How important is culture on a mine site?

What do you look for when job hunting in the resource sector?  Is it the reputation of the company?  The size?  The training and development?  Or because your friend works there? 

All these factors are as important as each other, but one thing people forget to look at is “what is the culture like?”  Spending days or weeks away from family and loved ones is not an easy task, so making sure the people you work with are nice – becomes really important.  There are many stereotypes and misconceptions out in the market place about what mining life is really like – many not quite true!

I recently went to one of Rio Tinto’s iron ore mine sites in the Pilbara – Marandoo to film some videos of their employees.  The experience and learning’s I came back with, were priceless. 

The beautiful scenic drive from Paraburdoo airport was mesmerising as we drove behind masses of excited people making their way to the stunning Karinjini National Park.  As we arrived to the new camp (which is currently undergoing construction works) I was given a key to a brand new room and a map to show me the way.  As I reached my destination, I turned to see the magnificent Mount Bruce towering in the background as the sun was setting.  Bliss!  

Spending 3 nights and 2 days filming on site, I came to realise how important the culture and way of life is when working on a mine site.  Despite working a 2 weeks on, 1 week off roster, and spending time away from their friends and family – they were all so friendly and happy.  The more I spoke to people and the more time I spent there, I came to realise that everyone saw working at Marandoo as “a home –away from home”.  They all got on very well, had fun whilst working, knew each other by name, helped each other out, socialised after work all whilst getting the job done. 

I was captivated by the fact that everyone had a story to tell or something unique that made them different.  Whether it was the guy who was ecstatic to not have to work a 7 week roster to the female production operator who drove a truck the size of a house without showing an inch of discomfort, I was moved by them all.  But the one thing they all had in common was the reason as to why they enjoyed working at Marandoo.  The people.

It made sense when the GM told me they had low staff turn-over on site.

As the mine expands, the site will see its employees grow from 275 employees to approximately 600 by the end of 2014.  There are a range of jobs available for anyone looking for a great place to work, friendly culture, great leadership team and personal development.

But don’t take my word for it.  Watch it for yourself.