Mining Rosters Explained
Mining rosters determine your time away from home, shift length and lifestyle. Understanding common patterns helps you choose roles and operations that fit your circumstances.
Percentages are approximate and assume a 12-hour shift. Actual rosters vary by operation, employer and role.
8 days on, 6 days off
Time Away
8 days
Time at Home
6 days
Typical Shift
12 hours
Common Roles
Production operators, trades, site services.
Fatigue Implications
Moderate — short swing with regular home time.
Family Considerations
Reasonable balance with regular time at home.
Why Employers Use It
Common for FIFO operations needing consistent crew coverage.
7 days on, 7 days off
Time Away
7 days
Time at Home
7 days
Typical Shift
12 hours
Common Roles
Operators, maintainers, process personnel.
Fatigue Implications
Balanced — equal time on and off.
Family Considerations
Good balance, predictable pattern.
Why Employers Use It
Widely used across iron ore and gold operations.
2 weeks on, 1 week off
Time Away
14 days
Time at Home
7 days
Typical Shift
12 hours
Common Roles
Remote operations, specialist roles, shutdown crews.
Fatigue Implications
Higher — longer swing requires strong fatigue management.
Family Considerations
Extended time away can be challenging.
Why Employers Use It
Used for remote sites with longer travel times.
2 weeks on, 2 weeks off
Time Away
14 days
Time at Home
14 days
Typical Shift
12 hours
Common Roles
All roles at remote operations.
Fatigue Implications
Moderate — long swing balanced by long break.
Family Considerations
Two full weeks at home each cycle.
Why Employers Use It
Common for DIDO and long-distance FIFO.
5 days on, 2 days off
Time Away
5 days
Time at Home
2 days
Typical Shift
10–12 hours
Common Roles
Residential operations, processing plants near towns.
Fatigue Implications
Lower — standard work week pattern.
Family Considerations
Weekend time at home.
Why Employers Use It
Common for residential and town-based operations.
4 days on, 3 days off
Time Away
4 days
Time at Home
3 days
Typical Shift
10–12 hours
Common Roles
Residential roles, processing, maintenance.
Fatigue Implications
Lower — short swing with frequent breaks.
Family Considerations
Regular home time.
Why Employers Use It
Used for operations near populated areas.
Residential rotating rosters
Time Away
Variable
Time at Home
Variable
Typical Shift
10–12 hours
Common Roles
All roles at residential operations.
Fatigue Implications
Varies by operation.
Family Considerations
Home every night or most nights.
Why Employers Use It
For operations with nearby towns.
Day and night shift changes
Time Away
Variable
Time at Home
Variable
Typical Shift
12 hours
Common Roles
All production and processing roles.
Fatigue Implications
Night shift requires managing sleep and fatigue carefully.
Family Considerations
Requires planning around shift changes.
Why Employers Use It
Standard for 24/7 operations.
This guide provides general information only. Rosters vary by employer and operation. No pay guarantees are implied.