The NSW Minerals Council’s Explorer of the Year award has been given to gold exploration company Alkane Resources.
Alkane Resources received the top honour for its discovery of the Kaiser gold and copper deposit, which is part of its Northern Molong Porphyry project (NMPP).
Alkane Resources’ Kaiser discovery bet Aeris Resources’ Constellation discovery and Magmatic Resources’ Myall project for the top prize.
NSW Minerals Council said Alkane Resources’ drilling program demonstrated an extensive mineralised system, and through the project the company demonstrated leading practice with its approach to exploration and its engagement with the local community.
Alkane Resources discovered the Kaiser deposit 500 metres northwest of the Boda deposit within the NMPP, which is located near Wellington in the central west region of New South Wales.
The NSW Minerals Council’s Explorer of the Year award recognises excellent achievements in the mining industry and acknowledges the significant contribution exploration makes to the sector.
NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer Stephen Galilee said increased spending and investment within the NSW exploration sector creates more opportunities for local communities to see more job opportunities and growth.
“The contribution made by all our finalists is a great example of the resilience and ingenuity shown by our world-class exploration sector in successfully overcoming a range of challenges in recent years, including floods and a global health crisis,” Galilee said.
“Our exploration sector is essential to providing long-term economic security to regional communities right across NSW. It is also essential to help meet demand for the metals of the future in industries like health, defence, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and telecommunications.”