This year’s 30th Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum was hailed one of the biggest yet, attracting more than 2400 delegates to hear mining’s growth stories in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, despite having no overseas visitors for the second year running.
GIG and Deloitte annual leadership breakfast panel discussion
Attendance could have been greater at the nation’s largest mining forum with Western Australia having no event restrictions, however due to COVID-19 lockdowns over east preventing many from traveling to the State, several companies presented virtually as thousands streamed the event online.
The event kicked off with forum Chairman Jim Walker touching on and celebrating the importance of our mining industry powering the economy.
"Within a 50km radius of this stage, the entire lifecycle of mining and exploration companies is playing out. Right across Australia, in regional towns just like Kalgoorlie, the mining industry is thriving and powering our economy. Over the next three days, let us all celebrate Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the mining industry,” said Mr Walker.
Westgold Resources Chief Executive Officer Debbie Fullarton
Mr Walker then used his opening address to promote education and encouraged delegates to support the CoRE Learning Foundation.
Evolution Mining Executive Chairman Jake Klein
"Encouraging the next generation to pursue a career in the mining industry is becoming a lot easier as the community is beginning to recognise our contribution. Along with our encouragement and the growing appeal of working in the resources sector, education pathways are being established for school students,” Mr Walker said.
Northern Star Resources Executive Director Raleigh Finlayson receiving the WA School of Mines Alumni Life Membership award
Gold Road Resources booth
12 members of the Gold Industry Group (GIG) shared their insights about gold’s future across the three-day program with AngloGold Ashanti Australia Senior Vice President Mike Erickson speaking of their ESG commitments and plans for Tropicana.
Ramelius Resources booth
Regis Resources Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Jim Beyer also shared his excitement of the Tropicana project’s potential as well as their growth plans on the first day.
The GIG and Deloitte opened the second day with its annual leadership breakfast in a power hour quick fire, interactive discussion on the latest issues impacting the industry with strong focus on building resilient leaders and cultures to more than 100 attendees at the WA School of Mines Graduate Hall.
GIG and Denver Gold Group Director and AngloGold Ashanti Australia Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Community and Human Resources Andrea Maxey opened the breakfast event with a look back at one of the GIG’s recent highlights in Kalgoorlie, magnifying the industry’s reach and engagement in the community by bringing the West Coast Fever pre-season games to town.
Taking a moment to encourage the breakfast attendees to support GIG’s national initiatives, the National Gold Education Program and the Gold Jobs website, Ms Maxey officially announced the Gold Industry Group LIVINWell School Tour. The third national tour of its kind by the GIG and mental health partner LIVIN, the 2021 tour aims to empower students in regions members operate in across Australia to speak up. Deloitte also launched their report: Building climate capability for a resilient mining sector.
Ms Maxey joined the panel with Northern Star Resources, The Perth Mint, Sandfire Resources Ltd and MMA Offshore Non-Executive Director Sally Langer, and Deloitte Sustainability and Climate Change Services Partner Michael Wood and shared their perspectives on climate science, leadership, health and safety, technology, and the changing nature of work.
An exciting second day of the programme welcomed Westgold Resources Chief Executive Officer Debbie Fullarton to the stage, who presented their new phase of growth as they expand their footprint in WA.
Evolution Mining Executive Chairman Jake Klein shared his unwavering stance on gold dialing in from Queensland in his virtual presentation, outlining their focus on integrating sustainability into everything they do and their most important asset, their people.
Bellevue Gold Managing Director Steve Parsons highlighted their global position showing how they are investing in their people, leading in diversity, and building relationships with the Indigenous community.
Northern Star Resources Managing Director and GIG Director Stuart Tonkin delivered the Company’s way forward through a responsible and sustainable lens, showing the phenomenal opportunity of the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie.
Industry colleagues and students then had the opportunity to network with one another that evening at the annual Sundowner by the WA School of Mines Alumni and Women in Mining and Resources WA’s annual sundowner, with Rebecca Prain delivering a passionate address on diversity before Northern Star Resources Executive Director Raleigh Finlayson received the WA School of Mines Alumni Life Membership award and Peter Cook’s Smoking Guns band rocked into the night.
Gold dominated the Forum’s third day with six GIG members presenting their growth plans including Gold Road Resources Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Duncan Gibbs who discussed the future of Gruyere and sustainable growth focus on renewable energy.
Capricorn Metals Chief Executive Officer Kim Massey shared their plans for Australia’s newest gold mine, Karlawinda, and the Company’s recent acquisition of the Mt Gibson gold project in WA.
Last year’s Digger of the Year, Ramelius Resources Managing Director Mark Zeptner, gave insight into their Australian projects’ sustainable growth story and most extensive mine plan yet.
The afternoon saw Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia Stuart Matthews talk about their focus on extending the life of Australian assets as the cornerstone of their global portfolio and how they are energising the mines of the future through renewable energy.
St Barbara Limited Head of Business Development Meryl Jones presented their growth plans through acquisitions, joint ventures and exploration in Australia.
Kirkland Lake Gold Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs John Landmark then live streamed in from Victoria sharing their active exploration activities at Fosterville gold mine with 17 drill rigs on site.
The forum concluded at the annual Westrac Gala Dinner sponsored by The Perth Mint featuring the prestigious awards.
Relive our Breakfast Event with Deloitte from this years’ Diggers and Dealers.