More FIFO jobs on horizon from Rio

Mining giant Rio Tinto is considering creating more than 100 new high-paying jobs for apprentices from Albany and the surrounding area.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Cr Greg Stocks claimed he had heard the proposal during a recent discussion with the manager of Rio Tinto’s Brockman mine site in the Pilbara.

Mr Stocks said the plan could see the mining company expand its present demand for fly-in, fly-out staff from Albany by “potentially more than 100 new jobs”.

“They’re particularly interested in expanding their FIFO route out of regional centres,” he said.

“They were willing to put on either a bigger plane or an additional plane fairly soon.”

Cr Stocks said the jobs could be worth about $160,000 each per year, and that Rio Tinto was interested in hiring apprentices from local businesses.

“It’s not a done deal but we’re there in the mix — there’s an even chance we will succeed,” he said.

Cr Stocks said Rio Tinto was expected to host meetings in Albany in mid-July to discuss the proposal.