US giant Newmont Mining has pegged tracts of land east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in its first significant move beyond its Super Pit gold operations in nearly two decades.
Newmont, the world’s second-biggest gold producer behind Barrick Gold, which controls the other 50 per cent stake in the Super Pit, has applied for four exploration licences near Hampton Hill Station. The applications at Kalpini cover a total of 94sqkm, including one under objection and waiting to be heard in the Warden’s Court.
Two other applications, lodged on January 21, have been referred by the Department of Mines and Petroleum for native title approval.
Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining has applied for eight tenements, covering a combined 836sqkm 100km to 150km north-east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Sumitomo’s main exposure in WA gold has been its South Yamarna joint venture with Gold Road Resources.
Newmont’s ground at Kalpini neighbours the Acra project, 60km north-east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, where Pioneer Resources managing director David Crook has bullishly claimed the explorer has a “company maker” on its hands.
