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This year's conference, which finished in Kalgoorlie last night, has been dominated by criticism of the Labor Party's proposed mining tax.

Chairman Barry Eldridge says a political stance will be taken at future forums if an issue such as the tax is again facing the industry.

"You've seen a real shift. I did that with my opening address, I forewarned the crowd that our historical apolitical stance was about to change, and it has," he said.

"I've had feedback from some sources that say that Diggers is now nothing but a Liberal advertisement and if that's the case, so be it."

Several mining companies have been recognised in the forum's annual awards.

At a gala dinner last night, Newmont Asia Pacific was named Digger of the Year and Gindalbie Metals, Dealer of the Year.

Newmont operates the Boddington gold mine in the state's south-west.

Royal Resources won this year's Best Emerging Company award.


ABC Online