Disclaimer: All costs and prices mentioned in this guide were sourced at the time of writing and should be used as estimates. The provided prices and information are subject to change and may vary depending on location and other factors. It is advisable to consult local sources and professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate details.
Western Australia's vast mining and industrial operations rely heavily on robust engineering, fabrication, welding & mechanical services to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted productivity. Whether it’s a custom conveyor, a machinery rebuild, or a structural steel upgrade, these services are foundational to every mine site, processing plant, and logistics operation across the state.
This guide outlines the typical services offered, cost structures, and considerations when sourcing WA engineering, fabrication, welding, and mechanical solutions — focusing on the state’s unique environmental and operational conditions.
Involves technical planning, modelling, and problem-solving for infrastructure, mechanical systems, and plant layouts.
Use case: Designing a replacement for a corroded ore chute to improve flow efficiency and minimise downtime.
The process of building metal structures and components by cutting, bending, and assembling materials.
Welding joins components using high heat, and is critical for fabrication, repairs, and asset integrity.
Precision machining to restore or resize worn-out or misaligned bores (holes) in heavy machinery or structural components.
Why it matters: Minimises downtime by restoring components in place, avoiding full part replacement.
Combines heavy fabrication and welding — typically involving thick platework, structural steel, and pressure vessels.
Boilermakers often work on-site, under strict safety and compliance regimes (mine sites, shutdowns).
Stripping down, assessing, refurbishing, and reassembling worn-out plant and machinery to extend asset life.
Value: Rebuilds often cost 30–60% less than new purchases and restore original performance.
Tailored upgrades and structural changes to improve machine capability or site compliance.
Essential for: Adapting imported or older equipment to meet Australian safety and operational standards.
When choosing an engineering or mechanical services provider in WA, look for:
Here are some of WA’s trusted providers of top-quality engineering and fabrication servicing the Goldfields and beyond:
|
Service |
Price Range |
Unit |
Notes |
|
Engineering & Design |
$100 – $250 |
per hour |
Senior engineers and complex scopes command higher rates |
|
Drafting / CAD |
$70 – $150 |
per hour |
3D modelling and plant layout design can be more |
|
Welding (Workshop) |
$90 – $150 |
per hour |
Varies by weld type and material |
|
Welding (On-site) |
$120 – $220 |
per hour |
Incl. mobilisation and higher safety compliance |
|
Boilermaking |
$100 – $180 |
per hour |
Site work may incur additional allowances |
|
Line Boring |
$150 – $300 |
per hour |
Includes machining and bore welding if needed |
|
Equipment Rebuild |
$10,000 – $150,000+ |
per project |
Depends on machine type, extent of rebuild |
|
Heavy Machine Mods |
$5,000 – $100,000+ |
per project |
From minor structural changes to full overhaul |
|
Fabrication (Mild Steel) |
$2,500 – $4,000 |
per tonne |
Includes cutting, welding, and assembly |
|
Fabrication (Stainless) |
$3,000 – $5,500 |
per tonne |
Stainless and exotic alloys cost more |
|
Site Mobilisation |
$1,500 – $4,000 |
per person |
Travel, permits, and freight of tools |
|
QA/NDT Testing |
$100 – $180 |
per hour |
Includes UT, MPI, or dye penetrant testing |
The cost of engineering, fabrication, welding, and related services in Western Australia’s mining and industrial sectors is shaped by several interconnected factors. Understanding these drivers helps you anticipate expenses and choose providers who can deliver value, not just a low quote.
WA’s mining regions consistently face a shortage of skilled tradespeople — especially boilermakers, coded welders, fitters, and machinists. The competition for qualified talent often leads to inflated hourly rates, retention bonuses, and FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) incentives.
For example, a skilled boilermaker based in Perth might earn $100–$120/hour for workshop work. But if the same tradesperson is required on a mine site in the Pilbara, their rate might jump to $160–$200/hour due to:
The tight labour market also impacts project timelines. Delays in securing skilled workers can push out delivery schedules, which in turn can affect production or maintenance shutdowns.
The sheer remoteness of many WA mine sites contributes significantly to overall project costs. Moving labour, materials, and equipment to regions like the Pilbara, Goldfields, or Kimberley involves major logistical planning.
For example:
Weather and road conditions can also create delays or require rerouting. Heavy rains may restrict access to remote roads, and high temperatures can reduce working hours due to safety regulations (especially in summer).
All of this means you’re not just paying for the work — you’re paying for access, logistics, and environmental preparedness.
Safety is non-negotiable in the mining and industrial world, particularly in WA, where WorkSafe WA and mining operators impose strict controls. Every provider must meet or exceed:
For providers, this means investing in:
Although these processes protect lives and equipment, they also add administrative overheads. For instance, an NDT (non-destructive testing) technician might spend as much time preparing reports and certifications as they do inspecting welds. This labour and time are reflected in your invoice.
The paperwork alone can represent 10–15% of project time, especially for NDT, QA, and Level 3 sign-offs.
Raw material costs are another major driver of project pricing. The global supply chain affects the cost and availability of:
During periods of global demand spikes or shipping disruptions, costs can surge by 20–40% — and lead times stretch out.
A specific stainless pipe or wear plate might not be available locally and could take weeks to source from Perth or even overseas. When urgent delivery is needed, businesses may need to pay expedited shipping fees or airfreight costs — a premium that can dramatically inflate your materials budget.
Projects often involve more than just the core labour and materials. The following “add-ons” aren’t always clearly quoted up front, but they can represent a significant chunk of your final invoice:
If a fabricated item (e.g., a 2-tonne chute) needs to be lifted into place, you’ll need:
Depending on the complexity, the rigging plan alone can cost $500–$2,000, and crane hire starts from $150–$1,000/day.
Many jobs require access to:
These might not be included in your contractor’s base quote, and hire rates vary widely. Equipment hire can add $100–$1,500/day, depending on the machinery.
If you’re working across multiple mines or industrial facilities, each may require its own site-specific induction. These usually cost $100–$300 per person, take 1–4 hours to complete, and sometimes must be renewed annually.
Welds often require NDT (ultrasound, magnetic particle, dye penetrant) to verify structural integrity — especially on load-bearing components or pressure-rated equipment. These inspections are billed at $100–$180/hour, often including report generation and sign-off by a Level 2 or Level 3 inspector.
Many mine sites run 24/7, and when equipment breaks down, it’s a race against downtime. Emergency callouts, night shifts, and weekend work are often charged at 1.5x or 2x normal hourly rates — a necessary premium to get a critical plant back online.
A mid-sized excavator’s bucket pins have worn down, leading to play in the arm and affecting precision digging. A mobile line boring team is sent to the site:
Total Project Cost: ~$7,600
The client avoids replacing the bucket or arm (which could cost $30,000+), and downtime is minimised.
The frame of a D10 has cracked after years of hard push and rip work. Rather than buying new, the client opts for a structural rebuild:
Total Project Cost: ~$53,000
A new chassis would cost over $250,000 and take 6+ months to procure. The rebuild restores functionality at 20% of the replacement cost.
This project includes:
Total Project Cost: ~$55,000
The fabricated conveyor frame is delivered ready to install, with all certifications and drawings. On-site install takes 2 days.
Rushed jobs almost always cost more. Early scoping allows suppliers to:
Early planning avoids emergency surcharges, overnight freight fees, and inefficient workflows.
Engaging a full-service provider for engineering, fabrication, and installation reduces:
For example, a company that both designs and fabricates your tank will have fewer issues with build-to-fit or compliance.
In regions like the Pilbara or Goldfields, local providers may already have:
That can cut costs significantly — sometimes by 15–30% over Perth-based providers.
If you regularly fabricate similar items (e.g., pump skids or stairways), work with your provider to:
This approach reduces engineering hours and fabrication time across multiple projects.
In WA’s high-risk, remote mining environments, the true cost of engineering and mechanical work goes well beyond labour and materials. Logistics, safety compliance, and skilled labour shortages all impact your bottom line — and your schedule.
This guide isn’t just about what you’ll pay — it’s about understanding where the value lies. With the right planning and the right partners, you can reduce risk, extend asset life, and stay productive — even in the toughest terrain.
