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NEWS

outstanding. The project required over three million manhours
to be worked and was completed without a single disabling
injury: that’s almost unheard-of in a global context.”
Aside from the breakthrough discovery of the orebody in
October 2013, perhaps the most significant moment in
Gruyere’s history occurred just over three years later when
South African-based miner Gold Fields committed to investing
$350 million to acquire 50% of the project.
The JV agreement received widespread praise, culminating
Gold Road managing director Duncan Gibbs and Gold Fields
in Gold Road and Gold Fields being recognised as Dealer
Australasia vice-president Stuart Matthews
of the Year at the 2017 Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum in
Kalgoorlie. Owners of the land which hosts Gruyere recognised above all SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
“We won Dealer of the others, as well as the diverse employment opportunities the
Year not only because it operation was embracing.
was a good deal, but most
“A particular passion of mine is driving diversity in all respects
importantly because it and globally this is recognised more and more as making a
allowed Gold Road, a then-
huge difference in business,” she said.
junior mining company, to be
“It’s not just about doing the right thing, because doing the right
properly funded to thoroughly
thing is always the best thing for business, and that’s what we
do all the work required Bert Witkamp
stand for at Gold Fields.
for delivering a successful Operating Agent
large-scale project – such “In this spirit of encouraging diversity as a key value and - Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology
Collaboration Programme
as proper project design principle, I wish to particularly urge women to consider Gruyere International Energy Association
and construction, all the and Gold Fields globally for a future career and to build their
associated grade control careers here because you can grow. I’m living proof of that.”
drilling, all the metallurgical Opening Gruyere was also a proud moment for Minister
test work, etc – without Johnston given the discovery hole was co-funded by WA
Carolus and WA Minster of Mines and the need to undertake a Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS).
Petroleum Hon Bill Johnston MLA with dilutionary capital raising,”
a Gruyere gold bar Netscher said. “We spent half that money on publicly available geophysical
information and that was just as important as the co-funded
“In addition, a key feature drilling programme,” he said. “What that does is allows
of the Gold Fields partnership is that it is based on mutual entrepreneurs in WA to have a look at what might be out there
respect, which has allowed us to very effectively achieve one by just using that publicly available geophysical information
plus one equals three. I see so many JV relationships and too and that’s what makes WA a global leader for exploration
often you have one plus one equals less than two.” activity.”
South Africa-based Gold Fields chair Cheryl Carolus
said she was proud to welcome Gruyere to the
company’s global operating portfolio, which includes Key learning objectives:
three other mines in WA, two in Ghana and one in
l
l Status of EV sales and development 2009-2019 Electric vehicles: environment and climate change
South Africa.
l Case studies of countries and EU What is driving the transition to zero emission road transport?
l
“When Gold Fields makes these kinds of investments,
l
l How fast can the transition to electric drive go? What are critical raw materials for EV growth?
a priority is of course to reward our shareholders for
the capital they entrust to us with the expectation of
a reasonable return,” she said.
“There is no doubt that with Gruyere they will get
their money back, and plus some.”
More than 250 employees and contractors are
currently based on site after a construction period
which created jobs for 700 other workers. At
present, 23 Yilka people from nearby indigenous
communities are working at Gruyere and both Gold
Road and Gold Fields hope to see that number
increase over the coming years.
Carolus spoke of her pride in seeing the Traditional Carolus and Johnston cut the Gruyere gold bar cake
To present, exhibit or attend as a delegate please contact Namukale Nakazwe

Page 6 on (+61) 8 9321 0355 or email kale@paydirt.com.au