Who works in the mines... not many, if any.

[EVOVIIIMR]

Not that easy just to jump into an offshore job trust me ive been trying. Well for underground that is.

[Damo 69]

allready have 4 rejection emails
2 people requesting further info

and around another 38 applications outstanding

busy weekend on site

[masTers]

FMG have announced a massive half year profit today as well.

[Alt_F4]

FMG have announced a massive half year profit today as well.
260% increase in half yearly profits compared to last year.

[thommo]

But that's a problem that is prevelant through many industries and not just mining. Rather than keeping lean workforce numbers that will see through both good times and bad, they employ like buggery when times are good and layoff like buggery when times are bad. There is nothing more corrosive to motovation and productivity than mass layoffs, but they prefer this expensive and often ineffective approach (and lets not forget usually an exorbitant HR department - with head hunters aiming to justify their existance of a daily basis) than the former. Sustainability is a word that just doesn't cross peoples mind, its either boom or bust which is just BS.

dont think they'll be hiring lots again. We had an email about how its all going well and they've had an increase in production, less safety issues and that after they've been making lots of job cuts and restructures. They'll keep the low numbers and push productivity and roll in the cash for the shareholders

[Alt_F4]

Forge news for those that are still following.


RELEASE TO AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (“ASX”)

THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2014

FORGE GROUP LIMITED (RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS
APPOINTED) (ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTED) (“FORGE”)

1. The Board of Directors of Bentham IMF Limited (“IMF”) announces that IMF proposes to fund
claims of certain Forge shareholders against Forge and/or its directors and officers.

2. The claims relate to alleged misleading and deceptive conduct and alleged breaches by Forge
of its continuous disclosure obligations in connection with the West Angelas and Diamantina
Power Station, projects of its wholly owned subsidiary Forge Group Power Pty Ltd (previously
known as CTEC Pty Ltd).

3. Shareholders who purchased shares in Forge after 1 January 2013 and who held some or all of
those securities at any time between 4 November 2013 and 11 February 2014 (although this
period may ultimately be shortened or extended) may be eligible to participate in the claim,
which IMF will fund subject to the terms of the funding documentation, including a level of
participation acceptable to IMF.

4. IMF will make a further announcement to the market upon commencement of legal
proceedings, or if a decision is made not to proceed.

5. Further information is available by calling IMF on 1800 016 464 or IMF’s website
www.benthamimflimited.com.au

[Poktrokt]

BHP Billiton has today announced that it will be suspending production at Yarrie..... They have also announced that they will go owner operator at Orebody 18 by June this year which is currently managed by Macmahon's.
The employees from Yarrie will be offered jobs straight over at Jimblebar (who will be running Orebody 18) so this means that all of the Macmahon employees at Orebody 18 will mostly likely not have a place on site anymore. Not sure weather Macmahon's will make them redundant or not...

The impact this will have, that I am aware of is the redeployment pool at BHP will now get bigger so let's hope they just pay them out and make them redundant, the current BHP employees everywhere else will def not be able to secure a transfer within the business, and Macmahon employees may all be left out in the cold.

Hope not many of you here are affected by this...
Looks like things are getting tighter and tighter!!

Honestly, after seeing recent figures, Yarrie costs a fortune to run so all other sites have been trying to exceed our targets to ensrue we cover for Yarrie's loss so this will bring pressure release to all other sites.

[Bomber]

I and 5000 other pingpingpingpings are trying to get to Roy Hill so there will be plenty of positions at MAC

[Kael]

Yarrie has been a nothing-mine for years. It's only remained open so long due to old contractual arrangements from the acquisition of Goldsworthy Mining by Mt Newman years ago (plus a want to prevent Atlas Iron from making a third party access claim).

When the place isn't shut down due to either the rail or processing equipment being off line for days at a time - the mine rails half of one rake of one train (with half filled cars due to axle loading restrictions on the line) to port; aka 1/8 of one normal train each day. The remaining mines collectively rail about 24 full trains per day.

Good riddance, Yarrie. I hope everyone affected finds a new role and god help anyone looking for an internal transfer at the moment.

[Tones]

Been getting calls about Nullagine today. They are desperate for operators. Been told there is a accomodation shortage and people are having to stay on a nearby cattle station. hmmmmm

[adrenalin]

Wouldnt bother moving to Jimblebar.

It is almost at handover stage. Not too long left. Same sort of deal. Will be all internal jobs.

best bet is Roy hill and wheatstone.

[HotAe92]

Without getting too carried away, from speaking to a friend involved in a major drilling company and others, it looks as if things are slowly starting to pick back up in WA?

[Satan]

did it drop off?

loads of construction jobs were (predictably) finished up

I know of 2 redundancies in BHP, them both being 35+ service and asked for it

[Poktrokt]

Wouldnt bother moving to Jimblebar.
This was the official notification today that as many as possible will go to Jimblebar to run Orebody 18, I'd say it would be a temporary measure to have the people located there only until they clear out the Macmahon folks.

[Buckets]

Standard / smart move from BHP here. The old Jimblebar OB-18 / Wheelarra project was where I cut my teeth in the game back when BGC had the contract to run the joint. It was always the plan even back then for the majority of the development work to be done by contractors and then once the majority hard yards were out of the way and the sites well established then waltz in, rape pillage and plunder.

It's not economical for the big guys to send their fleets in for development work, better to send a contractor in and then spend the difficult period of a mines development sodomizing each other.

I hope the few people I still know out there pick up work, it's not an easy task for anyone in management role.


did it drop off?

Operationally last year BHP, Rio & FMG & Citic Pacific all slashed and burned a good slug of their own staff numbers and their contractors especially at the FMG sites also did the same. Telfer dropped a huge number of staff off, I think BHP's Nickel West let a good number go. The gold sector died in the arse 1/2 way through the year and this saw a swathe of little no name juniors hit the wall. Argyle is ramping down and basically on it's way to being wound up completely soon; there's more that I can't remember off the top of my head as well. Against the backdrop of these cuts in operational roles the construction sector stalled hard when the major iron ore players deferred or canceled expansion projects coupled with the the completion of several large expansion / construction projects and cuts of a similar scale in the coal sector over east there was blood in the streets last year.

Things are slowly returning to trend now after a prolonged boom and what I think was a slight over correction in many sectors last year. Domestic exploration / grade control drilling demand is showing signs of some recovery but still clearly in a lull at this stage.

[butters]

Big speech from QM yesterday a OB18 about BHP taking it back in house. Move out date is 30th June, not to many people worried here yet, macca's have cc2 and tropicana for possible transfers. Not sure where i'm headed as a sub-contracter but hopefully my company has somewhere for me. Much mid-strength drank back at camp last night.

[Denver]

Rumor mill has it macas are on very very thin ice at cc2.

[2LMILK]

That ain't rumour that is fact.

[evoeata]

Standard / smart move from BHP here. The old Jimblebar OB-18 / Wheelarra project was where I cut my teeth in the game back when BGC had the contract to run the joint. It was always the plan even back then for the majority of the development work to be done by contractors and then once the majority hard yards were out of the way and the sites well established then waltz in, rape pillage and plunder.

It's not economical for the big guys to send their fleets in for development work, better to send a contractor in and then spend the difficult period of a mines development sodomizing each other.

I hope the few people I still know out there pick up work, it's not an easy task for anyone in management role.



Operationally last year BHP, Rio & FMG & Citic Pacific all slashed and burned a good slug of their own staff numbers and their contractors especially at the FMG sites also did the same. Telfer dropped a huge number of staff off, I think BHP's Nickel West let a good number go. The gold sector died in the arse 1/2 way through the year and this saw a swathe of little no name juniors hit the wall. Argyle is ramping down and basically on it's way to being wound up completely soon; there's more that I can't remember off the top of my head as well. Against the backdrop of these cuts in operational roles the construction sector stalled hard when the major iron ore players deferred or canceled expansion projects coupled with the the completion of several large expansion / construction projects and cuts of a similar scale in the coal sector over east there was blood in the streets last year.

Things are slowly returning to trend now after a prolonged boom and what I think was a slight over correction in many sectors last year. Domestic exploration / grade control drilling demand is showing signs of some recovery but still clearly in a lull at this stage.

argyle is ramping back up again. half way through finishing their second underground crusher, getting record tonnes out of the hole (as long as there isnt any big storms coming again, almost lost the joint 2 or 3 times haha) restarting the development of the extraction level so that they can fuck macmahons off from here as well. as an U/G fitter, i have noticed that the industry is starting to pick back up again (well for us anyway). more and more jobs coming on seek and being thrown around for all types of mining. ive been getting an email a day for the last couple of weeks with jobs that are coming available. i reckon this lull that has happened has been good for the industry. has got rid of a shitload of useless lawn mower mechanics that think they know what they are doing and been left with some good quality fitters and operators.

gold appears to be on the up again (for now). now that barrick have all but fucked off from WA, it seems that goldfields and northern star are starting to chase people now they have most of their sites sorted.

[EVOVIIIMR]

^^^ Yer they keeping advertising longhole / bogger and cablebolter jobs but then put them on hold like there playing games bro

[OmEg_A7]

Seen a lot of brand new loaders come through the workshop headed for Argyle, can't be ramping down if they are ordering new machines.

[Lump]

been looking at lots of job adverts for fifo mech fitters that stipulate you need a rio/bhp current site induction or 'ticket' - does that mean since I havent worked there in a very long time, I cant even apply?

[Buckets]

What have you got to lose. Give it a crack regardless.

[Bomber]

been looking at lots of job adverts for fifo mech fitters that stipulate you need a rio/bhp current site induction or 'ticket' - does that mean since I havent worked there in a very long time, I cant even apply?
They will make you do it again anyway so it is definitely current. With BHP now they run a "One Mine" policy so all inductions/road rules/SWPs are the same and then when you get to site you do a quick site specific for anything out of the ordinary.

Roy Hill is looking for fitters on seek.com.au too

[Damo 69]

Give it a crack what's the worst that can happen

[Damo 69]

Anyone on barrow?

Heading up in a week or 2, anyone with the perspective from the PM, PE, supervisor level?

I have heard rumours its basically each and every day. New area work permit takes around 2 hours, then new JHA, then a task specific permit another 2 hours (in that order), then smoko, then maybe do some work after?

Or is it the same as other LNG jobs, I have worked? Usually bank on 7.2 hours on productive work on LNG

[mys1]

Seen a lot of brand new loaders come through the workshop headed for Argyle, can't be ramping down if they are ordering new machines.

Diesel ones? They have a heap of Electric boggers up there collecting dust because they don't fit in the drives... another excellent decision by management...

[evoeata]

they have 4 or 5 of them along with the getman trucks with generators on them floating around up there and 7 or so at sandvik in perth they cant get rid of. they have bought a shitload of 410 boggers because they fit in the drives even with the convergence (it was coming in at 25mm a day there for awhile). if only they had gone with 1700s..... fuck sandvik

[Lump]

What have you got to lose. Give it a crack regardless.
I'm not at the stage where I will actually apply, I just wanted to be prepared for if I do.

[family guy]

Been getting calls about Nullagine today. They are desperate for operators. Been told there is a accomodation shortage and people are having to stay on a nearby cattle station. hmmmmm

Yeah Tones they have a steady turn over like a lot of sites. Still have good crew thou. Its modelling and generally its only people who do straight days end up at Bonny Downs station. Watpac pay well. But like all things it has its high's and low's.
They have 18 months left in their contract for BC Iron. Roy hill is just down the road and we fly out of xmas creek.

[Miggy]

Anyone on barrow?

Heading up in a week or 2, anyone with the perspective from the PM, PE, supervisor level?

I have heard rumours its basically each and every day. New area work permit takes around 2 hours, then new JHA, then a task specific permit another 2 hours (in that order), then smoko, then maybe do some work after?

Or is it the same as other LNG jobs, I have worked? Usually bank on 7.2 hours on productive work on LNG

Nope, fuck all permits atm I'm guessing until they start pumping gas. JHA's last for 2 weeks and that's about it, unless you're with CKJV where we do a part 2 JHA but it's very basic just like a longer 5x5 or step back what ever you want to call them that just needs to be signed by the supervisor and you're good to go.

[HotAe92]

Anyone work for BC or Atlas? Have all the right quals and experience for the Enviro jobs coming up but have been unable to even get a look-in.

[Damo 69]

Nope, fuck all permits atm I'm guessing until they start pumping gas. JHA's last for 2 weeks and that's about it, unless you're with CKJV where we do a part 2 JHA but it's very basic just like a longer 5x5 or step back what ever you want to call them that just needs to be signed by the supervisor and you're good to go.

funny you say that a mate just called me this morning who is a supervisor for leightons on barrow

he said everything i had been told was a crock, and its LNG business as usual and its pingpingpingpings who dont know the processes bitching about it

[thommo]

JHA's last 2 weeks?! thats good, ours are only valid for 3days.

[hako]

ours last 12 hours :mad:

[thommo]

That's cos when night shift clock on nothing matters and the tedious long task at hand somehow gets completed overnight. Nightshift Permit

[Jase]

Someone fell off the derrick here last night, didn't clip fall arrester on. Bit of a reminder to check and re check everything

Luckily he grabbed a tugger line and managed to slide down, I haven't been out to look where he fell from but the guys reckon it's a miracle he didn't die

[Kael]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/21847972/new-record-for-wa-resources-sector/

Discuss.

[mys1]

That's cos when night shift clock on nothing matters and the tedious long task at hand somehow gets completed overnight. Nightshift Permit

Fuck I used to love Nigh shift permits! I was also magically passed out to drive anything on night shift!

[Damo 69]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/21847972/new-record-for-wa-resources-sector/

Discuss.

The big 3 have spent a fuck load expanding capacity over the last 10 years
Last year tightened the wallet on expansion consolidated into “efficient” mining
More IO operations are on board than ever before
Stable, solid IO price
= bumper revenue

[mr_mike]

Fuck I used to love Nigh shift permits! I was also magically passed out to drive anything on night shift!

lol i was the same at Komatsu, day shift only 2 or 3 guys in the paint shop were passed to drive the machines. Come nightshift everyone was jumping in them going for laps about the yard etc.

[thommo]

http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/bhp-to-sell-its-african-ore-assets/story-e6frfkur-1226851486499#



We'll survive ore price drop: BHP

GLOBAL miner BHP Billiton says it's in a good position to weather steep iron price falls, despite predictions of more pain to come.

Analysts have forecast more falls as the iron ore price reached $US105 per tonne on Tuesday, with Citi analysts predicting an average price of $US80 in 2016.

BHP Billiton president of iron ore Jimmy Wilson said while 50 per cent of the company's earnings came from iron ore, the global miner was diversified enough to handle price fluctuations and maintain its forecasts.

"The iron ore price we see going down," Mr Wilson told reporters on the sidelines of an iron ore conference in Perth.

"The magnitude of that number... $US80 per tonne feels a little low.

"We don't make forecasts like that."

Mr Wilson said he did not see the current dip as a down cycle.

"There's a lot of fluctuations coming through the market."

The world's largest mining company is still targeting overall iron ore production of 212 million tonnes per annum in full year 2014.

Mr Wilson said the current credit issue in China and reasonably high iron ore stocks had led to the price decrease.

"I do think we'll see it come down but it will come back up and steady out.

"Our view is the long-term is still very robust. We shouldn't let today's price influence our long-term thinking."

However, Mr Wilson conceded the company's iron ore division had limited protection if Chinese buyers stopped paying for iron ore shipments. BHP protects itself by asking for letters of credit.

"We have assurances around each of the cargoes. We're reasonably protected."

Over time BHP Billiton's customers in Japan and China had continued to pay their bills, with very few defaults, he said.

"We'll certainly survive this," he said.

Mr Wilson added that lower prices would probably affect BHP much less than some of its peers in Western Australia.

And he said this year global supply of iron ore would exceed demand.

BHP's growth plans were conservative and focused on squeezing more from existing assets.

The company says the current price dip will not affect its future iron ore expansion to 260-70 million tonnes per annum in the Pilbara.

"I'm pretty confident of our investment opportunities."

Mr Wilson also said BHP Billiton would not have to make any adjustments to its business if the current iron ore price is maintained over the short to medium term.

"Obviously we would keep going hard at cost reduction, but we're doing that anyway."

The company would continue to push higher volumes and was not looking to cut jobs as a result of the recent fall in prices.

[American Dave]

BHPB and Rio Tinto costs are in good shape to withstand some short-term fluctuations in price. FMG are in a better place than they were 12-18 months ago and they will handle it fine I believe. The smaller players in the iron ore mining game in WA will be the ones who feel some pain in the short term. Getting finance for Roy Hill may have also gotten more expensive and difficult.

[Damo 69]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-11/prominent-businessman-len-buckeridge-dies/5313106

sad day for BGC

Staunch guy, didnt take shit from anyone, built an empire, true entrepreneur

RIP

[turboknapp]

But also an asshole to boot, his way or no way mentality was probably good in a market 25 years ago but makes for hard business these days.

[Faz]

Anyone work for BC or Atlas? Have all the right quals and experience for the Enviro jobs coming up but have been unable to even get a look-in.

Don't work for them but we contract out to them, can ask around but doubt it'd help much.

[protecon]

ours last 12 hours :mad:
A Job Safety Analysis is only as good as the people who have participated, understood and signed onto it.
If you crew change at any stage, you need to regroup, re-discuss and collectively agree before other people additionally sign onto it.
It's designed so everyone involved in the task not only understands the process, but recognises, addresses and if possible, makes changes to mitigate any identified hazards.

You fuckers think these types of forms are just a formality and another piece of paper - wait until something goes wrong, something gets damaged or worse, someone gets seriously injured or killed.
Then you'll all be scrambling to cover your arse while people are losing their jobs, being fined or going to jail.

[Lump]

^well said, I would never have anything but a serious attitude & respect for on the job jsa's - all ways thinking of how the process can be made better.

[Cochee]

A Job Safety Analysis is only as good as the people who have participated, understood and signed onto it.
If you crew change at any stage, you need to regroup, re-discuss and collectively agree before other people additionally sign onto it.
It's designed so everyone involved in the task not only understands the process, but recognises, addresses and if possible, makes changes to mitigate any identified hazards.

You fuckers think these types of forms are just a formality and another piece of paper - wait until something goes wrong, something gets damaged or worse, someone gets seriously injured or killed.
Then you'll all be scrambling to cover your arse while people are losing their jobs, being fined or going to jail.

Out of interest can you name one incident where someone has been sent to jail over an injury or fatality at a mine site?

[Turboesky]

this guy went to jail (BHP Cannington)

http://www.courts.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/210768/cif-auld-me-20130826.pdf
http://www.safetyforlife.com.au/blog/workers-jail-sentence-a-safety-lesson-for-employers-lawyer-2/

[Cochee]

this guy went to jail (BHP Cannington)

http://www.courts.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/210768/cif-auld-me-20130826.pdf
http://www.safetyforlife.com.au/blog/workers-jail-sentence-a-safety-lesson-for-employers-lawyer-2/

Interesting, Until I saw the picture I thought they were planning to lift in the bucket, and was surprised why that wasn't brought up in the findings.

[-Luke-]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-11/prominent-businessman-len-buckeridge-dies/5313106

sad day for BGC

Staunch guy, didnt take shit from anyone, built an empire, true entrepreneur

RIP

I was lucky enough to meet Len a few times when I worked for BGC contracting. A spade was a spade with him but I think he did some good things for the State and seemed to respect the people that worked for his companies. (too be fair he did tell me General Bull Dozing/BGC Contract where his Toys for playing in the Sand pit so he did treat us pretty well)

I just hope BGC contracting doesn't get sold off as there was talk when I was working for them that the Sons/Board where hanging to sell it off to focus on building products.

[hako]

You fuckers think these types of forms are just a formality and another piece of paper - wait until something goes wrong, something gets damaged or worse, someone gets seriously injured or killed.
Then you'll all be scrambling to cover your arse while people are losing their jobs, being fined or going to jail.

I was referencing the time period a JSA is valid for, when compared to other workplaces mentioned. I never mentioned anything about them being a formality and another piece of paper.
Don't misquote someone to get something off your chest.

[American Dave]

just in case you missed it some good news for gold miners..

Gold futures in New York jumped nearly 1.8% or $US23.80 to $1370.50 an ounce, the highest price since September 2013.

The Australian dollar was trading at 89.9c, equating to an Australian dollar gold price of $A1520.45/oz – good news for local miners.

[HotAe92]

just in case you missed it some good news for gold miners..

Gold futures in New York jumped nearly 1.8% or $US23.80 to $1370.50 an ounce, the highest price since September 2013.

The Australian dollar was trading at 89.9c, equating to an Australian dollar gold price of $A1520.45/oz – good news for local miners.

Things are certainly looking better for gold. This week I was offered back my old job, after being made redundant last year. Win.

[ho57ile]

Good news, got a fair few mates still diamond drilling, always good to see prices on the up.

[Brett Allan]

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/businessday/bhps-1bn-nickel-west-sale-5244716.html

Few days old, but no secret that BHP have been wanting to rid themselves of the Nickel sector for w few years...

Learjet landed at Mount Keith a few swings ago and stirred everything up.

"Goldman Sachs to find a buyer."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/21898385/bhp-workers-brace-for-uncertainty/

[-Luke-]

"Australian Workers Union State secretary Stephen Price said BHP had a history of either selling or shutting a business it had decided to exit."

"History shows that if an asset is not performing, they will shut it and deal with the fall out," Mr Price said. "I would prefer it to be sold rather than closed."

Well what the fuck else are they supposed to do with it? Keep propping it up until it drags the entire business down with it?

[Satan]

pricey is a bellend of the highest order

[Alt_F4]

Forge's administrators have released their report to creditors, with a creditors meeting scheduled for the 18th.
Unless further delayed, this will be the meeting that determines Forge's fate i.e resume business with/without administrators or wind up the company.

[Lump]

anyone work for Linkforce on shutdowns, what are they like?

they want me to come in & sign up

[SK]

yeah i work for them as a fitter haha PM if you like :)

[DanWA]

Operators jobs going down here if anyone wants to escape the FIFO game

http://www.seek.com.au/job/26240400

[adrenalin]

Just back from the 90% review meeting for Roy Hill in China.

I can tell you the date they have set for first shipment of iron ore is not going to happen. Not even close.

[skidkid]

Just back from the 90% review meeting for Roy Hill in China.

I can tell you the date they have set for first shipment of iron ore is not going to happen. Not even close.

That was fairly clear when Forge went under.

I had heard that rail was 2 months behind schedule back in January, unsure of how they're going now.

[SK]

rail has been pushed back another few months from what ive heard

[adrenalin]

Forge was taken over by Duro.

The fixed stacker \ mine stacker \ reclaimer etc have only just begun to be built. However Roy Hill has paid the equivalent of a Mini Miner and want a Rolls Royce.

They still have to assemble it over in China ( 2 months ) then break it all back down and ship it to aus where it then will take 6 months to erect.

They announced on the news first ore in September...

[HotAe92]

They announced on the news first ore in September...

Gina best be getting her $2/day mates in from Africa with shovels and wheelbarrow's if that's the case.

[skidkid]

Forge hasn't been taken over by duro, they tried and were knocked back by samsung.

Samsung is currently doing the work on package 1 with staff from skilled recruiting while they retender the package.

[adrenalin]

I can tell you 110% that Duro has taken over all of Forges work.

Samsung is overseeing the project.

Basically goes

Roy Hill --> Samsung --> Duro --> DST ( Dalian Support Team ) Which is made up of a bunch of smaller companies including the one i work for.

[ryanr32]

yeah i work for them as a fitter haha PM if you like :)

how long you worked for linkforce?

335i i have worked for linkforce for almost 4 years pm if you have any questions

[SK]

only a few months bud, you would probably be able to answer more questions than me haha :)

[ryanr32]

only a few months bud, you would probably be able to answer more questions than me haha :)

pm me your name if you dont want to say on here keen to know who you are ill say gday next time i see you on site.

[kamahl31]

rail has been pushed back another few months from what ive heard

the issues are with NRW and the formation, the only rail thats been laid is the length of the flashbutt yard. john holland is just waiting for NRW to get their shit together to get moving

[1SPRINT]

FMG are taking full operational control of Solomon OPF etc from Leightons, so there may be some jobs going soon. Leightons will still manage non process infrastructure and mining operations.

[skidkid]

Anybody at Brockman 2?

[Damo 69]

Anybody at Brockman 2?

admire the boolgeeda airport terminal ;)


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-04/strikers-face-having-assets-seized-for-not-paying-fines/5367060

go team CFMEU

[Greg Rust]

The process pump tender hasn't even been awarded for Roy Hill so there's another delay that will happen.

[Bomber]

Hurry up already. I want a 14/11, 14/10 roster after 10yrs of 14/7 (6 really, if that)

/fifo whinge mode

[thommo]

Roster change was put forward at our site and was knocked back straight away even though 14:14 instead of 14:7 is actually financially beneficial

[BASSULA]

Anybody at area C this week for the shutdown? I'll be around for a few days

[Bomber]

Anybody at area C this week for the shutdown? I'll be around for a few days
Yeah mate, I've been here just over 3 years now. I "work" at C East operating one of the Liebherr 996 diggers. Day shift ends Wednesday, a week of night shift starts Thursday. Then a month off ohhhhhh yyeeeeeaaaaahhh

[Tones]

Waiting for a call back from Macmahons about a job at Tropicana. Just something to get back into the swing of things.

[BASSULA]

Yeah mate, I've been here just over 3 years now. I "work" at C East operating one of the Liebherr 996 diggers. Day shift ends Wednesday, a week of night shift starts Thursday. Then a month off ohhhhhh yyeeeeeaaaaahhh

nice I fly in Wednesday for a week or so just spending my time throughout the plant.. so doubt I'll see you round esp being on night shift!

[evoeata]

Waiting for a call back from Macmahons about a job at Tropicana. Just something to get back into the swing of things.

heard they were on the verge of losing that contract as well. may just be the usual maccas death rattle that we hear every swing we go back to work

[Tones]

Ahhhhh cool thanks ks for the heads up.

[Tikki]

Anyone on here at Degrussa? Started two weeks ago in Exploration.

[Lump]

Any maintenance planners here?
I'm thinking of trying to move into this field of work, so would like some basic info if possible.
thanks

[Tones]

heard they were on the verge of losing that contract as well. may just be the usual maccas death rattle that we hear every swing we go back to work

Finally got the all clear for tropicana. Going with Stella straight up then the usual 3 month change over if I'm worthy haha...

[vy ss ute m6]

So IO price dropping steadily... interesting times ahead - $102 today!

Another note, 9mth stint done at Cloudbreak OPF, then was back to Perth for a few weeks so I could meet my new young fella, now out at Solomon OPF's - anyone else out here?

[Buckets]

The price is only ever going to decrease in the short to medium term and we may never see (unadjusted for inflation) the big numbers we took for granted a while back. We can only hope the AUD falls in step with the decreasing spot price to soften the blow domestically. I'd go as far to say that the growth in exports is going to shift ever so slightly away from China and back to Japan / South Korea while China takes some steps to get it's economy headed in line with it's new regimes priorities.

This graph here gives a good representation of what's gone on since the current "boom cycle" kicked off around 10yr's ago.
http://www.indexmundi.com/commodities/?commodity=iron-ore&months=180

It's always been a bit of a cause for concern that ore could be mined profitably for under $20 USD a tonne and now we're at a point where even the major mining houses need a spot price several times that in order to even break even. The structural inefficiency of our local mining sector is of great concern to me personally. Naturally some of the costs associated with paying back the capital borrowed to facilitate the expansion of the industry and an increase in other capital equipment related fixed costs has some part to play but the variable unit costs seem to be the major driver of the increased overheads from what little information I have seen of late.

[Passage GT]

ever since i started in the industry i've stated how it's only their insane profit margins that keep them afloat, i've never seen such inefficient practices before in my life, if push came to shove and they actually had to be efficient in order to turn a profit the place would go under in very short time!

[KPWISHN]

So IO price dropping steadily... interesting times ahead - $102 today!

Another note, 9mth stint done at Cloudbreak OPF, then was back to Perth for a few weeks so I could meet my new young fella, now out at Solomon OPF's - anyone else out here?
Say hello to Rosli for me. Great bloke. I heard there are plenty of positions going out there at the moment. Good place to work?

[Bomber]

ever since i started in the industry i've stated how it's only their insane profit margins that keep them afloat, i've never seen such inefficient practices before in my life, if push came to shove and they actually had to be efficient in order to turn a profit the place would go under in very short time!
Tell me about it. I sit in a 996 Liebherr and get told off for asking for more trucks. Apparently they would rather piss untold amounts of diesel and have trucks running 20kms empty to the other end of the mine than keep a (fucking big) digger swinging. Fuck your 5 year plan, I want trucks now haha.

Actually, I had a good one a few swings ago on nightshift. I got put on standby so a Hitachi EX2500 (small digger) could start up around 9:30pm to load out batter trimmings. I didn't load another truck for the rest of the night and got about 6 hours sleep on the floor of the cab. On the bus back to camp old mate on the 2500 tells me he had at least 4 trucks waiting all night hahaha. Wonder why they call it Area Circus?

[Tones]

Had that happen heaps at Telfer. Now with a contractor I'm sitting for 9 hours at the crib hut waiting for someone to put me in a machine. Talk to supervisors, superintendent and everyone just walks off. Meh, still getting paid so I don't care.

[stanis90]

I'm just finishing up a mining/enviro engineering degree and I've applied for grad roles but they don't start until next year. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for finding some work straight out of uni?? So far I'm emailing and calling every company I can.

[skidkid]

Best of luck getting an enviro job, they're fucking hard to come by - more who you know than what you know.

What does "mining" entail?

[stanis90]

Yeah thats what I've found so far.

The mining part was actually the majority of a mining eng course at Curtin because they don't offer my degree anymore. I've only missed maybe a semester's worth of units and I've completed mine planning, mine ventilation, mine systems etc. That's why I'm thinking worst case scenario I'll go and properly finish off the mining part.

[jOh4n]

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/businessday/bhps-1bn-nickel-west-sale-5244716.html

Few days old, but no secret that BHP have been wanting to rid themselves of the Nickel sector for w few years...

Learjet landed at Mount Keith a few swings ago and stirred everything up.

"Goldman Sachs to find a buyer."

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/21898385/bhp-workers-brace-for-uncertainty/

Brett what do you do in the Keith? GM gave us a little spill confirming sale of NiW. I reckon they have a very interested party. There goes my long service!

[skidkid]

Yeah thats what I've found so far.

The mining part was actually the majority of a mining eng course at Curtin because they don't offer my degree anymore. I've only missed maybe a semester's worth of units and I've completed mine planning, mine ventilation, mine systems etc. That's why I'm thinking worst case scenario I'll go and properly finish off the mining part.

Yeah I'm going back to uni to finish off my Geol degree and get into that industry through family contacts.

I couldn't find a grad position for 3 months before stumbling into one with Forge (only got it because I worked there in admin, and was mates with the GM of HSE), which lasted 9 months before the company went under in Feb - haven't been able to find anything enviro related since..

[Chaotic]

Brett what do you do in the Keith? GM gave us a little spill confirming sale of NiW. I reckon they have a very interested party. There goes my long service!

We got the same shady talk yesterday, I don't think they have any idea themselves, but Bhp definately keen to offload niw. The amount of sad faces when they said no redundancies, shall be an interesting few months ahead. Ramp up, sell, or just keep blowing cash, no one seems to know!

[HotAe92]

We got the same shady talk yesterday, I don't think they have any idea themselves, but Bhp definately keen to offload niw. The amount of sad faces when they said no redundancies, shall be an interesting few months ahead. Ramp up, sell, or just keep blowing cash, no one seems to know!

Interesting seeing the number of yellows slowing outnumber the amount of orange in the Leinster dry mess and tav recently.

[Turboesky]

Does anyone have any rumours about Nifty?

I normally spend half my swing out there. I am finding it hard to look busy now 50% of my work has gone.

[HotAe92]

Does anyone have any rumours about Nifty?

I normally spend half my swing out there. I am finding it hard to look busy now 50% of my work has gone.

Only what's being reported

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/aditya-looks-to-reduce-staff-at-nifty-2014-05-14

[-Luke-]

Heads up to anybody staying at Flearipple, looks like the recent rain has brought out the sand flies. I spent Tues and Thursday night there this week and I'm covered in bites.

Bring yo Aerogaurd!

[Poktrokt]

Today I signed my contract to transfer to Area C!!
My last day at Yandi after 2.5 years is next Thursday!
Will be stating at Mulla Mulla camp :)

On 1 hand I'm happy I have locked in better job security but I am very sad to be leaving here and all the friendships u have made, plus I'm not looking forward to packing up my room, will need a flat bed to move hahaha

[Bomber]

Mulla Mulla > Packsaddle

[Poktrokt]

Mulla Mulla > Packsaddle

Not goign back to Packsaddle!!!! I had my rant of fb the other week!!! hahaha

[magic1]

I just started up at CP errummura

16hrs later


I just finished up at CP errummura


#consultantlife

and for the record, one of the worst cribs ever

[Damo 69]

I just started up at CP errummura

16hrs later


I just finished up at CP errummura


#consultantlife

and for the record, one of the worst cribs ever

Huge swing man, how are you holding up? Hope RS Sorted you out with site allowance and LAFHA

[waxdass]

Today I signed my contract to transfer to Area C!!
My last day at Yandi after 2.5 years is next Thursday!
Will be stating at Mulla Mulla camp :)

On 1 hand I'm happy I have locked in better job security but I am very sad to be leaving here and all the friendships u have made, plus I'm not looking forward to packing up my room, will need a flat bed to move hahaha

My old man is a camp cook there for the past 15 years. Says Yandi still busy?

[Poktrokt]

My old man is a camp cook there for the past 15 years. Says Yandi still busy?
He would be a cook at Yandi Village (ISS) whereas I currently live at Spinifex the newer camp (ESS) for past few years. Used to stay at Yandi Village back in the day when I was Perth based. We are still busy, we are rapping up to 90mtpa over the next 12 months so huge effort! Yandi Village is the contractor/ shut down camp so it get's really busy there.

[Buckets]

I just started up at CP errummura

16hrs later


I just finished up at CP errummura


#consultantlife

and for the record, one of the worst cribs ever

Worst case scenario Mrs Mac's pies are the same dubious quality (but usually better than 1000 day old mixed left over) back up crib on every site.

Decent wetmess though or at least it was back when I kicked around there.

[Buckets]

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/wa/a/24195122/bhp-axes-180-jobs-at-newman/

It seems the cuts have kicked off again in earnest, although these were in the works for some time apparently. I hope no one here is affected. It certainly sounds like these won't be the last of them in the near term anyway :/

[butters]

finishing up at orebody 18 at the end of this month after nearly 4 years, will be sad to say good bye to everyone but on the positive got a call on friday to organise a site visit to murrin murrin, hopefully secure a job before i use up all my leftover annual leave.

[HotAe92]

I'm having to move down to Collie/Bunbury next month after taking an offer with one of the coal mines down there. Not really stoked about the move/job, but current contract was unable to be extended, mortgage, and there ain't a whole lotta work out there for enviro's at the minute = take what you can get biach!

[DanWA]

If you're going to work at Griffin Coal for Carna, good luck with that

Best thing i ever did was leave that place

Only good thing will be your boss (Paul) is a top bloke

[HotAe92]

If you're going to work at Griffin Coal for Carna, good luck with that

Best thing i ever did was leave that place

Only good thing will be your boss (Paul) is a top bloke

Yeah as I said I'm not hugely excited about it, but unfortunately the only alternative at the moment is unemployment or prostitution.

[Damo 69]

i thought griffin were borderline bankrupt, read in the paper not long ago i think?

[DanWA]

The Indian always dribble just enough money in to keep it going when they have to

[Lump]

had my interview & d+a test today with Linkforce, so it looks like I will be working on some Pilbara shutdown work soon.

[skidkid]

Have them up here doing a shut at the moment, already had 2 incidents and the plant hasn't been shutdown yet.

[Lump]

yeah, not overjoyed about working for/with them..
even though i did my apprenticeship with Rio this is the best i could get

[S133LTR]

Your brother couldnt get you in the door at 7 mile? Even through monos?

[Lump]

He's just a fitter, so i dont think he can help in that way. I dont really have any post trade experience & completed the apprenticeship 20 yrs ago so it makes it very hard to get a start anywhere - safety risk apparently (designing safe operational workplaces counts for nothing).

Seems linkforce will take anyone, guy next to me at the group interview was in his late 50's, never been on a mine site, no trade experience and yet will get a start - I'm really going to be watching my back!
cheers

[S133LTR]

lol just a fitter... its not what you do up there its who you know..

[Lump]

that was not meant to be condescending, but I know what you mean.

[P100_Ute]

I got untill roughly March till Construction ends here for us on Rio Rail.
Demobed out of Cape Lambert last week. went Brockman 4 for a week. now at Northern Link and possibly next week goto Panna. Then hopefully back to Cape soon after

[Satan]

lots of letters handed out at whaleback

feel for the them all, especially the residentials, they have to uproot their families, kids from school, leave friends etc

[Passage GT]

I got untill roughly March till Construction ends here for us on Rio Rail.
Demobed out of Cape Lambert last week. went Brockman 4 for a week. now at Northern Link and possibly next week goto Panna. Then hopefully back to Cape soon after
Bira a or b at the cape?

[crabman]

lots of letters handed out at whaleback

feel for the them all, especially the residentials, they have to uproot their families, kids from school, leave friends etc

Are they parking up machines and scaling back or is it cutting out all the overheads up there? Enviro's, HR on site etc

[Buckets]

Are the townies mainly from the old union shift ? If so it makes some sense then. BHPB have been trying to weed out that crew for ages.

[crabman]

Are they the ones that get given their house after so many years? Would be pretty devo if you were close lol

[ryanr32]

Have them up here doing a shut at the moment, already had 2 incidents and the plant hasn't been shutdown yet.

what site are you at? Ive been with linkforce 4 years now. Quality of tradesman is certainly on the decline

[skidkid]

what site are you at? Ive been with linkforce 4 years now. Quality of tradesman is certainly on the decline

B2

[Damo 69]

Was at the purple pub last night, sounded like a few who had been let go drowning sorros

[ZilR34]

Heading up to Darwin in a couple of months with Mono's to work on the Inpex Ichthys LNG Project.

Should be interesting.

[-Luke-]

Are the townies mainly from the old union shift ? If so it makes some sense then. BHPB have been trying to weed out that crew for ages.

You think that would be the case, but from the feedback I've got from some friends up there is that they have gone for the shorter term (ie 3 to 7yrs) employees first. Seems to be a cost reduction move from BHPB management in terms of Payout's.

My best mate's Dad has been in opps up there since the late 80's, is due to retire and got passed over. He's a union member and has been active in union action so would be the obvious first target in my eyes but it doesn't appear to be the case. He's also in a role (ops training) that should become surplus to requirement with a stable work force.

[Poktrokt]

Whaleback had a LOT of fat! Simple as that. They have too many people. Everything there is surplus, they even have about 100 too many LV's which will be culled over the coming months.
Yandi runs a pretty tight ship and great cost per tonne. They had about 10 letters handed out today.
Area C has some fat too so we should see some letters roll out soon.

[Alt_F4]

We're doing comms survey work at BHP at OB18, one of the engineers has been chasing guys there for some survey detail... rings today, all sacked. WTF.

[Damo 69]

They had 6 surveyors in the whaleback office, don’t know how busy they are / were. We used them to pick up installed services for our project, it was like pulling teeth.

When I was in whaleback end of last / start of this year in the car park near where we were working 3 BHP Franna cranes parked up didn’t move an inch in the 4/5 months I was in whaleback.

[butters]

We're doing comms survey work at BHP at OB18, one of the engineers has been chasing guys there for some survey detail... rings today, all sacked. WTF.

infamous, I'm one of the surveyors at OB18, send me a PM and i'll see if i can help you out.

[HotAe92]

Anyone out at Solomon? Going for an interview tomorrow. Good site or not?

[DanWA]

Anyone out at Solomon? Going for an interview tomorrow. Good site or not?

fuck griffin

Yes i 2nd this

[skidkid]

Your job at griffin going to be empty?

[HotAe92]

Your job at griffin going to be empty?

Not unless I land a FIFO gig. Shoot me a PM if you want and I'll let you know if I throw it in.

[Tocchi]

well, i was going to post here to pose a question about getting back FIFO, but it looks like it is quite tight at the moment judging by the posts on this page.

im used to Offshore where its Even Time work/home, i have a ROV/mechanical/electronics/fiber optics/hydraulics/ProSon background, ive subcontracted out to woodside and chevron on many occasions over the years .... would this be beneficial to getting into land based FIFO with decent "home" time ?
basically, im still undecided which path i want to pursue, and with the mines, i have zero idea where i would fit into things / pay rates etc.
basically is it a case of Tl;dr and stick to offshore? haha

[Lump]

I'm busy with fifo shutdowns (heaps of work around), but you would be mad to give up that gig.
would kill for that offshore opportunity

[Tocchi]

hmmm you raise a good point, but ive done it for that many years, then im currently on a 18 month hiatus from it... want to get back, but i feel a bit overwhelmed / feeling out in the cold, as shit moves so fast.

i was thinking with offshore experience i could land a barrow island / chevron gig ?
i hate chevron inductions. been to 3 of them ... but its all work it in the end

what's the avg day rate on land?
for a newbie i guess

[Turboesky]

Hey Tocchi, Looks like you have a fair bit of experience which would be relevant within the mining industry. What qualifications do you hold? Trade, degree....?

[-Luke-]

the "normal" move is generally the other way Tocchi, Mining guys clammering for offshore/O&G roles.

I think you'd be mad to go the other way but if you've had a gut full fair enough.

Im not sure what your experience would translate to in the mining world, perhaps Autonomous/Remote underground operation or A Perth Based operations role for one of the big two Iron One Companies.

[Tocchi]

Hey Tocchi, Looks like you have a fair bit of experience which would be relevant within the mining industry. What qualifications do you hold? Trade, degree....?
Industry training and Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering .. there was no such ROV trade unfortunately.
strong mathematical background too... which explains my lack of literacy at times haha.


the "normal" move is generally the other way Tocchi, Mining guys clammering for offshore/O&G roles.
I think you'd be mad to go the other way but if you've had a gut full fair enough.
Im not sure what your experience would translate to in the mining world, perhaps Autonomous/Remote underground operation or A Perth Based operations role for one of the big two Iron One Companies.
i know right, entry level rov was just under 100/hr with even time, so maybe im kidding myself if i choose otherwise.
im not sure if im over being on the water, or the fact the family business was ROV and that killed the buzz for me, as it was a pingpingpingping of a thing to have a small company trying to compete against the big boys in the oil and gas industry.
one of those crossroads moments i guess.

[Lump]

what's the avg day rate on land?
for a newbie i guess
well I'm just working thru Linkforce, they seem to take on anyone & the pay is shit apparently.
I'm not really up with the $ side of things as I've just got into this line of work after 20yrs.

as a mech fitter I'm on $48/hr flat rate (1/2 my normal occupation rate)

money is not that important to me, future prospects & type of work are though.
cheers

[Tocchi]

that's still a decent rate... given the reputation you just mentioned.
PS: going by your signature, congrats on the job.

yeah, likewise with the future prospects, i want career growth / a path to work into ... thus why i dont mind changing my job path

[Lump]

thanks, works out pretty good on a 60 hour week, nearly comparable to what I was getting on a 40.

fly up to cloudbreak in a week for 5 days, really looking forward to it, but I will keep looking for other opportunities.

With your eng quals, maybe you should carry on for a degree - you would be set for lots of options then, otherwise some sore of operations role onshore o + g etc.

[crabman]

I'd always wondered what background/training was required to go down the ROV road.

I'm one wanting to go offshore (or onshore process plant but still energy sector, not resources)

[Passage GT]

Rio are advertising for train controllers at the moment, 2 days, 2 nights them 4 off, based at the OC near the airport, money is decent apparently

[Lump]

yeah saw that, they would prefer control room experience, so ROV stuff might appeal to them.

[Satan]

train controllers at rio come from the shop floor, when I was at the OC they didnt even consider other controllers already employed by rio in the same building. I cant see that having changed.

[Shnoog]

infamous, I'm one of the surveyors at OB18, send me a PM and i'll see if i can help you out.

Didn't realize there was a surveyor from 18 on antilag. I've been a surveyor working for fast at jimblebar for the past few years. i'm building the 24 link road upgrade for the buses at the moment.

[-Luke-]

train controllers at rio come from the shop floor, when I was at the OC they didnt even consider other controllers already employed by rio in the same building. I cant see that having changed.
It has. Turnover rate and absenteeism has gone through the roof so they have broaden there scope.

[Passage GT]

train controllers at rio come from the shop floor, when I was at the OC they didnt even consider other controllers already employed by rio in the same building. I cant see that having changed.

I know 4 that I worked with personally as either train examiners or drivers that transferred, there are also a fair few with no previous tc experience working there, some are great controllers, a few are bad, one in particular is painfully bad, everyone cringes when she's on our panel, she's currently being retrained for the third time...

[Tocchi]

I'd always wondered what background/training was required to go down the ROV road.

I'm one wanting to go offshore (or onshore process plant but still energy sector, not resources)

it's a hit and miss industry to get into.
there is a lot of ex-navy and air force guys doing the training, due to their tech quals achieved whilst in service.
electronics and hydraulics is the big ticket to get into it.
you are looking at a 3 week (21 days straight) course, actually may have sundays off ... this course is at fremantle tafe, and costs about $8k.
my dad was the inaugural lecturer for the course, and the director of my (now sold) family's company is the current lecturer there ... he usually does the course twice a year, OR when the industry can handle an influx of new pilots, unlike the indonesian training courses that pump out the students even if the industry is in a slump.

to be honest, it's a pingpingpingping of a job, you have to love it to do it ... if you are serious about doing it, i can lead you in a direction that could be beneficial.

[Satan]

It has. Turnover rate and absenteeism has gone through the roof so they have broaden there scope.

interesting, so they are employing people with absolutely no train based experience to be train controllers?

[-Luke-]

Correct I think moving forward they are expecting ETG and Autohaul to supplement the less experienced controllers.

[crabman]

it's a hit and miss industry to get into.
there is a lot of ex-navy and air force guys doing the training, due to their tech quals achieved whilst in service.
electronics and hydraulics is the big ticket to get into it.
you are looking at a 3 week (21 days straight) course, actually may have sundays off ... this course is at fremantle tafe, and costs about $8k.
my dad was the inaugural lecturer for the course, and the director of my (now sold) family's company is the current lecturer there ... he usually does the course twice a year, OR when the industry can handle an influx of new pilots, unlike the indonesian training courses that pump out the students even if the industry is in a slump.

to be honest, it's a pingpingpingping of a job, you have to love it to do it ... if you are serious about doing it, i can lead you in a direction that could be beneficial.

Just looked at the Challenger Tafe Website for it, only 8 people per course and I don't meet the additional requirements haha. Also up to 10k now. Hopefully the Process Plant Operations course I start at ACEPT next month lands me a process operator traineeship with one of the big companies. Will do further studies from there if I am lucky enough.

[munt]

Just looked at the Challenger Tafe Website for it, only 8 people per course and I don't meet the additional requirements haha. Also up to 10k now. Hopefully the Process Plant Operations course I start at ACEPT next month lands me a process operator traineeship with one of the big companies. Will do further studies from there if I am lucky enough.

You look at getting it done on RPL? It was a while ago so i cant remember the exact requirements but i had cert 2 process plant operations signed off super easy. It was all stuff like "read gauges" , "work in a team", got my current boss at the time to sign it all off. Saved me a shit load of time because there was a year wait just to get into the course.

[butters]

Didn't realize there was a surveyor from 18 on antilag. I've been a surveyor working for fast at jimblebar for the past few years. i'm building the 24 link road upgrade for the buses at the moment.

Staying at warrawandu? I only have one more week left then we are all out,

Had a site visit to Murrin Murrin yesterday, great place, hopefully i get the job!

[crabman]

You look at getting it done on RPL? It was a while ago so i cant remember the exact requirements but i had cert 2 process plant operations signed off super easy. It was all stuff like "read gauges" , "work in a team", got my current boss at the time to sign it all off. Saved me a shit load of time because there was a year wait just to get into the course.

I know, reading through all the competencies they work through I was thinking "I could have been RPL'd for this as a fucking 2nd year apprentice, 8 years ago". I will ask about RPL on my first day to see if allows me to not show up for a bunch of days but I get the feeling being TAFE they will roll a lot of the competencies into the same units, so I will have to do the lot.

What do you do/who do you work for?

[American Dave]

I am hearing first hand from contractors working at Leightons / FMG Solomon that 166 people got the axe this morning.

[Damo 69]

So buckets jumped just in time

[Bomber]

My oath. Now is not the time to be a contract miner. Although Roy Hill will have plenty of people looking for work. I imagine there are many highly embellished CVs being emailed around right about now!

[Damo 69]

Would have 2 people a day coming into our yard in Newman chasing work, unfortunate times but the writing has been on the wall for at least 2 years the good times won’t last forever.

[-Luke-]

keen2watch the "Dark side of the Boom" story on Today Tonight this week.

Fuckers whining that they can't get 1M for there shitty 3x1 concrete slab home in Karratha/

[DanWA]

yet you will still see pingpingpingpings whining about rosters

[Bomber]

Rosters are now, take it or leave it

[Passage GT]

i'm quite happy with my roster, i'm 2/1 at the moment but work actually wants everyone to do 2/2, i'm not so keen on the rather large wage loss that entails so i'll hold onto 2/1 for as long as i can.
i'd prefer 8/6 7/7 personally but i don't see that ever happening, just glad i have a full time job and i'm not a contractor, people in that position are extremely hard to get rid of without good reason lol

[Evolved]

Easier to start as a shit kicker contractor and then becoming a process operator. No prior qualifications , worked for 2 years in a joinery .... quit ... 3 months with MPi , and slotted into a fulltime operators roll . Since then I have been building on that .

[crabman]

A joinery?? Who's MPi?? lol

[thommo]

interesting, so they are employing people with absolutely no train based experience to be train controllers?

I'll fill your spot if you go :P

[munt]

I know, reading through all the competencies they work through I was thinking "I could have been RPL'd for this as a fucking 2nd year apprentice, 8 years ago". I will ask about RPL on my first day to see if allows me to not show up for a bunch of days but I get the feeling being TAFE they will roll a lot of the competencies into the same units, so I will have to do the lot.

What do you do/who do you work for?

I work for Rio now doing site comm's but I got that cert a few years ago when i was doing the rounds as a contractor. Think I was working at the rio alcan refinery in NT when i got that cert.


Glad I left barrow for a fifo apprenticeship 1.5 years ago, money definitely isn't the same but you could see this downturn coming and its nice having job security.

[-Luke-]

Job security and the mining industry don't really go hand in had. Anybody can be laid off at any time if the current economic climate demands it. You're just isolated slightly better working for the bigger company.

[SSICK]

Munt - when you say comms, what do you mean? You do data/phones and fiber cabling and terminating?

[munt]

Job security and the mining industry don't really go hand in had. Anybody can be laid off at any time if the current economic climate demands it. You're just isolated slightly better working for the bigger company.
Yeah for sure, a lot safer than i was though, especially having no trade and working for leightons!


Munt - when you say comms, what do you mean? You do data/phones and fiber cabling and terminating?
Yeah fibre, radio/microwave, copper, security systems etc. I only get to do the maintenance side of it though so there's not much cabling or terminating, all the good stuff like the installation of the autohaul network is done by contractors.

[-Luke-]

Signal Techs....the next boom role for Rio/Bhp/BMG.

[BASSULA]

Munt, What site you on? I'm guessing you fall under IS&T still or has the break away to just comms finally happened?? I look after the majority of your UPS' once they break

[munt]

Come under Utilities now. I'm usually at 7 mile but the last few months I've been out at yandi and west ange. Who do you work for?

[DanWA]

There cant be much picking and choosing for process operators down this way, bumped into 1 at work who i bought a TV from at Harvey Norman in Bunbury a few years back

[Evolved]

A joinery?? Who's MPi?? lol

Making timber door frames, MPi - Mining People international

[s-tranzor]

Are They still running analog voting at Rio munt? Comms/scada grunt for Fortescue here.

[Damo 69]

They reckon this will be $20 million in savings for them for a year just by getting rid of the 75 employees.

.

People are expensive
$20m a year wouldn’t be far off it with getting rid of 75 people

@155k average $11.6m a year in wages
@$150 a night $4.1m in accommodation
@$1k a pop, 30 flights per person a year $2.2m
Overheads per person per year would easily make up the difference

[DanWA]

BHP about to drop some much larger cuts to, might be some cheap boats and hsv's around soon!

[thommo]

And how did you find that out?

[Alt_F4]

And how did you find that out?
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/24303203/fears-rise-for-3000-bhp-jobs/

[thommo]

Nice!

[DanWA]

^^^ yeah what he said

Read it in news and was talked about at morning muster this morning

[thommo]

Ready for a fresh start to July 1 no doubt

[crabman]

Making timber door frames, MPi - Mining People international

Ahhh yep. I totally forgot about everything except mineral and petrochemical processing lol. I was told by a friend at Woodside that they have forecast they need a few hundred over the next few years as projects come online/ramp up production. Here's hoping I become one of them :P

[HotAe92]

This is at St Ives working for Goldfields at the underground Athena/Hamlet declines.

Sorry to hear buddy, as a fellow Goldfields employee/contractor myself. I thought the St Ives was a good money maker, obviously not a the moment. They've been running a lean ship out here at Agnew ever since the acquisition.

All the best with the new job.

[Bomber]

Wonder if RH can keep up with all the emails they're getting?

[2jzlux]

Wonder if RH can keep up with all the emails they're getting?

Yeah they will all go to the junk folder if they come from an Aussie email address.

[BASSULA]

Come under Utilities now. I'm usually at 7 mile but the last few months I've been out at yandi and west ange. Who do you work for?

Ahh thats right, I work for Elec Power Technologies, we do stuff everywhere for Rio, I'll be doing stuff for you guys at HD1 West And and Yandi next week Have been dealing with Dave Dixon. Have to get back in touch with the costal guys too to remind them of the work that needs doing.

[Buckets]

Wonder if RH can keep up with all the emails they're getting?


Yeah they will all go to the junk folder if they come from an Aussie email address.
What makes you say that ? Barely any "foreign" labor here in the operations depatments.

[Pierced69]

Sorry to hear buddy, as a fellow Goldfields employee/contractor myself. I thought the St Ives was a good money maker, obviously not a the moment. They've been running a lean ship out here at Agnew ever since the acquisition.

All the best with the new job.

Looks like a few Goldfields ppl here, except I was given my white envelope end of January/start Feb and still looking for a Longhole driller position. GF has been advertising for a lot of positions residential only :/

[2jzlux]

What makes you say that ? Barely any "foreign" labor here in the operations depatments.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/latest/a/22368952/roy-hill-in-457-visa-row/

[Buckets]

That's Samsung NOT Roy Hill...

[2jzlux]

Pretty sure Jabba the Hutt was quoted saying that she wanted to fill Roy hill with foreign workers because they will work for less.
Even though its true its still a pretty shit thing to say.

[DanWA]

Maybe FIFO people need to re-consider the crack price they expect

[2jzlux]

Why would they want to earn similar money up here than they would in Perth?
Where is the incentive for working away from your family in the dusty hot shithole then?
I actually took a pay cut to my base wage of about 20k a year from my wage in perth but the allowances make up for it and a fair bit.
No one forced me to do it i weighed up the options and took the better deal, anyone who wouldn't is a fool.

[DanWA]

you are a minority mate

[Passage GT]

Why would they want to earn similar money up here than they would in Perth?
Where is the incentive for working away from your family in the dusty hot shithole then?
I actually took a pay cut to my base wage of about 20k a year from my wage in perth but the allowances make up for it and a fair bit.
No one forced me to do it i weighed up the options and took the better deal, anyone who wouldn't is a fool.

Exactly, who the fuck would willingly leave their families and friends behind to work in a shithole for peanuts, nobody would and the industry needs the workers, I was happy living up there personally and would have preferred to stay, I was on the same money doing 4 days on 4 days off as I am doing 2/1 but the missus wasn't happy up there...at the end of the day the missus is happy and I still have a good job, even if I work more hours

[DanWA]

Even if they dropped the wages to 100k, they would still get people

What was difference between your city coin and coin you're on now Trav?

I never got into it for family reasons and loving being home every day also, i just despise the whinging about it, especially when people would still take the jobs for considerably less

[TJ]

The market is changing anyhow - the workers no longer dictate terms.

If you dont like it, go somewhere else? Oh, no one else is hiring? Sign here sir.

[Lump]

anyone know what big shutdowns are on at cloudbreak next week?
i fly up monday for 5 days

[thommo]

Yep it's definitely changing. If you're in the industry and decide to leave or made to leave it will be very hard to get back in.
Thing is you have cleaners etc up here working for 70k~ On a 2/1 roster hoping to get a foot in the door to the actual mining side of things and if the big name companies said they'd sign them up driving trucks or be an operator on the floor etc for 75,80,90k they'd be all over it. When you break down the salary over the hours worked it's not really that fantastic as an hourly rate. The large number of hours is what gives you the $$$ in the pocket

[Buckets]

Hours, hours and more hours is how you make the money.

[vy ss ute m6]

anyone know what big shutdowns are on at cloudbreak next week?
i fly up monday for 5 days

Wet front end shut.

[TJ]

Hours, hours and more hours is how you make the money.

And not having to spend a cent on food etc for 8/14/21/28 days, plus saving on using electricity gas etc while away.

[thommo]

That's the best saving, no fuel or food!

[Passage GT]

Even if they dropped the wages to 100k, they would still get people

What was difference between your city coin and coin you're on now Trav?

I never got into it for family reasons and loving being home every day also, i just despise the whinging about it, especially when people would still take the jobs for considerably less

I'm on about 3k a year more doing 2/1 (56 hour week average) than I was as a resi doing 4/4 days (42 hour) and living costs are easily 2.5k a month more down here, in the company house I paid 130/month rent and no water, gas or electricity, basically just foxtel and internet, it's a damn good wicket, was spewing I had to leave it.
as for newbies going there for 90k a year as mentioned above, sure they might jump at it, the cleaners I personally know are on a fuck load more than that BTW, but the time lost through having inexperienced people, the increased risk of incidents and injury, the downtime due to those things...the companies won't go for that.

[DanWA]

Everyone starts off inexperienced, you would have to yeah? You got to start somewhere!

What i meant was the difference from now to before you got into the fifo/resi role, surely you got into it for the $$$ yeah?

[morgazmatron]

the cleaners I personally know are on a fuck load more than that BTW, but the time lost through having inexperienced people, the increased risk of incidents and injury, the downtime due to those things...the companies won't go for that.

Are they on a long roster? Where I am cleaners are on 2/1 & travel in your own time. Pay was just dropped last year to about 67k. However they turn over a few.

But I do agree that some people are way over paid and would work for a lot less. After all it is a job market, both sides looking for the best deal..

I personally do it for the roster (8/6) and would probably do the same job for less.. (Don't tell my boss!)

[Tre-Cool]

I did a fifo contract gig for about 12 months getting paid $950 a day (8/6 swing)... doing next to nothing.

job bored the absolute shit out of me because next to nothing happened. Ended up talking to project manager who I didn't officially report to, asking for other work. I think I spent more time washing cars, driving/escorting people around site and doing trips into town than I did on actual computer work each swing.

Was the only thing that made the job enjoyable.

[Passage GT]

Everyone starts off inexperienced, you would have to yeah? You got to start somewhere!

What i meant was the difference from now to before you got into the fifo/resi role, surely you got into it for the $$$ yeah?

i started out fifo as a TA, got a better job as a shunter in rail and progressed to driving, over the course of the last 7 years or so, of course i was on less money before i got into the industry, i never disputed that, i was just stating that you get paid for the shit conditions and having to spend so much time away from your family, there needs to be some incentive for doing that, if the cash wasn't there everyone would work locally and the mining industry would not exist.
i've also never whinged about it, i'm happy with what i do and the life i've made for my family, and i'm also constantly on the lookout to improve my lot as well, if i can step into another role that will improve my income without sacrificing either my family life or my sanity i'll do so.

[DanWA]

Sorry didnt meant that you were whinging, its moreso that lots of people whinge about it

People would still do it for 100k or less

The hardest thing is getting your foot in the door, you were one of the lucky ones!

[S133LTR]

Odds on ppl crowing about working fifo for <100k have never done it before.

[DanWA]

Chose not to, happy to be on less and not work away

Odds are people would be lining up to take a job off someone overpaid up there for a lot less though

[-Luke-]

Anybody out there that thinks all FIFO workers are over paid willing to take on a 3and1 roster for $24/hr flat as a qualified tradesperson?

[morgazmatron]

^^ Absolutely not!.. You would make more staying in town.

I'm not even remotely saying all are over paid.. But some are.. As some are also underpaid..

But just seems at the moment companies can offer less money and get away with it. As there is a demand for FIFO jobs and a supply of workers..

[DanWA]

http://www.colliemail.com.au/story/2378314/collie-griffin-workers-fear-for-the-mines-future/?cs=1191

Glad i left this place last year when i did!

[DanWA]

Anybody out there that thinks all FIFO workers are over paid willing to take on a 3and1 roster for $24/hr flat as a qualified tradesperson?

Whats the going rate FIFO? Dunno of any mates on less than $60/hour as tradies

[Damo 69]

Whats the going rate FIFO? Dunno of any mates on less than $60/hour as tradies

a company i used to work for put carpenters on $34 an hour with penalties for the standard EBA.

depends on if its covered under a Greenfields agreement or not, if its greenfields the guys get silly good money

[skidkid]

Sorry didnt meant that you were whinging, its moreso that lots of people whinge about it

People would still do it for 100k or less

The hardest thing is getting your foot in the door, you were one of the lucky ones!

Wow, haven't seen somebody dribble this much shit in a while!

Firstly, do what for 100k? What role? Cleaning toilets? Driving trucks? Graduate position? They all command varying pay rates, lumping everything into 100k is fucking stupid.


Many of the roles are paid less than 100k a year, a fixed plant operator here with rio is looking at 80-90k for 8/6 7/7, mobile plant will hit start on 90-100k.

People that work FIFO get paid the amount they are due to the hours, few are overpaid. There are people that do fuck all while at work, but it's the same anywhere, just with FIFO they do fuck all for 12 hrs a day, not 8.

[dougy]

come to wheatstone

200k minium wage, no joke

[tex]

Wheatstone's awards are stupid but that place isn't far off being a prison.

Most of the high yearly income is from construction where guys work 4-1 working 80 hour weeks. Go work a couple 4-1 swings in bum fuck no where away from family, friends loved ones etc etc and I doubt you'll be complaining about how over paid FIFO people are.

Going rate of 60 an hour, put down the crack pipe mate.

[1SPRINT]

Most of my tradies (fitters and auto sparks) are on between $40-$55 an hour flat rate for 12hrs

[millzy_88]

People need to stop rising to DanWA's fishing comments. He continually raises this arguement in this thread and appears to have little knowledge of any facts.

[DanWA]

fucking lol

[Brett_J]

Outside of anyone in a Supervisory role, what typical tradie on a site in earning on average of $60/hr ?

That isn't penalty rates.

That's like saying my missus is on $68/hr at Barrow, never mind the fact she's on 70% uplift for being on the island.

[DanWA]

Can only go off ex apprentices from when i was at Griffin, couple are at FMG, 1 is with Newmont

1 Boily, 1 Auto Sparky and 2 HD Mechanics. Hell even where i am now the Fitters/I&C are hovering around $60 from what they've told me and are doing 9 day fortnight 8.5 hour days

Nothing comes close to Barrow besides O&G i thought?

For the record, it keeps getting swung around like im harping about wages, it moreso the sick of people pissing and moaning about being away, shit camp, shit food and flights etc

You make the choice to work it for the better money (yes i get it your working more hours and away) but you know what its like yet still moan yet being paid for it

There will ALWAYS be someone to replace you for less, the good old days are long gone

[1SPRINT]

Outside of anyone in a Supervisory role, what typical tradie on a site in earning on average of $60/hr ?

That isn't penalty rates.

That's like saying my missus is on $68/hr at Barrow, never mind the fact she's on 70% uplift for being on the island.

That's it it might work out to be 60 an hr but that's including shift allowance etc

[millzy_88]

Can only go off ex apprentices from when i was at Griffin, couple are at FMG, 1 is with Newmont

1 Boily, 1 Auto Sparky and 2 HD Mechanics. Hell even where i am now the Fitters/I&C are hovering around $60 from what they've told me and are doing 9 day fortnight 8.5 hour days

Nothing comes close to Barrow besides O&G i thought?

For the record, it keeps getting swung around like im harping about wages, it moreso the sick of people pissing and moaning about being away, shit camp, shit food and flights etc

You make the choice to work it for the better money (yes i get it your working more hours and away) but you know what its like yet still moan yet being paid for it

There will ALWAYS be someone to replace you for less, the good old days are long gone

I don't even see why you have a problem with people whinging. Most people that do it will complain because generally speaking... it sucks. Yeah if they gave it up, someone would probably jump on the chance to replace them. But guess what... after a while there is a good chance they would think it sucked too.

Just because you accept the job (people take the extra money for all kinds of reasons) doesn't mean you have to think it's great.

[ho57ile]

For the record, it keeps getting swung around like im harping about wages, it moreso the sick of people pissing and moaning about being away, shit camp, shit food and flights etc

Yeah good point, why would anyone want to have a quiet camp with a quality bed and half decent food? Yeah you make a choice to go make a living the best you can, doesn't mean you have to put up with bullshit conditions. Seriously mate what planet do you live on?

[Tones]

I'd just settle for hot food not the cold/barely warm shit that gets served up

[thommo]

Wtf! No wonder rio shit on Bhp, share wise. Fixed plant operators on a 2/1 are making almost double what a rio 8/6 person is getting. Fuck


Wow, haven't seen somebody dribble this much shit in a while!

Firstly, do what for 100k? What role? Cleaning toilets? Driving trucks? Graduate position? They all command varying pay rates, lumping everything into 100k is fucking stupid.


Many of the roles are paid less than 100k a year, a fixed plant operator here with rio is looking at 80-90k for 8/6 7/7, mobile plant will hit start on 90-100k.

People that work FIFO get paid the amount they are due to the hours, few are overpaid. There are people that do fuck all while at work, but it's the same anywhere, just with FIFO they do fuck all for 12 hrs a day, not 8.

[Passage GT]

food at our camp is pretty good to be honest, rarely get a bad feed, can't wait until we move into the new meccano set in Wickham, those rooms are more like hotel rooms than dongas, very good.

[Bomber]

Wtf! No wonder rio shit on Bhp, share wise. Fixed plant operators on a 2/1 are making almost double what a rio 8/6 person is getting. Fuck
I don't want this to turn into a pissing contest but......

I'm with BHP as a digger operator at Area C. This financial year I will gross 190k. 2/1 roster but that includes a bonus (~9k) for flying up Wed arvo to start 6am Thurs which essentially turns the roster into 15/6 and an annual bonus which last year was 12.5k. Interview on 25th July for RH but it'll be hard to leave over 2k a week salary even though the 14/10, 14/11 roster sounds pretty sweet.

[Socrates]

You paid more in tax than I make in a year!

[thommo]

You paid more in tax than I make in a year!

You're good fixing my computer stuff though! Need to move to site and ditch the csc mob

[Passage GT]

Pisses farther than me haha, i need that mainline promotion...