Mineral Resources Limited — better known as MinRes — is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most innovative mining companies. Founded in Perth and led by Managing Director Chris Ellison, MinRes has transformed itself from a contractor into a diversified mining powerhouse, operating across iron ore, lithium, energy, and mining services.
For FIFO workers, MinRes represents opportunity and growth. The company runs multiple major sites across Western Australia, employs thousands of trades, operators, and professionals, and is renowned for its top-tier camps, competitive salaries, and long-term career pathways.
This 2026 guide explores everything you need to know about FIFO life at Mineral Resources — from projects and job types to rosters, pay, training, and future expansion.
1. Overview: Who Is Mineral Resources?
MinRes is a diversified resources company with operations in mining, logistics, energy, and infrastructure. Unlike traditional miners, MinRes owns its own mining services fleet and contracting divisions — meaning FIFO workers can find roles across multiple projects under the same company.
Core Operations:
- Onslow Iron Project (Pilbara Coast): Massive new iron ore project jointly developed with Hancock Prospecting and Baowu Steel.
- Wodgina Lithium Mine (Pilbara): One of the world’s largest hard rock lithium deposits.
- Mount Marion Lithium Project (Goldfields): A key supplier of lithium spodumene for battery production.
- Yilgarn Iron Ore Operations: Long-running sites supporting local WA communities.
- Energy Division: Gas exploration and power generation supporting mining operations.
MinRes also operates mining services for other companies, providing drilling, crushing, screening, and haulage — meaning a single employer, multiple career directions.
2. Work Locations and Access
Onslow Iron Project (Pilbara Coast)
- Located near the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area, north of Onslow.
- FIFO from Perth, Geraldton, and regional WA.
- Includes mine, processing plant, haul road, and deep-water port.
- Expected to employ over 2,000 workers during full operation.
Wodgina Lithium (Pilbara)
- Located 100 km south of Port Hedland.
- Joint venture with Albemarle Corporation.
- FIFO from Perth or Port Hedland.
Mount Marion (Goldfields)
- Located near Kalgoorlie.
- DIDO or FIFO from Perth.
- Processing and refining operations for battery-grade lithium.
Yilgarn Iron Ore (Southern Cross)
- FIFO or DIDO from Perth.
- Small but steady operation, often used for training and progression.
3. Common FIFO Job Roles at MinRes
Mining Operations
- Excavator, Dozer, Loader, and Haul Truck Operators.
- Production Supervisors and Dispatch Officers.
- Drillers, Blast Technicians, and Mining Engineers.
- Mine Surveyors and Geologists.
Processing and Maintenance
- Process Plant Technicians and Control Room Operators.
- Mechanical Fitters and Fixed Plant Maintainers.
- Electricians, Instrument Technicians, and Auto Electricians.
- Boilermakers, Riggers, and Scaffolders.
- Condition Monitoring Technicians and Reliability Engineers.
Infrastructure and Services
- Road Construction Crews, Civil Operators, and Crane Operators.
- Truck Drivers and Logistics Coordinators.
- Port Operators and Maintenance Staff (Onslow).
Support and Administration
- HSE Advisors, Training Coordinators, and Emergency Response.
- Camp Utilities, Chefs, and Cleaners.
- Admin Officers, Planners, and Payroll Staff.
4. Rosters and FIFO Lifestyle
Standard Rosters:
- Onslow Iron: 2 weeks on / 1 week off.
- Wodgina and Mount Marion: 8 days on / 6 off or 2:2 for trades and operators.
- Yilgarn Operations: 5:2 or 8:6 (DIDO options).
- Contracting Teams: Vary from 3:1 to 2:1 for project work.
Lifestyle and Camps:
MinRes is known for having some of the best FIFO accommodation in the industry. Its camps feel more like resorts than mining villages.
Facilities Include:
- Private air-conditioned ensuite rooms.
- Restaurant-quality dining with barista coffee.
- Gyms, pools, taverns, and cinemas.
- Wi-Fi and recreation areas.
- On-site medical and mental health support.
5. Pay and Benefits (2026)
MinRes pays at the top end of the FIFO market, especially for trades and production roles.
Typical Annual Salaries:
- Camp Utility / Hospitality: $90,000 – $110,000
- Process Operator: $140,000 – $170,000
- Haul Truck Operator: $150,000 – $190,000
- Electrician / Mechanical Fitter: $160,000 – $210,000
- Control Room Technician: $180,000 – $230,000
- Supervisor or Leading Hand: $190,000 – $250,000
- Engineer / Superintendent: $200,000 – $300,000+
Benefits:
- Flights, meals, and accommodation fully covered.
- Annual bonuses and profit-sharing for eligible employees.
- Long-service leave, life insurance, and medical cover.
- Share incentive schemes.
- Relocation and flexible roster options for long-term staff.
6. Training and Licences
Essential Requirements:
- White Card.
- Working Safely at Heights.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Test Atmospheres.
- First Aid and CPR.
- High Risk Work Licence (EWP, Forklift, Dogging, Rigging).
- Trade or equipment certification.
- Pre-employment medical and drug/alcohol test.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Mobile and fixed plant maintenance background.
- Autonomous haulage or remote operation experience.
- SCADA, PLC, or control system exposure.
- EEHA certification for electricians.
- HR or MC truck licences for logistics roles.
Training Pathways:
MinRes runs internal apprenticeships, traineeships, and graduate programs across mechanical, electrical, mining, and process trades. Its training centres focus on safety, leadership, and operational excellence.
7. Life in MinRes Camps
MinRes villages set the benchmark for modern FIFO living. The new Onslow Iron camp, built in 2025, rivals any mining accommodation in the country.
Highlights Include:
- Private ensuite rooms with Smart TVs and climate control.
- Buffet dining and à la carte meals.
- Resort-standard gym, pool, and café.
- Bar, cinema, and wellness centre.
- On-site medical clinic and allied health services.
The company promotes a strong culture of wellbeing with mental health support, fitness programs, and leadership visibility across all sites.
8. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
- Industry-leading camps and facilities.
- Above-average pay and consistent rosters.
- Long-term growth and multi-project security.
- Internal training and upskilling opportunities.
- Culture focused on safety, innovation, and inclusiveness.
Challenges:
- Long days and heat exposure in Pilbara regions.
- Rapid pace of project expansion can mean frequent changes.
- High expectations for performance and reliability.
- Remote sites can limit personal time and recreation.
9. Career Progression
Common Pathways:
- Operator → Dispatcher → Supervisor → Superintendent.
- Fitter / Electrician → Planner → Reliability Engineer → Maintenance Lead.
- Engineer → Senior Engineer → Project Manager.
- HSE Advisor → Senior HSE → Site Manager.
Development Programs:
- Apprenticeships and graduate entry streams.
- Supervisor development and leadership programs.
- Internal mobility between lithium, iron ore, and contracting divisions.
- Technical masterclasses in automation, energy, and maintenance systems.
10. The Future of MinRes (2026–2030)
MinRes is expanding faster than any other mid-tier miner in Australia.
- Onslow Iron: Set to become one of WA’s largest new iron ore exporters, creating hundreds of FIFO jobs in operations and maintenance.
- Lithium Growth: Wodgina and Mount Marion expansions driving demand for electricians, fitters, and process operators.
- Energy Transition: Development of gas and renewables divisions to support autonomous fleets and hybrid power generation.
- Automation: New remote control systems for haulage, drilling, and processing, with Perth-based operational roles increasing.
This rapid growth means consistent FIFO demand and opportunities for advancement across all departments.
11. Final Thoughts
Working FIFO for Mineral Resources offers the best of both worlds: the high pay and professionalism of a major miner, combined with the culture and innovation of a fast-moving private company.
The rosters are balanced, the camps are world-class, and the company invests heavily in its people. For trades, operators, and engineers looking for long-term, high-reward FIFO careers, MinRes is one of the top employers in Australia in 2026 — and still growing fast.
