After two years of Covid restrictions, the annual Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum is once again drawing crowds to the Western Australian gold mining town of Kalgoorlie. The three-day event is attended by miners, investors and nearly 120 industry representatives offering innovations in all aspects of mining servicing from dust suppression to water management. The event gives delegates an opportunity to meet stakeholders face to face, attend talks from leaders in the industry and provide a forum to present to investors. 

A packed Kalgoorlie has seen private residences open their homes to provide accommodation for the overflow of delegates and visitors. 

The event started this morning with a virtual address by Keynote Speaker and investor specialist Dr Dambisa Moyo, followed by Newcrest Mining Ltd General Manager of Exploration, Fraser MacCorquodale. Newcrest is the largest gold producer on the Australian Security Exchange and has released very positive half-year results with strong underlying profits, continued growth, new acquisitions and an excellent record of health and safety across all its projects.   

Exploration group Carnaby Resources Managing Director Rob Watkins will also be addressing the record number of attendees, following the group’s announcement of an exceptional copper intersection at their Mt Hope North prospect after a ‘procession of outstanding IP drill targets.’

Tuesday’s speakers include outgoing CEO of FMG, Elizabeth Gaines, hard on the heels of record iron ore exports for the company. FMG is forging ahead with their green hydrogen project, recently signing a partnership with the Republic of Djibouti government and releasing a green hydrogen road map with a leading group of German industries. 

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The second day of the forum will also feature a presentation by Peter Bradford, CEO of nickel and lithium major IGO. IGO has recently announced extensive new exploration and discovery projects with a recent acquisition of high-grade nickel producer Western Areas in WA and intentions for a 100% clean energy metals focus. 

The last day of the conference will continue the theme of environment and sustainability with a presentation by Asset President of BHP’s Nickel West, Jessica Farrel. Nickel West is a leading supplier of battery metals with 85% of their product going directly to battery material suppliers. BHP has also started construction on two solar farms and a battery energy storage solution to provide more sustainable power for its mines in the northern Goldfields. 

The afternoon’s presentations introduce Dale Henderson, recently appointed Managing Director and CEO of leading lithium producer Pilbara Minerals. Pilbara Minerals is targeting increased production of its spodumene concentration for the September quarter responding to increased demand for the battery raw material.  

The delegates will also get plenty of time to discuss important issues among themselves at the Clarke Energy Cocktail Party, The Kal Tire Mining Tire Group Traditional Bash and the closing event, The WesTrac Gala Dinner on Wednesday night, where the highly anticipated Diggers and Dealers Awards, sponsored by Perth Mint, will be presented. 

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