Sensemaker Why are Europe’s Gen Z heading to the mines of Australia?
Dec 1, 2025
In this insightful podcast, reporter Niamh Rowe shares her fieldwork experiences, diving into the world of FIFO (fly-in fly-out) mining in Australia. She highlights how TikTok influencers glamorize this lifestyle, but many young Europeans, including Gen Z, face harsh realities when they arrive. Niamh shares Georgia's story, illustrating the struggles of adapting to a male-dominated environment and the widespread harassment reported by workers. The discussion also touches on industry reforms and the urgent need for better protections, shedding light on an often overlooked issue.
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Pay Gap Drove A European Migration
- A perfect storm in 2021 made Australian FIFO roles massively more lucrative than European entry jobs.
- Young Europeans were drawn by high pay and short shift patterns as a fast route to clear debt and buy property.
TikTok Made Mining Aspirational
- TikTok turned some European FIFO workers into influencers who glamorised the lifestyle.
- That content made extreme, high-pay roles seem aspirational and practical for fast financial gains.
Graduate’s Harrowing FIFO Experience
- Georgia, a mid-20s Irish clinical psychology grad, flew to Perth after seeing TikToks about FIFO.
- She faced severe sexual harassment and ostracism that damaged her mental and physical health.