Gold industry Group to introduce new technology-based tour

THE CONFERENCE CALLER: The gold industry, particularly the sections of it based in Kalgoorlie, has long been proud of the innovation that has formed the strong backbone of the advances made in the sector throughout the years.

And so it was we landed at the Innovation in Mining breakfast co-hosted by the Gold Industry Group (GIG) and Deloitte to ring in Day Two of the Diggers and Dealers conference.

While the 200 delegates lined up at the buffet we couldn’t help but wonder why the formidable ability to think on your feet and adapt change to situations that aren’t working wasn’t on show with the coffee barista struggling to keep up with demand and the food line halted as hungry, hungry hippos had to wait for the single two-slice toaster to complete its set task.

We realised we were in for a bit of a caffeine imbalance when punters began leaving the building to get a take-away coffee from the café down the road.

While all this was happening the morning’s speakers bravely continued.

GIG chairman Richard Hayes used his turn at the microphone to introduce the group’s latest technological advance, being a phone app using GPS technology to enable Perth’s population and tourists to venture out on a virtual gold treasure hunt starting at Elizabeth Quay and ending at the historic Perth Mint.

“The interactive trail will appeal to tourists, families and school students alike, and we aim to integrate the project into the Australian Curriculum,” Hayes said.

“This is an exciting and innovative project.

“The Heart of Gold Discovery Trail will lead visitors to points of historic significance and deliver real-time content via smartphone or tablet.”

The start of the trail will be marked by a sculpture of the Golden Eagle nugget, one of the largest nugget to be found in Western Australia, located at Betty’s Jetty while the GIG intends to introduce pop-up style interactive gold prospecting activities at different times throughout the year.

Hayes also used his time to address some the opportunities and challenges he considers the industry is most likely to face in the near future.

“There are opportunities for us to work together more closely to strengthen our industry, to promote our importance, to support our people, and to grow our communities,” he said.

“Together we can champion gold-related education and community initiatives – just like the gold community engagement project.

“Together we can raise awareness of gold as an investment and asset class.”

Hayes then turned his attention to the challenges the industry encounter.

“Gold miners face a challenging operating environment where deposits are deeper, costs are increasing, and margins tight, he declared.

“We need a strong flow of capital to build the future of Australia’s gold industry and to secure our future prosperity.”

At the end of his talk, all most people were interested in securing was their morning cup of coffee.