- Perth
Mint marks 125 years of uninterrupted operation
- Operation
integral to supporting Western Australia's gold industry
- Gold
Corporation exported $22 billion worth of goods last year
After opening as a
branch of Britain's Royal Mint at the height of Western Australia's gold rush
in 1899, The Perth Mint today celebrates 125 years of refining and minting
excellence.
While such a period
of continuous, uninterrupted operation is a remarkable achievement for any
business, it is all the more impressive for one that has been so closely
aligned with Western Australia's gold industry and its history of fluctuating
fortunes.
Ownership of the
Mint was transferred to the Western Australian Government in 1970.
Since then, the
Mint has contributed strongly to a diversified local economy, provided vital
support for Australia's gold industry, promoted tourism in the State and
delivered income from value-added exports of precious metal products.
Notably, the Mint
does much of this work from its iconic premises in East Perth.
While the Mint no
longer produces circulating currency, it continues to manufacture high-quality
legal tender coins and precious metal bullion products for collectors and
investors around the globe.
The Mint exported
more than $22 billion of goods last financial year, making it Western
Australia's sixth largest exporter by revenue.
On the 125th
anniversary of the first sovereign being struck at the Mint, a new modern
collectable re-imagines Benedetto Pistrucci's original classic St George and
the Dragon design. Today marks the release of the Mint's 125th Anniversary
Australia Sovereign 2024 Gold Proof Coin.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David
Michael:
"Like so many West Australians I have fond memories of
visiting The Perth Mint as a primary school student. The Mint continues to host
these visits today, educating kids about the history of gold and the role it
has played in WA's economic development.
"That development has not only supported the Australian gold
mining sector but also fostered economic growth and created countless
opportunities for the people of Western Australia.
"I congratulate the Mint on this special milestone and its
work in upholding Western Australia's proud tradition of gold production."
Comments attributed to Gold Corporation non-executive chair
Sam Walsh:
"I am immensely proud of The Perth Mint's legacy and its
enduring contribution on both the local and international stage.
"Our dedicated team works hard to ensure that the Mint
remains renowned for the quality and purity of its precious metals and maintains
the highest standards of craftsmanship and service.
"While this anniversary is a celebration of our achievements,
it is also a testament to our excellence and innovation, and the gold mining
sector's resilience over 125 years.
"As we take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the role we
have played for 125 years supporting the development of our State, we are also
firmly focused on the present as an organisation that employs more than 700
people who are all working hard to deliver the best possible results on behalf of
the West Australian community."
