KALGOORLIE (miningweekly.com) – Former Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has joined a number of gold miners to launch a group dedicated to promoting and championing the gold industry.

Moore, who will act as chair, said on Tuesday that the Gold Industry Group would represent the interests of gold producers, explorers, prospectors and the companies which serve the sector.

“Western Australia is the heart of Australia’s gold industry and, ensuring the long-term sustainability and strength of the industry, is vital. By working together, gold miners will be able to promote the industry and ensure all Western Australians understand the significant social and economic contribution the sector makes.”

Moore said the Gold Industry Group would advocate on gold-specific issues, champion gold-related educational and community initiatives and promote gold as an investment and asset class.

The formation of the group followed in the footsteps of the Gold Royalties Response Group, which successfully combatted a proposed hike in gold royalties in Western Australia.

“In the past year, members of the gold industry worked together to successfully resist calls for an increase in the gold royalty rate. We now have the opportunity to build on these efforts to ensure continued recognition for the important role played by our industry,” Moore said.

The founding members of the Western Australian chapter of the Gold Industry Group include Gold Fields, Gold Road Resources, Doray Minerals, Norton Gold Fields and Ramelius Resources.
 
Western Australia’s gold mines produce more than 70% of the country’s gold and the industry directly employs more than 20 000 Western Australians.

In 2014, gold was the second-most valuable mineral in Western Australia with sales of A$8.7-billion, and was the state’s third-largest export industry, at A$13-billion.

More than 70% of Australian gold royalties are paid to the government of Western Australia and, in 2014, more than A$300-million in state royalties and taxes were paid.