Foreword
Welcome to the 2013 edition of
Minesite
It gives me great pleasure to introduce this 9th annual
edition of
Minesite
.
This is my fourth year as President and
each year Craig and Amanda Franklin of Unity Publications
continue to produce an outstanding publication which is
unique in the resources industry. This is a reflection of
the hard work and long hours that are put into sourcing,
editing and producing this showcase of WA Mining Club
activities, and snapshot of the WA mining sector to a
broader audience nationally and globally.
2013
has been a year of uncertainty within the
resources sector, and this has impacted on our members.
Against this context it is interesting to remember that one
of the reasons for the Club’s formation over 40 years ago
was to assist members to find work at a time when there
were more geologists teaching in schools or driving taxis
than there were out in the field. While we are not in the
same position today, we have seen a significant reduction
in exploration activity, which hopefully is only temporary.
Our luncheon speakers this year have ranged from
junior explorers through to producers, and have between
them covered a diversity of commodities. It is always
interesting to hear an enthusiastic speaker talk about their
particular plans and successes, as well as the challenges
facing the industry. The 2013 calendar of presentations
is detailed on page 5, and we thank these guest speakers
for presenting on a variety of noteworthy topics during
the year.
One of our key commitments to the resources sector
continues to be our Scholarship program and with the
support of our co-sponsors, this year we presented seven
scholarships at an Awards dinner in November. This was a
great opportunity for the finalists to network with industry
titans, and where the brightest and best current students
in the fields of mining engineering, metallurgy, geology
and environmental science were recognised and given
financial assistance to help them to achieve their goals.
The WA Mining Club Gala Ball, this year themed in
colourful Rio-style, was once again a huge hit with those
able to secure a ticket to the hottest show in town. A great
night was had by all of our guests, if the photos found on
pages 72 to 75 are anything to go by!
Our contribution to the broader community continued
with our biggest ever donation in 2012 to the Royal Flying
Doctor Service, resourced from the proceeds from our
annual Raffle, Grange auction and charity Golf Day.
As President, it is a real pleasure to work with a
committee that is passionate about this Club and volunteer
significant time from their already busy schedules to
contribute to its success. Without them, my task would
be much harder, and we would not be able to achieve
anything like we do; so thank you to the 2013 committee
for your hard work.
Over the four decades of its operation to date, the Club
has steadily built a solid reputation as one of the most
effective networking organisations in Perth. Membership
numbers have dramatically risen in the last few years,
and the Club now regularly sees large attendances at
its events. I am excited about the opportunities for the
Club in 2014. With the ongoing support of our members,
we will continue to provide a valuable opportunity for
professionals in, or associated with, the mining sector to
network with likeminded individuals.
Best regards
Neil Watson
WA Mining Club President
Minesite 2013
•
2