It is reported that Mid West iron ore miner Gindalbie Metals has launched an ambitious recruitment campaign for 200 skilled tradespeople to work as fly-in fly-out workers at its Karara mine east of Geraldton.

The company is hoping a shorter commute for workers based in Perth and the South West might be a drawcard compared to the longer flights involved for workers travelling to mines in the Pilbara and Kimberley. The campaign has been prompted by an acute shortage of skilled tradespeople to work in the State's booming mining industry.

The company believes it can offer workers a unique work-lifestyle choice.

Mr Steve Murdoch chief executive of Karara said Karara was just a 45 minute flight from Perth, 60 minutes from Bunbury and 30 minutes from Geraldton.

He said that "That's a very appealing option for residents of those areas currently commuting to other regions of WA such as the Pilbara and the Kimberley."

He added that "In light of the debate that continues to rage about the social impacts of fly-in, fly-out operations including the effect on families and couples who have to endure lengthy periods of separation while they pursue their careers in the mining industry, Karara offers a significant point of difference when compared to other locations."

Mr Murdoch said the recruitment drive was aimed at having people in place from March with the company targeting innovative and technically capable professionals.

Roles required include maintenance electricians, electrical supervisors, mechanical maintenance fitters, process operators, electrical maintenance planners, mechanical maintenance planners, maintenance schedulers and lab technicians to join its processing department.

(Sourced from thewest.com.au)