Mineral Resources Limited (commonly known as MinRes) has rapidly grown from a contracting and logistics company into one of Australia’s most powerful integrated mining and energy players. Headquartered in Perth and led by founder Chris Ellison, MinRes is reshaping the FIFO landscape — not just with iron ore and lithium operations but with its unique vertically integrated model that combines mining, processing, transport, construction, and energy infrastructure under one roof.
This 2026 guide breaks down everything FIFO workers need to know about working with MinRes — from the best jobs and pay to life on site, training, and the company’s future direction.
1. The Company and Its Vision
Mineral Resources Limited operates with a clear goal: to be Australia’s most innovative resources company. It’s not just a miner — it owns the logistics, the ports, and even the energy infrastructure powering its projects.
The company runs some of WA’s most important new operations:
- Onslow Iron Project (Pilbara) — a $3 billion operation and one of Australia’s largest new iron ore developments.
- Wodgina and Mount Marion (Lithium Operations) — key assets feeding the global EV and battery supply chain.
- Yilgarn Iron Ore and Koolyanobbing — sustaining high-grade iron ore output for export.
- Energy and Transport Divisions — operating haulage, trucking, and port logistics under its own brand.
MinRes has also redefined how FIFO workers are treated — offering some of the best camp facilities, flexible rosters, and even family-friendly rotations in the industry.
What makes MinRes stand out:
- Privately run but publicly listed — fast decision-making, strong funding, and less bureaucracy.
- Multi-commodity operations (iron ore, lithium, gas, transport).
- Heavy investment in automation, mobile camps, and renewable energy.
- Competitive pay and new, resort-style accommodation.
- Expanding opportunities for both entry-level and experienced FIFO professionals.
Challenges to expect:
- Rapid expansion means operations evolve fast — flexibility is essential.
- Projects can move through intense start-up or ramp-up phases.
- Remote sites like Onslow and Wodgina mean long travel times.
- Some rosters involve extended swings depending on the project phase.
2. Key Sites and Operations
Onslow Iron Project (Pilbara)
- One of the largest new iron ore projects in Australia.
- Includes new mine, haul road, private port, and transhipping facility.
- Huge workforce demand in 2026 across construction, operations, and maintenance.
- Known for introducing innovative automated haulage and energy systems.
Wodgina Lithium Mine (Pilbara)
- Operated in partnership with Albemarle.
- Global-scale hard rock lithium project with major downstream processing.
- In-demand roles include process technicians, fitters, electricians, and plant operators.
Mount Marion (near Kalgoorlie)
- Another major lithium mine producing spodumene concentrate.
- Excellent opportunity for trades and process operators.
Koolyanobbing and Yilgarn Iron Ore Operations
- DIDO and FIFO iron ore projects with established rosters and modern facilities.
- Ideal for operators, mechanical fitters, and electricians.
Transport and Haulage (CSI and Energy Division)
- Thousands of kilometres of private haulage roads.
- FIFO and DIDO driver and mechanic roles supporting Onslow Iron and Yilgarn operations.
3. Job Categories and In-Demand Roles
MinRes employs a massive workforce across trades, operations, logistics, and support.
Operations and Production
- Mobile Plant Operators (CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi fleets).
- Fixed Plant Operators (crushing, screening, processing).
- Process Technicians (lithium concentrator plants).
- Drill and Blast Crews.
- Rail and Port Operators (Onslow Iron project).
Trades and Maintenance
- Heavy Diesel Fitters and Mechanics.
- Auto Electricians and Field Service Technicians.
- Mechanical Fitters and Boilermakers.
- Electricians and Instrumentation Technicians.
- Riggers, Scaffolders, and Crane Operators (construction and shutdowns).
- Refrigeration Mechanics and HVAC Technicians (camp maintenance).
Support and Specialist Roles
- Camp Utilities and Catering Staff.
- Storepersons, Procurement Officers, and Administrators.
- HSE Officers, Emergency Response, and Training Coordinators.
- Planners, Schedulers, and Reliability Engineers.
- Engineers (Mining, Electrical, Civil, Mechanical).
Most in-demand positions (2026):
- Diesel Fitters and Auto Electricians.
- Electricians with mine automation or HV experience.
- Process Operators for lithium plants.
- Crane Operators and Riggers for Onslow construction.
- Heavy Haulage Drivers with MC licences.
4. Rosters, Pay, and Conditions
Typical Rosters:
- 2 weeks on / 1 week off (2:1): Common across mining and maintenance roles.
- 8 days on / 6 days off (8:6): Used at lithium processing plants.
- 3 weeks on / 1 week off: For project and shutdown work.
- Family-friendly rosters: MinRes has started introducing flexible patterns such as 7:7 or 14:14 for selected roles.
Average Annual Earnings (2026):
- Utilities / Camp Support: $85,000 – $110,000
- Mobile Plant Operators: $130,000 – $170,000
- Diesel Fitters / Electricians / Instrumentation: $145,000 – $185,000
- Riggers / Scaffolders / Crane Operators: $130,000 – $175,000
- Supervisors / Planners / HSE: $160,000 – $210,000
- Engineers / Technical Specialists: $190,000 – $260,000+
Work Conditions:
- Long 10–12 hour shifts.
- Top-tier modern camps, especially at Onslow and Wodgina.
- Fully catered meals and air-conditioned accommodation.
- Travel and mobilisation paid for most roles.
- Gym, tavern, pool, and cinema facilities in new villages.
MinRes takes pride in offering some of the best FIFO accommodation in the country — their “Resort-style Villages” feature landscaped outdoor areas, recreation zones, and even barista coffee stations.
5. Training, Licences, and Mobilisation
Essential Requirements:
- White Card (Construction Induction).
- Working Safely at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- High Risk Work Licence (EWP, Rigging, Crane, Forklift).
- First Aid and CPR.
- Trade Certificate or Equipment Competency.
- Medical and Drug/Alcohol Screen.
- National Police Clearance.
Valuable Extras:
- HR or MC Driver’s Licence for logistics roles.
- Lithium or chemical process training.
- Automation or digital systems experience.
- Cert IV in Leadership or Frontline Management.
- Mobile plant operator tickets for multiple equipment types.
Mobilisation Tips:
- Complete all tickets before applying; MinRes prioritises “site ready” candidates.
- Have your medicals and clearances current within six months.
- Highlight flexibility — the company often redeploys teams between sites as projects expand.
6. Life in a MinRes Camp
MinRes has redefined FIFO living. Its villages are built to attract and retain staff, especially families of long-term workers.
Living Conditions:
- Private air-conditioned rooms with ensuites.
- Restaurant-quality meals and coffee bars.
- Gyms, swimming pools, outdoor BBQ areas, and cinemas.
- Wi-Fi and strong mobile coverage across most sites.
- Wellness hubs with medical and mental health support.
Day-to-Day Routine:
- 4:30–5:00 am wake-up and pre-start.
- 10–12 hour shifts depending on role.
- Toolbox meetings and safety briefings daily.
- Evenings include meals, fitness, and downtime.
Wellbeing and Lifestyle:
- Mental health and fitness programs run by in-house staff.
- Incentives for long-service workers.
- Team-building activities and charity events are frequent on larger sites.
7. Advantages and Drawbacks
Advantages:
- Fast-growing, forward-looking company with long project life.
- Exceptional camp and village facilities.
- Opportunities across multiple industries (mining, lithium, transport, energy).
- Privately run culture — faster decision-making than corporate giants.
- Competitive pay and recognition for good performance.
Drawbacks:
- Rapid expansion can mean inconsistent rosters during ramp-up.
- High performance expectations; workload can be intense.
- Frequent operational changes as new projects launch.
- Some sites still developing infrastructure, so early crews experience “start-up” challenges.
8. Career Growth and Future Prospects
MinRes has a clear record of promoting internally. As new mines and processing plants open, internal transfers and promotions are common.
Common Progression Examples:
- Operator → Leading Hand → Control Room Tech → Supervisor.
- Fitter → Planner → Maintenance Coordinator → Superintendent.
- Electrician → Instrumentation Tech → Reliability Engineer.
- Truck Driver → Fleet Supervisor → Logistics Superintendent.
Training Opportunities:
- MinRes Academy for apprenticeships and upskilling.
- Leadership and management training.
- Technical upskilling for automation and lithium process operations.
- Apprenticeships and traineeships available for trades.
9. The Future of MinRes (2026–2030)
The next five years will see explosive growth across iron ore and lithium. The Onslow Iron Project alone is expected to employ over 1,500 FIFO staff at full scale. Lithium operations at Wodgina and Mount Marion are ramping up production for battery markets.
The company is also investing heavily in renewable energy, natural gas, and autonomous transport, which will create new electrical, digital, and maintenance roles. For workers who join now, MinRes represents one of the best long-term career bets in Australia’s resource industry.
10. Final Thoughts
Mineral Resources is not just another miner — it’s a next-generation employer combining mining, logistics, and energy under one umbrella. It’s expanding faster than almost any competitor, offering FIFO workers new opportunities every quarter.
If you’re skilled, flexible, and ready to grow with a company that’s redefining what mining employment looks like, MinRes is a perfect fit. Expect professionalism, innovation, and hard work — rewarded with modern comfort, strong pay, and the chance to be part of Australia’s most ambitious resource story.
