Whyalla, South Australia: Mining Jobs and Town Guide
Whyalla is in the Upper Spencer Gulf area of South Australia. The ABS 2021 Census counted 20,880 people for the Urban Centres and Localities. Every fact below links to the page it came from.
Last checked 10 October 2026. Operations, services and airlines change, so confirm with the operator, council or airport before you plan a move.
Key facts
- State
- South Australia
- Region
- Upper Spencer Gulf
- Population
- 20,880 people, Urban Centres and Localities, median age 41ABS 2021 Census, geography: Whyalla
- Main commodities
- Iron ore (magnetite) and Steel
- Council
- Whyalla City Council
- Last checked
- 10 October 2026
Mining and industry around Whyalla
The South Australian Government said on 17 February 2026 that early works were underway on Stage One of the Magnetite Expansion Project in the Middleback Ranges, with drilling at Iron Duke, around 56 km from Whyalla. It said the project would allow magnetite production of up to 2.5 million tonnes a year to supply the Whyalla Steelworks, and underpin 20 or more years of mine life and more than 300 jobs.
Source: South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, checked 10 October 2026The same statement says the South Australian Government placed the Whyalla Steelworks' owner, GFG Alliance, into administration in February 2025, and that the steelworks sale had reached the stage of binding bids from five shortlisted groups. Sale status may have changed since this statement.
Source: South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, checked 10 October 2026
Getting to Whyalla
Whyalla Airport
Whyalla City Council has operated Whyalla Airport since ownership transferred from the Federal Government in 1991. It has two runways and three taxiways. Qantaslink flies to Adelaide, and the terminal was upgraded in 2021.
Source: Whyalla City Council, Airport, checked 10 October 2026We list airlines as published by the airport or council. We do not list fares or flight times.
Residents and FIFO
The South Australian Government said in February 2026 that more than 70 apprentices were employed across OneSteel Manufacturing's operations in Whyalla.
Source: South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, checked 10 October 2026Mining jobs in Whyalla
For other employers and the job boards that list FIFO roles, see FIFO jobs: where to apply.
These guides cover what sites ask for and what roles pay.
Whyalla questions answered
How many people live in Whyalla?
The ABS 2021 Census counted 20,880 people for Whyalla, measured as a Urban Centres and Localities. The median age was 41. Other ABS geography types give different counts for the same place, so check the type before you compare towns.
What is mined or exported around Whyalla?
Main commodities: iron ore (magnetite) and steel (South Australian Department for Energy and Mining). The South Australian Government said on 17 February 2026 that early works were underway on Stage One of the Magnetite Expansion Project in the Middleback Ranges, with drilling at Iron Duke, around 56 km from Whyalla. It said the project would allow magnetite production of up to 2.5 million tonnes a year to supply the Whyalla Steelworks, and underpin 20 or more years of mine life and more than 300 jobs.
Can you fly to Whyalla?
Whyalla City Council has operated Whyalla Airport since ownership transferred from the Federal Government in 1991. It has two runways and three taxiways. Qantaslink flies to Adelaide, and the terminal was upgraded in 2021.
Is Whyalla a residential or FIFO town?
The South Australian Government said in February 2026 that more than 70 apprentices were employed across OneSteel Manufacturing's operations in Whyalla.