Mining Medicals in Australia Explained: What to Expect (And Why Most People Pass)

If you’re applying for mining jobs in Australia — especially FIFO roles — chances are the words “mining medical” have already made you nervous.

That’s completely normal.

At W1N W1N, one of the most common concerns we hear is: “What do they actually test for in a mining medical — and what if I fail?”

After 25 years working across mining, recruitment and career coaching, I can confidently say this: Mining medicals are not designed to fail people.

They’re designed to confirm you can work safely.

Once you understand what’s involved, most of the fear disappears.

Why Mining Medicals Vary So Much

The first thing to understand is this:

There is no single standard mining medical.

Medical requirements vary depending on:

• The company

• The role

• The site

• Risk exposure

Some people complete very basic assessments.
Others go through more detailed testing.

Both are normal.

The Most Common Types of Mining Medicals

Here’s what most candidates can expect during a mining medical in Australia.

Drug & Alcohol Testing

This is almost universal.

Typically includes:

• Urine test (“peeing in a cup”)

• Sometimes saliva testing

This is non-negotiable across mining.

General Health Check

Usually conducted at a medical centre and includes:

• Blood pressure check

• Height and weight

• General medical questionnaire

• Basic physical assessment

This isn’t a fitness test — it’s a health snapshot.

Mobility & Ergonomics Assessment

This checks whether you can move safely and correctly.

You may be asked to:

• Lift a weighted crate

• Carry or reposition an object

• Demonstrate correct lifting technique

They’re checking how you move — not how strong you are.

Step Test (Beep / Step Assessment)

Some roles include a cardiovascular test.

This usually involves:

• Stepping on and off a platform

• Following a timed beep

• Maintaining a steady rhythm

It’s not extreme — just a basic fitness indicator.

Strength & Functional Tests (Role Dependent)

Depending on the job, you may be asked to do:

• Push-ups

• Sit-ups

• Plank (yes — everyone hates it)

• Duck walk (squat and walk)

• Grip strength test

These assess functional movement, not athletic performance.

Lung, Hearing & Vision Tests

Some roles also include:

• Spirometry (lung capacity)

• Hearing tests

• Vision checks

These are common for safety-critical roles.

What Mining Medicals Are Really Looking For

This part matters.

Mining medicals are not about:
❌ Being super fit
❌ Having a gym body
❌ Passing military-level tests

They are about:
✅ General fitness
✅ Mobility
✅ Safety awareness
✅ Ability to perform job tasks

If you can move comfortably, follow instructions, and don’t have unmanaged medical risks — you are usually fine.

How Often Do People Actually Fail?

Here’s the honest truth: Very few people fail mining medicals.

In most cases, failures happen because:

• A known medical condition wasn’t disclosed

• Drug & alcohol results were positive

• A role-specific requirement wasn’t met

General fitness alone is rarely a deal-breaker.

Why This Matters for Entry Level & FIFO Roles

Many candidates delay applying for entry level mining jobs or FIFO jobs because they’re worried about the medical.

That hesitation costs opportunities.

Mining companies expect:

• Normal people

• With normal fitness levels

• Who can work safely

Not elite athletes.

How to Prepare (Without Overthinking It)

You don’t need special training programs.

Simple preparation is enough:

• Stay hydrated

• Get decent sleep

• Avoid alcohol before testing

• Be honest on medical forms

• Wear comfortable clothing

If you have a general level of fitness, you’ll be fine.

If mining medicals are the only thing holding you back, let me say this clearly:

They’re far less scary than people make them out to be.

At W1N W1N, we help candidates understand every stage of the mining recruitment process — including medicals — so nothing catches them off guard.

Most people pass.
Most people worry for nothing.

If you want personalised help understanding the mining recruitment process and positioning yourself to get hired faster, book a 20-minute career consultation with the W1N W1N Team, or email us at [email protected].

We help candidates secure FIFO jobs, entry level mining roles, and long-term Australian mining careers — with clarity, confidence, and no guesswork.

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