Broome, Newman, Solomon, Port Hedland, Karratha and Broome. Broome is mostly on the weekends, where they are using it in place of a 717 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday services to appease the state government's desire for cheaper fares.
And a check of Qantas historical route schedule would show these routes largely once flown by 737 on Qantas terms and conditions.
Lots of conspiracy theories flying around but the simple explanation is that mining companies dont want the business class configuration of mainline B737s. Never have. They put up with it when capacity was tight and iron ore was $100 a tonne. Nor do they like being second priority when there is network disruption. It has always been thus in mining and oil. The previous 10 years were an aberration.
Not really a conspiracy there George. Given the state of play in world commodities it is unlikely a 'boom' in mine charter is on the cards.
Those ports referenced by other posters carried a mix of private FIFO workers and general RPT traffic load.
Network are supposed, according to corporate sources, absorb multiple JQ aircraft that as a result of a botched 'megaphone diplomacy' order by Little Napoleon in 2011 see another 100 odd aircraft destined for JQ.
Is immaterial whether it works economically, industrially is the focus, is anyone really surprised when time after time the same play book rolls out?