energy goals for Pilbara operations by 2030.
These developments will continue to drive strong FIFO demand for mechanical, electrical, process, and automation specialists.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO for Fortescue Metals Group combines the scale of a global mining giant with the innovation of a technology-driven company. The facilities are outstanding, the pay is excellent, and the future includes not only iron ore but also renewable energy and hydrogen production.
For tradespeople, operators, engineers, and professionals who want a long-term, future-proof career in the Pilbara, FMG is one of the most forward-looking and stable FIFO employers in Australia in 2026.
