New gold mine rejuvenates northern Goldfields

• Blackham Resources is Australia's newest gold producer at Matilda Gold Project
• First gold pour achieved within 16 months of receiving finance

Mines and Petroleum Minister Sean L'Estrange said today that the reopening of the Matilda Gold Project, near Wiluna, marked the rejuvenation of the gold mining industry in the northern goldfields of Western Australia.

Mr L'Estrange today attended the official opening of the mine, which is expected to produce 100,000oz of gold a year with an eight-year mine life.

"This provides a much-needed stimulus to the local economy, with the prospect of yielding long-term employment and training opportunities for local residents and strong relationships with local businesses," he said.

The Minister said 120 personnel were employed at the Matilda mine by open pit mining contract company MACA Ltd.

"Blackham Resources has also provided employment opportunities at the Wiluna mine for underground mining, refurbishment and then operation of the processing plant, and for construction and management of the 350-bed accommodation village," he said.

Mr L'Estrange said Blackham Resources' success in bringing the Matilda and WiIuna mines back into production was a reminder of the sector's ability to develop projects quickly in response to commodity price cycles.

Blackham Resources was able to become Australia's newest gold producer within 16 months of receiving finance for the project.

Fact File

• Expenditure on gold exploration in WA was $386 million in 2015-16, up 40% on the previous financial year
• WA's gold production was valued at more than $10 billion in 2015-16

 Minister's office - 6552 6900