Diggers & Dealers was a buzz this year bringing a touch of gold fever to Kalgoorlie with close to 60% of the program made up of gold presenters and a number of deals made.

Here are some of the Gold Industry Group’s highlights from the 25th year of Diggers.

In member news

HOTTEST ATTRACTION

Gold is the hottest metal in the world right now and the world’s biggest and most valuable gold coin was the hottest attraction at this year’s event.

The Perth Mint pulled out all stops to send the pure, one tonne gold coin on the road to showcase on the opening day of the conference. It’s fair to say this $60 million dollar coin was the most photographed attraction.

Long-term community engagement project announced

The Gold Industry Group was proud to announce its long-term, community engagement project in Perth at its Innovation in Mining breakfast on Tuesday.

Using the latest innovative iBeacon technology, visitors will be able to download an app that will take them on a virtual gold treasure hunt from Elizabeth Quay to the historic Perth Mint.  

Gold Fields Vice President: Legal and Compliance Kelly Carter

The virtual Heart of Gold Discovery Trail and pop-up gold panning activity in Elizabeth Quay will provide a fun and interactive way for visitors to learn about Western Australia’s storied gold industry and its importance to our economy.

The launch is proposed for January 2017.

Women in mining

It was great to see three women present this year in Gold Fields Vice President: Legal and Compliance Kelly Carter, Lynas Corporation CEO Amanda Lacaze and Sipa Resources Limited Managing Director Lynda Burnett.

The Gold Industry Group is looking forward to hosting its Women in Gold Sundowner with WIMWA on Friday 7 October, 2016. Kelly will be one of the presenters at the event to be held at The Perth Mint. 

Innovation in Mining breakfast

Innovation in mining

The Gold Industry Group teamed up with Deloitte this year to host an Innovation in Mining breakfast on Tuesday 2 August. Deloitte discussed their Innovation in Mining: Australia 2016 report identifying where Australia’s major, junior and service-providing mining companies are placed in their innovation maturity, as well as what must be actioned to compete both locally and globally. 

Deloitte's booth by artist Fern Lecuna

Gold Industry Group members joined Deloitte in a panel discussion where Gold Industry Group Vice Chairman and Gold Fields Executive Vice President Richard Weston said there's currently a big push for innovation in all sectors of the mining industry.

“There have been a lot of improvements in the gold industry, including the increase of computer power with the help of drones, allowing rapid volume calculations which is important for the reconciliation of gold value,” he said.

“Innovation should become a culture. Through innovation and a well-trained work force, the industry can become more cost efficient.”

Gold Industry Group Chairman Richard Hayes concluded the event with the announcement of a virtual, gold treasure hunt, which will use new innovative iBeacon technology to engage and educate the community on the history and importance of our gold industry.

Deloitte’s booth continued the theme with company’s innovation efforts visually represented by artist Fern Lecuna.

Award Winners

At the WesTrac gala dinner Evolution Mining won the Dealer Award for doubling its production and market capitalisation as a result of the Cowal and Mungari acquisitions last year.

Independence Group founder Chris Bonwick won the GJ Stokes Memorial Award for his contribution to exploration and junior gold producer Pantoro was named the Best Emerging Company.

The Digger Award went to Fortescue Metals Group and Paul Garvey, reporter for The Australian, won the Media Award.

Deloitte also presented their WA Index High Growth Awards at the conference which recognised the top movers in the WA Index top 100 including four gold miners:

  • Resolute Mining Limited: Increased its market capitalisation by 331% from AU$196m to AU$843m
  • General Mining Corporation Limited: Increased its market capitalisation by 3513% from AU$7m to AU$253m
  • Millennium Minerals Limited: Increased its market capitalisation by 2270% from AU$5m to AU$114m
  • Capricorn Metals Limited: Increased its market capitalisation by 2354% from AU$3m to AU$73m

You can find more Diggers news in The West Australian Gold Feature and on our Twitter feed @ausgoldindustry. Check out some of the action in our photo gallery. 

Thanks to all of our members for championing Australia’s gold industry at Diggers & Dealers.