Congratulations, you’ve landed your dream job and ready to fly out for your first swing. Here’s a checklist of what you will need/want to take. Every site is different and most things you will work out when you’re there. Don’t pack too much for your first swing, you can bring extra stuff next swing, and keep in mind you might have to pack up everything, until you get a permanent room. Whether you’re a pack everything kind of person or prefer to travel light our checklist has got you covered.
We asked the people working in the mining industry “ What should you pack to take to a mine site?”
Here’s what they said:
The Necessities
- Laptop, IPad, power pack, extension lead, spare charger, torch, photos
- Most sites are Telstra but check before you go
- Hard drive with movies, lots of movies
- Thick work socks – Bamboo socks are highly recommended
- Take some cash, in case the EFTPOS goes down
- Toiletries – Good shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser, face wipes, lip balm, toothpaste
- Good moisturiser, your skin dries out real quick
- The red dust can really irritate your skin
- Tinea cream
- Electrolytes
- Feminine products (these can get expensive onsite)
- Wahing powder/ liquid for laundry – if you like to hang your washing take pegs, most will use dryers
- Water bottle, lunch pack, clip lock bags for snacks
- Casual clothes for the mess, gym clothes, swimmers
- Basic first aid ( see below)
- Soap, good hand cream, lip balm, sun protection
- Aluminium foil to cover windows
- Thongs come in handy for blisters (learning this the hard way atm), casual shoes for around camp
- Paper copies of any tickets
Blacking out your room
When you’re working night shift you want to make sure you get a good sleep during the day. If you can’t sleep due to light, use Aluminium foil to keep your room pitch black. You simple attach the foil to the window with masking tape.
Optional items
If you like your creature comforts, here are a few suggestions
- Snacks, coffee, tea
- Queen foam mattress topper ( beds are king singles) I have doubled it over under my mattress protector, that with my memory foam pillow and duvet ! Can’t beat a good nights sleep
- sheets, towel, pillow, all my own bedding
- Laundry bag (for washing machine), collapsible washing bag or basket for hauling your washing (Kathmandu etc sells)
- Travel mug, I pack my own cutlery and containers
- I suggest getting inserts in your shoes!
- Always own pillow, mattress topper& cheap set of single covers to make it more comfortable
- Extra everything!!!! Coffee facilities, some sites don’t provide a kettle – I take one
- Battery pack for your phone. Extra phone charger chords
First Aid Kit
- Bepanthen for rubbing or chaffing
- Blister bandaids
- Eye drops
- Tinea cream
- Dettol Wipes
- Panadol and nurofen
- 50+ Sunscreen