FOREWORD
It hardly seems like 12 months since the last edition
of
Minesite
,
but here we are again with another quality
publication produced by Craig and Amanda Franklin of
Unity Publications. I am sure you will agree that this
Annual strikingly showcases the Club’s activities and
provides a great snapshot of the WA mining sector to a
broad audience.
In the past year, we have certainly experienced some
of the highs and lows of the resources sector from record
high iron ore prices to the ongoing worries about the
impact of the slowdown in the Eurozone and China.
In the midst of all this, the WA Mining Club, now in its
40
th year, has gone from strength to strength. In August
this year we passed the 800-member mark for the first
time in the Club’s history, and we regularly see more
than 400 members at our monthly lunches.
Our speakers this year have covered the diverse
spectrum of minerals from iron ore to mineral sands and
base metals. A highlight was the August luncheon where
economist Saul Eslake was guest speaker and kept the
audience engaged with a detailed analysis of the current
economic climate and the impact of China.
With the growing membership base, the committee
has endeavoured to provide a wider range of functions
for members to attend. One such avenue has been several
‘
member only’ sundowners held at the Perth Reception
Centre. Through these events, we have been able to
provide a more intimate atmosphere with speakers
drawn from the wider business environment.
We have continued to build our Scholarship program
and this year, in conjunction with our co-sponsors, we
presented five scholarships at our inaugural Awards
Dinner in November. This is anticipated to be the start
of a quality event, where some of the brightest and best
current students in the fields of mining engineering,
metallurgy, geology and environmental science are
recognised and given financial assistance to help them
achieve their goals.
Once again the Gala Ball was a great hit, despite some
competition from an international rugby game held on
the same evening. With the theme of ‘The Best Disco
in Town’, the sell-out crowd was out on the dance floor
even before entrée was served. A fantastic line-up of
entertainment ensured that everyone enjoyed another
evening not to be forgotten (even though some of the
photos from the photo booth may wish to be overlooked).
For the first time we have also held a second Golf
Day to enable more members to participate and have the
opportunity to spend some quality time with their guests.
This day is a charity event and by all accounts it was
a great success, particularly the oyster shucker on the
14
th tee!
Our contribution to the broader community was
not forgotten, and in December 2011 the Club again
made a generous donation to the Royal Flying Doctor
Service with the proceeds from our annual Raffle and
Grange auction.
None of this happens without a lot of hard work by
our committee who give up their time on a voluntary
basis to help make the Club as successful as it is. It is a
real pleasure to work with a team that is committed and
passionate about this Club and which makes my role so
much easier.
In my Foreword to the last edition of
Minesite
,
I
said that I was excited about the opportunities that are
available to the Club in 2012 and beyond. I trust that you
will agree that we have grasped those opportunities this
year, and I know that there are some big plans in place to
make 2013 even better.
Welcome to the 2012 edition of
Minesite
Best regards
Neil Watson
WA Mining Club President
MINESITE 2012
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