At the annual Diggers N Dealers forum in Kalgoorlie this week, members of the Western Australian gold industry came together at a breakfast to launch the Gold Industry Group, a united voice for Australia’s gold industry. Speaking at the launch were former Mines Minister Norman Moore and founding member and Gold Road Resources Chairman Ian Murray. Representing the interests of gold producers, explorers, prospectors and suppliers to promote the importance of the gold sector in Australia. Founding members mentioned at the launch were Doray Minerals, Ramelius Resources, Norton Goldfields, Gold Road Resources and Goldfields with ABC Refinery as an associate member.

Murray suggested that there was a lack of understanding of the importance of gold as an investment from the super funds and the need for education about the industry.

There was reportedly a good turn out for the meeting at 7 AM on day 2 of Diggers, suggesting that there is a fair amount of support for this initiative. Questioned why companies such as Northern Star and Evolution Mining were not yet members Moore said that they were in discussions with them and he was confident that they too would be a part of the industry group in the near future.

The Gold Industry Group on its website says it “is a single commodity, member-based, independent industry body governed by a Board of Directors. We represent the interests of gold producers, explorers, prospectors and suppliers, and promote the importance of the gold sector in Australia.

In the current environment, our collaborative voice is important to increase business opportunities, address specific issues and promote gold’s importance to the Australian economy. Our activities and services specifically support the gold industry to:

• Promote gold’s importance and its significant contribution to the community and economy
• Advocate on gold-specific issues with government
• Champion gold-related educational and community initiatives
• Raise the profile of gold as an investment and asset class.

More details can be found at goldindustrygroup.com.au