help with heading north?

Ok I should have been a bit more direct. Basically I start a new job in the Kimberly in a couple of weeks, and I just need advice on the best way to get there from Brisbane. I dont need to go to Cairns, I just thought that would be the safest way, as I will be travelling alone. I dont intent to do any major sightseeing along the way - just have to arrive in one piece. As for following the tour bus, just a thought as it would be safer if i had any problems.

Cheers Rod - sound advice mate - any idea on the price of diesel (avg) out that way?

Wouldn't have a clue mate, I'm in Perth. Last time I travelled that route was in about 1975. This site should give you up to date info like that or someone will pop-up and tell ya. Have a good trip.

Jolly, you dont work at the Argyle mine do ya? Thanks for the reply.. Emmet

Nah Mate..
Work at Sally Malay...Nickel mine about 50kms to the south..
No a few people that work there though...is that where your off to..??
Jolly..

Emmet

Diesel $1.40 per litre and rising for the tourist season at Kununurra.
Should imagine it will be the same everywhere along the route your taking, rising as the vehicle traffic increases I mean.
You won't have any dramas in a few weeks time, they'll be getting thicker on the highways as each day goes by.

Cheers
Wal.

Argyle are looking for people...After Kununurra locals so as long as you have a house and post office box you should be ok...Life of the mine is up in the air a bit at the moment...So anything could happen...Could close end of 06-start of 07 at worst i believe...

Jolly..

Really mate, could close that soon? Is that fact or just the word gettin around?

It all depends on weather they are going to go u/g or not...I saw a write up in the West Australian a few weeks ago and Rio Tinto were saying that they will require the state gov't to give them subsidies/tax breaks etc to enable the place to continue...Can't remember exactly how it went...Check out the Rio Tinto web site...Should find a bit of info..

Jolly.

What do you do ....This place are looking for people..??

Jolly

Well ive got a mate working at Argyle driving a truck that carts the ore, and shes on pretty good $$, so im keen to get into that. Havent got my ticket, but you get them there so im told. What do you do?

Im a Process Tech, Work in the mill were we process the ore, Have been out here since the placed started up last july...
Not to bad a place...I know Roche mining who have the contract for the open pit are looking for truck drivers but they are in and out of Darwin or Broome...Not sure of what they get payed
Have you operated a grader..??..The company are doing there own u/g mining and have just bought a new 14h and maybe looking for a operator...Not sure how you would go living in Kununurra though..

Im prepared to move anywhere mate, just thought of Kununurra because of my mate there, and I know that they train you on the machinery. Havent operated a grader as such, but Im a quick learner on that sort of thing. Can operate an articulated excavator no worries (no ticket though). Im just keen to get a stable career in a mine and get away from the $550 a week rat race. No chance to earn enough in my town for a house etc. You know what im talking about? By the way, I appreciate the info Jolly.

There is no guarantee's Arglye will stay operating and rumours are rife either way of the bet. Mind you not many companies would spend 80 plus million on an exploritory decline for no specific reason.
Me finks it'll go a bit longer yet.
Just bear in mind that over the next few years that the required workforce will lessen as open cut closes and underground takes over!

Cheers

So you reckon my chances of landing a job at Argyle are pretty slim?

Jolly, id like to stay in touch with you as you seem to have a lot of info on the situation of the mines up there - you got an email address? Cheers, Emmet

Emmet

No not all mate. There is a quite a bit of work on the go at the moment,
but as Jolly said for Kununurra based people. Just be aware that the style of the mine from open cut to underground will take place over the next couple of years.

Cheers
Wal

Yeh Mate...

jjohnson@kimberleynickel.com

Jolly..

Beauty fellas, thanks heaps for the info - I appreciate it. May run in to you guys up there for a cold one in the near future. Cheers, Emmet