In Australia’s mining sector, having the right people on the ground at the right time is essential.
Western Australia’s mining sector employs over 60,000 FIFO workers. Assuming a typical
roster where workers fly in and out once per week, this translates to approximately 120,000
passenger movements weekly (accounting for both arrivals and departures). Perth Airport alone
manages a significant portion of this volume, with daily peaks of around 3,500 FIFO departures
during morning hours. ( www.taxibus.com.au ) Workforce co-ordination is the backbone of safe,
efficient, and cost-effective mining. At the heart of that coordination is one powerful tool:
rostering.
Why Rostering Matters in Mining
Mining is a complex, people-powered industry. It requires specialised workers, precise
scheduling, and compliance with a host of safety and workplace regulations. A strong roster
does more than assign shifts — it ensures:
- Essential skills are covered across all shifts
- Regulatory compliance with fatigue and award conditions
- Reduced costs through controlled overtime and improved efficiency
- Better work-life balance for FIFO workers
- Real-time visibility for operations, HR, and logistics
Inadequate rostering leads to downtime, compliance risks, and worker dissatisfaction. For an
industry that relies on precision and planning, rostering is a frontline priority.
The Unique Challenges of Mining Rosters
- Remote Operations & FIFO Logistics – Perth Airport serves as the primary hub for FIFO operations in WA. In January 2024, the airport recorded approximately 1.39 million passengers, with regional traffic being a significant contributor.(perthairport.com.au ) Mines are often located in remote parts of WA, QLD and NT, relying on FIFO arrangements. Rosters must align with flight schedules, accommodation capacity, and site access.
- 24/7 Production Cycles Most sites operate around the clock. Rosters need to rotate shifts, accommodate leave, and manage safe handovers between crews.
- Award &Compliance Complexities – Rosters must follow strict fatigue management and industrial award rules. Mistakes can mean fines or forced operational pauses.
- Sudden Shift Changes – Absenteeism, weather delays, or operational shifts can demand fast roster changes. Manual systems can’t keep up.
- Cross-Department Visibility HR, logistics, supervisors, and contractors all need to be on the same page. Without integrated rostering, this becomes time-consuming and error-prone.
RosterPro by TOKN Technology
RosterPro is a smart, mobile-enabled rostering platform purpose-built for industries like mining.
It simplifies roster creation, improves communication, and ensures compliance — all in one
seamless system.
Here’s why mining operators across Australia are adopting RosterPro:
- Mobile-First for Mobile Teams RosterPro is cloud-based and accessible from any device. Supervisors can create, edit, and send out rosters on the go, while workers receive instant updates through the TOKN app.
- Real-Time Shift Visibility : Any changes to the roster are updated live, so your team — from head office to site — is always in sync. This reduces miscommunication and avoids costly downtime.
- Award Interpretation & Compliance Checks : RosterPro helps you stay compliant with fatigue laws, industrial agreements, and site-specifi rules. It flags potential breaches before they happen, saving time and reducing risks.
- Payroll & System Integration : RosterPro connects seamlessly with existing systems like SAP, MYOB, Xero and your timesheet platforms, streamlining payroll and eliminating double-entry.
- Self-Service for Workers :Through the TOKN app, employees can view rosters, submit availability, request changes, and confirm shifts. It empowers workers and saves admin hours.
- Scalable for Any Size Operation : Whether you’re rostering 15 people on one site or 1500 across multiple locations, RosterPro built to handle complex, multi-site operations with ease.
- Australian-Built, Australian-Supported TOKN is proudly Australian owned and understands the mining environment here. RosterPro was designed to meet the needs of Australian operations — from the Pilbara to the Bowen Basin.
The ROI of Smarter Rostering
.
Upgrading your rostering tools isn’t just a tech decision — it’s a business strategy. With
RosterPro, mining companies are seeing:
✅ Fewer payroll errors
✅ Stronger compliance and fewer fines
✅ Greater employee satisfaction
✅ Reduced admin hours
✅ Better operational decisions through real-time data
Conclusion
In an industry where time, safety, and skilled labour are everything, your rostering system needs
to be as tough and reliable as your team. RosterPro offers a smarter, more flexible way to
manage mining workforces — helping you stay productive, compliant, and in control.