Historic Paddington a Goldfields success story

• Paddington operations mark 30th anniversary

• Minister welcomes Chinese investment 

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion has hailed Norton Gold Field's Paddington operations a Goldfields success story at a special event to mark 30 years of gold production.

"Norton acquired Paddington in 2007, in what was an important milestone in the company's history," Mr Marmion said.

"It marked Norton's emergence as a key player in a world-class gold province and revitalised Paddington.

"The measure of that success can be seen in last year's record production of more than 178,000 ounces of gold.

"This is a world-class mine, with a storied history, and a bright future."

The Minister said the event, which coincided with the annual Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum, highlighted the importance of companies such as Norton Gold Fields to the gold mining industry in Western Australia.

"It is fortuitous to be able to celebrate an event such as this when the focus of the world's mining industry is squarely on Kalgoorlie-Boulder for Diggers and Dealers," he said.

"Paddington's recent success has been driven by Norton's investment, culminating in its recent takeover by China's biggest gold miner, the Zijin Mining Group Company.

"I'm particularly pleased to see that Zijin will oversee the relocation of Norton's headquarters to Kalgoorlie later this year."

Mr Marmion also praised the organisers of the Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum while visiting the event today.

"For 23 years Diggers and Dealers has brought together some of the world's major miners and showcased the opportunities presented in WA - particularly in our Goldfields," he said.

"It is an important reminder of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Western Australia's reputation in the global mining industry."

Fact File

• Norton reached one million ounces of gold production in mid-2014

• The Paddington Mill can process up to 3.3 million tonnes of ore per year

• Gold was first discovered at Paddington in 1896 and mined until 1901

• The current operation began in 1985 

Minister's office - 6552 6800