FORMER state resources minister Peter Jones has been appointed as chair of the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame, which was given a new lease of life last week when 11th-hour membership pledges saved the financially strapped facility from closure.
The hall of fame honours those who have made a significant contribution, achievement or achieved success in the mining and natural resources environment in Australia. Since its inception, the centre has inducted more than 100 individuals, including Lang Hancock, Paddy Hannan and Mark Creasy, who have played a major role in developing Australia as a country rich in resources.
Last year, APMHOF chief executive Andrew Govey revealed the tourist facility in Kalgoorlie-Boulder faced serious financial difficulties and needed emergency funding to stay afloat.
In May 2010 the state government provided a rescue package of $290,000, but a year later Mining and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore made an impassioned plea to mining industry executives and company chiefs to save the facility.
WesTrac, the Independence Group, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group and Hancock Prospecting are among those to have contributed $1 million to maintain the facility for the next year.
“I am relieved that industry has stepped up to secure the immediate future of the hall of fame, which showcases the history and the future potential of mining in this country, making it equally important to all Australians not just the Kalgoorlie-Boulder communities and West Australians,” Mr Moore said.
Mr Moore revealed a board restructure aimed at better reflecting the wider Australian mining and resource industry.
Kalgoorlie Super Pit general manager Russell Cole remains on the board as deputy chair, and previous board members Shorty Ryan, general manager of Kalgoorlie Mining Company (previously US Nickel), and Cranston Edwards, a full-time prospector, also remain.
New board members include former state government minister George Cash, BHP Billiton vice-president of external affairs Ian Fletcher, Woodside vice-president sustainable development Vanessa Guthrie, Atlas Iron managing director David Flanagan, and PCF Capital managing director Liam Twigger.
