Mining and energy workers typically earn well above average wages, which translates to higher super balances and larger SG contributions. This sector has several dedicated funds — Mine Super is the obvious specialist, while Equip Super and Brighter Super also serve parts of the energy sector.
The best super fund for miners and energy workers should offer competitive fees on larger balances (where percentage-based fees can add up quickly), strong TPD and income protection insurance suited to hazardous occupations, and robust long-term performance. FIFO workers should also consider how well the fund handles insurance for remote or high-risk work environments.
Top 5 Super Funds for Miners & Energy Workers
Ranked at a typical balance of $150,000. Data current as of July 2026.
7.80% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $1,327/year (0.88% of balance) at $150,000. 0.1M members. $35B in assets under management. sector alignment: miners-energy-workers, energy.
- Long heritage — established 1931, one of Australia's oldest funds
- Strong in infrastructure and property allocation
- Defined benefit products still available for eligible members
7.50% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $1,106/year (0.74% of balance) at $150,000. 0.12M members. $18B in assets under management. sector alignment: miners-energy-workers, energy.
- Strong Queensland presence with local offices
- Heritage in local government and energy sectors
- Face-to-face advice available
8.40% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $1,282/year (0.85% of balance) at $150,000. 0.9M members. $85B in assets under management. sector alignment: fifo-workers.
- Strong 8.4% 10-year return with notably low COVID volatility (+0.2% in FY2020)
- Heavy property and infrastructure allocation benefits from construction industry expertise
- High default insurance cover ideal for manual workers
10.04% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $1,137/year (0.76% of balance) at $150,000. 2.3M members. $300B in assets under management.
- Second-largest fund in Australia at $300 billion — massive scale advantage
- Strong long-term returns — the lifecycle default's High Growth Pool has returned 10.0% p.a. over the 10 years to 30 June 2026
- Admin fee cut 1 July 2026 ($1.20 → $1.10 a week), with the asset-based admin fee charged only on the first $500,000
8.50% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $861/year (0.57% of balance) at $150,000. 0.65M members. $130B in assets under management.
- Among the lowest fees of any major fund — $351 on $50k balance
- Strong 10-year returns of 8.5% — excellent fee-adjusted performance
- 16 investment options including sustainable and ethical choices
Fee Comparison at $150,000
How the top 5 funds compare on total annual fees at a $150,000 balance:
| # | Fund | Admin Fee | Inv. Fee | Total $/yr | Total % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equip Super | $52 | 0.52% | $1,327 | 0.88% |
| 2 | Brighter Super | $26 | 0.50% | $1,106 | 0.74% |
| 3 | Cbus | $52 | 0.44% | $1,282 | 0.85% |
| 4 | Australian Retirement Trust | $57 | 0.51% | $1,137 | 0.76% |
| 5 | UniSuper | $96 | 0.43% | $861 | 0.57% |
Use our comparison calculator to see how these funds stack up at your actual balance and contribution level over 10, 20 or 30 years.
How We Ranked These Funds
Our ranking considers multiple factors relevant to miners & energy workers:
- Fees: Total annual cost (admin fee + investment fee + indirect costs) at a $150,000 balance
- Performance: 10-year and 5-year annualised returns on the default MySuper option
- Sector alignment: Whether the fund has specific expertise or tailoring for this segment
- APRA heatmap: The fund's fee and return ratings on APRA's MySuper Product Heatmap
- Fund size and stability: Total assets under management and member numbers
No fund pays for placement. Rankings are based on publicly available data from APRA, ATO, and individual fund disclosures.
Read Full Reviews
- Equip Super Review
Industry fund serving members across a range of industries including energy, rail, and government.
- Brighter Super Review
Queensland-based industry fund formed from the merger of LGIAsuper and Energy Super.
- Cbus Review
The super fund for construction, building, and allied industries.
- Australian Retirement Trust Review
Formed from the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper — one of Australia's largest funds.
- UniSuper Review
The super fund for Australia's higher education and research sector.
Independent superannuation research · about the editor ✓ Fact-checked · updated July 2026
Source: APRA & ATO data