Mining giant BHP Billiton has cut about 100 staff from its iron ore division headquarters in Perth.
Some of the workers affected were involved in projects that have wound down, and the company has also been reducing costs as part of a focus on improving productivity.
That focus has been brought on by falling commodity prices and high capital costs.
BHP is the world's largest diversified resources company and third largest iron ore producer for export.
A spokeswoman said BHP regularly reviews its iron ore business to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible.
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"This includes reviewing the size and structure of our workforce to ensure it supports the delivery of our productivity agenda," she said.
"We have been open with our employees about the work being done to improve productivity."
BHP would assist those who have lost their job, and would seek to find them positions elsewhere in the business where possible, the spokeswoman said.
