Things You Should Know About Mining Camp Accommodation

When you work on a mine site in Australia because they are almost always in an isolated area the company provides a mining camp for all their workers. Most people work shifts each day for a set time for example, ten days on then four days off or seven days on and seven days off. The times can vary for different mine sites and different contracts and different days on and off. Mining camp accommodation standards are quite high as the workers have to be away from home and family for long periods and often work long shifts. At the end of your work period workers are either bused or flown to their home towns or cities or to the nearest main center.

Mining camps in very isolated areas can have their own landing strips and private planes.

All camps vary, but have similar facilities. This is what you can expect to find in a typical mining camp:

Mine Accommodation

The majority of camps use Donga’s or portable accommodation units, these usually contain a single bed a cupboard, TV with DVD air conditioner, a fridge, coffee tea facility and a bathroom. Sometimes the bathroom is shared with one other person.

At some mines, they have permanent single rooms. This becomes your room while you are on the mine site, during your time off, which is usually an arrangement such as a week on week off or two weeks on two weeks off etcetera another worker uses that room. There are two lockable cupboards so you can leave your work clothes and gear while on your time off.

When you leave, cleaners, clean the room so it’s ready for the next worker.

Camp Eating Facilities

There is a large modern kitchen and attached communal dining room.

The kitchen offers a wide variety of good wholesome food designed to cater for all needs.

Usually the kitchen is open and serving food from 4am until at least 09pm depending on the time workers start and finish their shifts

Typical types of food offered

• Fruit, Muffins, Slices, Yoghurts, Desserts
• Cereals, Bacon & Eggs, Toast
• Salads, Cold Meats, Wraps
• Steak, Roast Meats, Chicken, Sausages, Rice, Vegetables
• Casseroles, Curries, Pasta, Stir Fries, Stews
• Themed meals are offered some days such as seafoods and BBQ’s

All workers pack their own lunch from the food provided

Laundry

A free laundry with washers and dryers is provided

Fitness

Most camps have a free gym and some have swimming pools

Bar

Most camps have a bar, but drinking in moderation is expected as everyone is subject to a breathalyzer as well as drug tests and if you don’t pass you will not be allowed to work.

Smoking

All mines now have designated smoking areas and these are strictly enforced

Pets

No types of animals or pets are allowed, although there is often a variety of native wild animals around some of which can be quite friendly

The mining camp accommodation provided is always of a high standard to cover the needs of the workers. Meals are equal or better than you would expect in a high class hotel or restaurant as workers are expected to work long hours.  Gym and bar are provided for relaxation while off duty.