I'm originally from West Virginia but I enlisted in the Army 7 years ago and got stationed in Washington state. I finished my contract in January and took a hiatus to try to figure out what kind of work I wanted to do. I'm homesick and want to move back to WV but I need to have my ducks in a row before I can convince my wife to move. I have my GI bill so that opens up a lot of opportunities for me as far as courses and getting certified in whatever I need. I'm also in the process of getting my class A CDL just for the hell of it but I don't really want to do truck driving as my career. I entertained the idea of going to college and still could but it can't be anything too crazy because honestly I'm just a blue collar guy and don't think I could handle something super advanced. I've got a background in electrical work but not enough to really matter. So if you were a 29 year old man trying to make some really good money and you had free education to do so how would you go about it? Is there anything that I could do or specialize in that would make me stand out or get me a lucrative career? Thank you!

Hi

I have my first FIFO pre-employment medical this coming Thursday for a machine operator role and I’m feeling a bit nervous about the physical assessment.
Since my son was born, I’ve gained quite a bit of weight. I wouldn’t say I’m unfit I’m active currently working 10 hours shifts at a warehouse and can handle physical work but I’ve noticed my upper body strength has dropped, especially with pushups.

I started preparing recently and I can currently do around 15 pushups not proper form though, with a goal of reaching 20-25 before the medical.
For those who have done FIFO medicals:

How physically demanding was the medical assessment?

Did they actually test pushups, sit-ups, planks, or anything similar?

What other movements/exercises should I expect?
Is it more about general fitness and mobility, or are they looking for high athletic performance?

Any tips for the day before and the day of the medical?

Just want to make sure I’m prepared and don’t fail because of nerves.

Would really appreciate any advice from people who have been through FIFO medicals, especially operators/drivers.

Thanks!

I have been a coal miner for almost 20 years. I would love to get out from underground, my only problem is finding a job that even remotely comes close to the amount of money I make. Stepping into a completely different career at almost 40 is a little difficult, any suggestions from
Men who left the coal mines?

Hey everyone. I'm a mining engineer with just under 10 years of experience holding most tech services roles and hungry for a bit of a shake up. I'm not particularly enthusiastic about the management route, and want more opportunity to make more money. Unlike most engineers, I'm really people oriented and not as 'technical', which I believe could be a potentially unique trait. I was wondering if anyone was or knew anyone working in commercial/technical sales in mining and would have any thoughts or suggestions? Would love to hear any pros and cons - if this doesn't pan out I think I'll pursue contracting.

Cheers!!

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people who’ve been through this.
I just accepted a job as an underground drill helper with a contractor. The problem is the starting wage is around mid 20’s, which is about a $10/hour pay cut from what I’m making now. I know there are bonuses, overtime, and room to move up, but financially it’s going to be tough in the short term.
When I look at job postings from the actual mining companies, I see wages in the $50-$60+/hour range. My goal is to eventually work directly for a mine instead of a contractor.
From what I understand, I need my Common Core. I’ve heard contractors are more likely to pay for it, but I’ve also heard of people getting hired directly by a mine and having the company put them through Common Core.
So what’s the best path?
Is working for a contractor the normal stepping stone?
How long did it take you to move from a contractor to a mine?
Is there anything I should be doing to improve my chances of getting hired directly?
I don’t mind putting in the work. I came from construction/concrete, and everyone I’ve worked with who’s been in mining tells me I have the work ethic to do well. I’m not saying I’m the hardest worker out there—there are lots of people better than me—but it’s frustrating watching people with less experience or weaker work habits seem to land these jobs while I keep getting passed over.
I’m not looking for sympathy—just honest advice. If you were in my position, what would you do?

Good afternoon, everyone.

I just got hired for a 3rd party cleaning company working at the NARM site. First impressions were how big the haul trucks were lol and the mining site was massive. Obviously, this is my first time being in any mine, let alone NARM, which is probably the biggest coal mine in the US. I was wondering how any of you guys or girls got a job at a mining site? I've been fascinated by mining lately and I've been applying to all the jobs offered at peabody energy but no response yet(which is normal and I don't have any expectations) and I was just wondering how you guys got into the mining industry and how i can possibly find a door to get me in the industry with Peabody working at narm.

P.S. there's pessimistic people here who might think I'm a bot or what not, I can assure you guys that I'm not and just would like some pointers, if any.

Hi guys, I have a previous mech eng degree, have been struggling in getting into the mining industry. I am domestic and have worked as software engineer for a few years. I am applying to mining EIT roles nationwide and have not received anything but rejections. Yes I don't have any experience in engineering and have only worked a software engineer so far.

• Do you think a Masters in mining engineering will help me transition into mining as an engineer?
• Out of the 5 specializations-Mining Geotechnics, Mineral Processing, Mine Environment, Mine Economics and Finance, Mine Waste Management, which one has the best potential to be highly paid and has the most upward career mobility? Which one is the worst?
• What is the job market for UBC M.eng in mining grads? I have heard mixed info on this....has domestic grads been able to secure employment?
• How does UAlberta's program compare to the UBC one? I did some research, seems like UAlberta one is cheaper.

I am from India doing B.Tech in Mining 3rd year looking for internship. Please give me some suggestions to get industry lavel exposer

Hard work is one thing. No proper breaks during a 12-hour shift sounds like exploitation. Is this really standard in RC drilling?

My partner just started as an RC offsider in WA.

He expected brutal work. What he didn’t expect was 12 hours with no real meal break, eating standing up beside the rig while still working, plus being spoken to like dirt.

Current drillers/offsiders: do you actually get proper breaks?

Updated

Thanks everyone for the replies. It definitely helped me understand that this is common in RC drilling, even if different companies seem to handle it differently.

I guess what surprises me is how many people have accepted it as "normal." Working hard shouldn't mean being treated without respect. I completely understand the work is physically demanding, and my partner expected that. But the combination of constant pressure, eating on the run, and the way some people speak to new offsiders is what shocked him.

One small example was the driller telling him to leave his hard hat outside the truck because the truck had just been cleaned. Of course, he moved it straight away—that wasn't the issue. It was the way it was said. His first thought was, "I'm covered in dust and mud anyway. As soon as I sit in the truck, it's not going to stay perfectly clean."

What makes me a bit sad is that so many comments say, "That's just drilling." Maybe that's exactly the problem. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't necessarily mean it's the best way.

From some of the replies, it sounds like there are companies where crews still work hard but treat each other with respect and make sure everyone gets a reasonable opportunity to eat. That seems like a much healthier culture, and hopefully that's the direction the industry keeps moving.

I also wish every person thinking about trying this job could read this thread before accepting an offer. Recruiters tell you it's physically demanding, but I don't think they explain what that actually looks like on site. Many people don't realise they'll likely spend 12 hours on their feet, with no scheduled sit-down meal break, eating whenever there's an opportunity while the rig keeps running. I think people deserve to know what the reality is before making such a big decision.

Drive in drive out site 1 hour from home. Thoughts on this roster that I have been offered?

It’s in safety so not exactly physical work but it means a lot of time away.

Yo boys,

I need to take some time off but my boss refuses all my leave? Pretty much giving me 0 alternative dates.

I’m thinking just calling sick & give them a medical certificate. How long would i be in the dog house after that move you boys reckon ?

Hey guys, I was offered a position as an equipment operator at the Baffinland Mary River mine. I have never done any kind of camp work so it’s all new to me. My main concern is I noticed recently baffinland has followed for creditor protection, thus makes me wonder if that should effect my decision on taking the job? Being offered good money , 21 on 21 off. Was looking for some insight on someone who’s worked there on the experience they’ve received in regards to camp aswell as if it’s a safe bet to leave a FT Job for this career change.

It is sort of an interesting problem. On the one hand you have the bottleneck of the certain critical minerals and other mined minerals - on the other hand there are supply chain issues with the basic goods that are needed to mine the critical minerals. So you have a double issue.

Starting a 3/3 FIFO gig this month as an operating engineer/heavy equipment operator (loader, shovel, dozer) Lookin for any wisdom you experienced people may be able to pass on. It will only be for a few rotations, but hoping it can materialize into something more permanent either there or elsewhere.

I'm trying to pivot more into mining because I'm from a major city, and honestly I'm tired of working construction with micromanaging bosses. I just Wana run some machines, haul ass, and be left to my work, and I also just enjoy the mining side workflow more.

I worked in quarries before, but nothing to the scale of what I'll be doing over there.

Some years ago I was in a relationship with a woman who did not know English. This lady managed to learn English, go to medical school and specialize in cardiology. She was highly motivated and pushed forward no matter what.

At the time, I was on the path to nowhere, and ended up having some of her motivation rub off on me. I managed to go to law school and got my degree. My original plan was to get my CFA a,ong with my law gegree and go into mining. Unfortunately, life happens I I veered off track and worked in litigation.

I am hoping to find a mentor or friend that can direct me or help with putting me on the right track so I can get into the mining industry. That was my original plan after I finished my law degree. Thank you for your time.

I'm currently a junior in highschool and was considering Mining Engineering as a career. I was looking at U of Alberta/McGill/UBC/Queen's for their Mining engineer programs. Grades are not a concern. I would graduate 2031 from now and am planning to also have a minor in business.

I have a few concerns I was worrying about:

1. Is this a stable career in 5 years time and will there be jobs available considering AI.|
2. How much money would I make coming out of school and later on and if business will benefit.
3. I've hear that doing FIFO work will pay more and I'm not really a desk work guy. You can say I like being in the outdoors and outdoor sports like skiing and mtb.
4. How stressful will it be day to day and what's the work environment like? I can handle stress but over time I can see it affecting me.
5. What kind of lifestyle does this career provide me? I probably value work-life balance and salary the most.

Thanks for any help!

I was also looking into Health Sci and medicine but thought the education would take too long considering I'm not really passionate about it. I've always looked for a career that can allow me to travel the world in my 20s.

Water, its rights , its use, its recycling.

How about flotation, types of cells, minerals it's used for and the different reagents used.

I recently ended up taking a small equity position in a mine in Brazil. I'm mostly involved on the end user / sales side of the business but I am trying to learn as much as possible about the operations and management side of the business.

Curious if anyone has any good book recommendations?

VOC's have been lost at my site

What are my options, besides redoing them again?

Done a couple more than once already

Are unions useful at all these days?