SOURCE: Mineral Resources
In the heart of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, mining camps are transforming. What were once basic lodgings for fly-in fly-out workers are evolving into thoughtfully designed communities, shaped as much by cultural values as operational needs. This transformation is clearly reflected in the launch of the MinRes Mungala Resort, a key part of the Ken’s Bore accommodation precinct within the broader Onslow Iron development
Mining Camps Designed for People, Not Just Rosters
Let’s get one thing clear — this isn’t your typical FIFO camp. The Mungala Resort, built by Mineral Resources (MinRes) in partnership with the Robinson Range Kariyarra (RRK) Traditional Owners, represents a shift in how mining companies view their workforce and their relationship with Country.
Here, accommodation isn’t an afterthought. It’s central to MinRes’ goal of creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for its 2,000+ FIFO employees and contractors.
Key features include:
- Private, hotel-style rooms with ensuites
- Wellness and recreation zones designed for mental health
- Landscaped gardens reflecting local flora
- Cultural elements woven into public spaces, co-designed with RRK elders
- Quiet zones for rest and reflection between shifts
Source: Mineral Resources
A Partnership That Goes Beyond Land Access
In many cases, partnerships with Traditional Owners in mining risk becoming symbolic rather than meaningful. What sets the Mungala Resort apart is how deeply the RRK partnership has shaped the camp’s identity.
Cultural recognition isn’t limited to art on the walls. It’s in the layout of the grounds, the naming of rooms and buildings, and the use of local knowledge in landscaping to ensure the camp aligns with the natural environment.
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RRK Chairperson’s comment at opening:
“This is more than a camp. It’s a place where our story and MinRes’ story meet, and where workers will learn to respect and care for this land, just like we always have.”
Why Mental Health Is at the Core
The FIFO lifestyle, while financially rewarding, can take a toll on wellbeing. Long shifts, isolation, and time away from family are known risk factors for mental health issues.
The Mungala Resort tackles this proactively with:
- Open-air gym and sports facilities
- Meditation and yarning circles
- Communal kitchens where workers can cook together
- Spaces specifically designed to reduce noise pollution
These features aren’t just good PR—they’re informed by consultation with mental health professionals and feedback from experienced FIFO workers.
Facilities That Set a New Standard
Beyond the cultural and wellbeing aspects, the Mungala Resort sets new benchmarks for mining camp facilities:
| Feature | Description |
| Accommodation | Private, air-conditioned rooms with blackout curtains for night-shift workers |
| Dining | Multiple cuisines, including Indigenous-inspired dishes, with flexible meal times |
| Connectivity | High-speed Wi-Fi and video call booths to stay connected with family |
| Transport | Direct shuttle links to Onslow Iron work sites, minimizing commute times |
| Sustainability | Solar-powered common areas and water-saving landscaping |
What This Means for Future Mining Camps
The MinRes Mungala Resort and Ken’s Bore accommodation village might just mark the start of a new chapter in FIFO camp design. As community expectations shift, and as the industry looks for ways to attract and retain a more diverse workforce, camps like this show what’s possible when companies think beyond cost-per-bed and toward quality of life.
For MinRes, this isn’t just an investment in infrastructure — it’s an investment in people, relationships, and long-term success at the Onslow Iron project.
Conclusion: More Than a Place to Sleep
Mining is hard work. But where miners rest, recover, and connect shouldn’t be. The MinRes Mungala Resort offers a model for how mining camps can honor Country, support mental health, and provide the kind of community FIFO workers deserve.
If the future of mining means doing things better, camps like this prove it starts where the day ends — at home on site.
