Hannan's North Tourist Mine handed over to Kalgoorlie Hall of Fame

19/8/99

Mines Minister Norman Moore said today that establishing an Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame in Kalgoorlie would showcase how the State's resources and tourism industries could successfully combine to raise the profile of mining.
Mr Moore was speaking at the official handover of the Hannan's North Tourist Mine by Normandy Mining Ltd and Homestake Gold of Australia to the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame.
"Establishing a Hall of Fame at this site will honour the men and women who built an industry that has endured as the cornerstone of the Western Australian economy," Mr Moore said.
"Besides raising the profile of mining and its contribution to our way of life, the Hall of Fame can also contribute to another of the Goldfields' industries of the future - tourism."
Mr Moore said the Hall of Fame, coupled with the tourist mine, would reflect the traditions and stories of Australia's mining history while attracting crowds of tourists to its activities.
"Visitors can take tours of an underground mine, view gold pours and gold panning as well as wander around historic miners' camps and buildings," he said.
Mr Moore said that the Hall of Fame would be an important educational tool where visitors could also learn how mining sparked Australia's population explosions and led to the construction of vitally important State infrastructure.
"People will be treated to a wealth of rich traditions and stories, including events like the Eureka Stockade and Paddy Hannan's rich strike in 1893," he said.
Mr Moore said the mining industry needed projects such as the Hall of Fame to remind Australians of the role that mining plays and has played in the social and economic development of Australia.
He said that developing the concept of the Hall of Fame had been no mean feat and the small band of organisers should be proud of the way in which they have brought this ambitious project to its current stage.
Mr Moore pointed out that the Hall of Fame had attracted a grant of $5 million from the Commonwealth as a Centenary of Federation project and the State Government had contributed $2.5 million to the project.
He said he was sure that industry would recognise the value of the project and urged mining companies to contribute to ensure the success of the venture.
Media contacts:
Hartley Joynt, Minister's office (08) 9321 1444
James Bowie, Department of Minerals and Energy (08) 9222 3527