Diggers & Dealers was back bigger than ever in 2022, with more than 2,600 attendees excited to return from around the globe to be at Australia’s pinnacle mining industry conference.
Even the wild weather didn’t impact the mood, with Forum Chairman Jim Walker crediting the record attendance at the iconic three-day Kalgoorlie event to an active and engaged mining industry.
Agnico Eagle VP Corporate Affairs John Landmark speaking at Diggers & Dealers
The main event kicked off early with pre-functions taking place around town, including a JP Equity Partners ‘Sunday session on the green’ with charity sponsors Foodbank, Ronald McDonald Charity House, and the Royal Flying Doctors Service. Representatives shared information on their charities purpose and the impact of the great work being done in the Goldfields region.
Glenn Firth, Mikayla Gibney and Kristy Reilly
ESG was a hot topic at the conference, and this year’s event saw 16 gold mining companies showcase their growth plans, environmental projects and emissions targets, as well as their diversity and community programs.
Day one saw Westgold Resources Managing Director Wayne Bramwell share their progress resulting in the Company’s record gold production, which Mr Bramwell attributed to their diverse and committed workforce.
Northern Star Resources CEO Stuart Tonkin speaking at Diggers & Dealers
Evolution Mining Executive Chairman Jake Klein said safety, community, and sustainability were at the core of its operations, as it targets net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
A sell out crowd for the Gold Industry Group Leadership Breakfast
Capricorn Metals Executive Chairman Mark Clark outlined their growth plans for their Karlawinda gold project in its first year, as well as exciting results from its Mt Gibson project.
Ramelius Resources Managing Director Mark Zeptner reflected on five acquisitions in five years, saying the Company was well positioned for growth following the addition of a third Australian hub.
Gold Fields CEO Chris Griffith speaking at Diggers & Dealers
We kicked off day two with the biggest ever Gold Industry Group Leadership Breakfast as a record number of attendees packed into the Kalgoorlie Town Hall to hear an open and honest discussion on how we must build safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces from a panel of industry thought leaders.
Led by Cannings Purple Director Peter Klinger, panelists Evolution Mining Executive Chairman Jake Klein, Northern Star Resources Non-Executive Director Sharon Warburton, Gold Fields Vice President People and Engagement Karen Bradshaw, and West Coast Fever Head Coach Dan Ryan agreed embracing vulnerability as a virtue at all levels and enabling people to live their values as their authentic selves in the workplace was critical to psychologically safe workplaces.
Empowering people to speak up for themselves and call out unacceptable behaviour when they see it, along with educating employees on expected behaviors was key. There was a desire to further embrace the sharing of information among companies to ensure industry-wide standards were adopted and upheld.
Gold Industry Group Chair and Gold Fields Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs Kelly Carter wrapped up the breakfast event, saying there was an invaluable opportunity for the sector to reposition itself and further leverage the ongoing work of the Gold Industry Group.
“Diversity and inclusion have long been at the core of the Gold Industry Group’s role and activities in strengthening the reputation of the gold sector with our stakeholders,” Ms Carter said.
“Reflected across everything we do nationally, our perception-changing National Gold Education Program continues to inspire thousands of students to consider careers in the gold industry and our Gold Jobs platform and communications profile women in the industry across a range of roles.
“Our influential diversity debates and leadership forums such as this are driving important discussions on key issues, and our support of women’s sport and education is highlighted through our landmark partnership with West Coast Fever, Netball WA and Shooting Stars.”
Day two on the program saw Bellevue Gold CEO Darren Stralow share some of the Company’s sustainability, community, diversity, and heritage initiatives, which he says are core to its success.
Gold Road Resources CEO Duncan Gibbs touched on their great position to drive growth, due to the Company’s hard work in the ESG space, efficient systems, and strong balance sheet.
Northern Star Resources CEO Stuart Tonkin spoke to the importance of building a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone could bring their best to work, and discussed the solid nature of gold in the near to long term.
Gold Fields CEO Chris Griffith discussed the success of the Company’s Australian operations, reiterating their decarbonisation targets, including being net zero by 2050.
Capricorn Metals Executive Chairman Mark Clark accepting Dealer of the Year
That evening, the WA School of Mines held a sundowner with over 120 attendees recognising the achievements of graduates and providing an opportunity for them to connect with future employers.
The final day wasn’t without drama, as the wild weather closed the exhibition early and the presentations continued. Musgrave Minerals Managing Director Rob Waugh shared exciting exploration and drilling results, including several high-grade intersections at its White Heat-Mosaic project.
AngloGold Ashanti Australia Senior Vice President Mike Erickson detailed the Company’s approach to ESG and their recently published inaugural climate change report, and shared the success of the their world class asset portfolio.
Regis Resources CEO Jim Beyer spoke to the Company’s growth opportunities, and said the Company’s progressive & optimised approach was providing the business with a long reserve life.
Agnico Eagle Vice President Corporate Affairs John Landmark highlighted their community initiatives driving long-term positive impacts, and said ESG was at the heart of the Company’s strategy.
Event organisers delivered a remarkable sit-down Gala Dinner following the days challenges, featuring the annual prestigious awards which were again sponsored by The Perth Mint.
Congratulations to Gold Industry Group member Capricorn Metals who took out Dealer of the Year for its $39.6 million acquisition of the Mt Gibson gold project, which is already producing exciting drilling results. Other deserving winners included Lynas Rare Earths, Liontown Resources Limited, Mining Executive Tim Goyder, Mining Engineering Student Thomas McBeath, and News Reporter Jarrod Lucas.
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