Jeweller - April 2020

News
In Brief
Alrosa holds digital
diamond tender
Russian mining conglomerate
Alrosa held its first digital large-size
diamond tender from 26 March to
3 April. The tender was held online
following the cancellation of its
scheduled international auctions.
The company used advanced
scanning technology to generate
full 3D digital models of each stone.
Mercury-free gold mining
one step closer
A trial of a new mercury-free
gold processing machine has
yielded promising results, according
to non-profit Mercury Free Mining
(MFM). A group of small-scale
miners in Ghana used Goldrop, a
separation processor developed by
a US company, over 10 days. MFM
estimates that 15 million artisanal
miners use mercury to separate
gold from other particles.
Everledger begins
mineral blockchain
Technology company Everledger,
founded by Australian entrepreneur
Leanne Kemp, has expanded
its blockchain-based tracking
platform into rare-earth minerals.
The platform was initially developed
to ensure a fully traceable and
conflict-free diamond supply chain,
and now reportedly tracks 40 per
cent of the diamonds in circulation.
Uncertain future for
Gemfields auctions
Ruby and emerald mining
company Gemfields is unable to
confirm whether its upcoming
gemstone auctions will take place,
due to travel restrictions associated
with the COVID-19 pandemic. Its
most recent emerald auction, held
in Zambia from 18-21 February,
saw 64 per cent of carats sold,
generating $US11.5 million.
I strongly
believe [Paul
Zahra] is more
than capable
of taking the
ARA to the
next level
Russell Zimmerman
Preliminary
drilling at
[the] Hemi
site indicated
it may be the
largest-ever
gold deposit
in the Pilbara
region
New CEO for growing Australian
Retailers Association
Paul Zahra will step into the leadership role in May.
Paul Zahra, former CEO of David Jones, will
take over as CEO of the Australian Retailers
Association (ARA) when executive director
Russell Zimmerman retires in May.
The news of his appointment to the ARA
was announced as 12 major retail chains –
including Woolworths, Bunnings, Chemist
Warehouse, JB Hi-Fi, Super Retail Group,
Costco, Harvey Norman, Priceline and
Australia Post – joined the body.
The ARA has 7,500 members, largely
comprised of small and medium enterprises.
Zimmerman, who had led the ARA for
10 years, indicated his intention to retire
in October 2019.
He expressed support for Zahra’s
appointment, saying, “I strongly believe he is
more than capable of taking the ARA to the
next level as it forges ahead, consolidating
around its mission to provide one voice for
the retail sector in Australia.”
Zahra has worked in the retail industry for
35 years and held senior roles at Officeworks
and Target. He was managing director and
CEO of David Jones from 2010 to 2014,
leading it to its strongest sales in seven years
and growing its digital presence.
Of his appointment to lead the ARA, he said,
“I am optimistic about what lies ahead and
look forward to supporting and advocating for
our members as we overcome challenges,
embrace transformation and evolve with the
customers we serve.”
The Australian retail industry generates $320
billion annually and is the nation’s second
largest employer. Retailers are represented
by two industry bodies – the National
Retailers Association (NRA) and the ARA.
Under Zahra’s leadership, the ARA will
continue its mission to unite the Australian
retail sector and represent its interests to
the government.
Australian mining company strikes gold
in the Pilbara
The Pilbara looks promising for gold exploration.
A West Australian mining company has
discovered a potentially record-breaking deposit
of gold at the Mallina Gold Project, 80km south
of Port Hedland.
De Grey Mining announced that its preliminary
drilling at its Hemi site indicated it may be the
largest-ever gold deposit in the Pilbara region,
in the north-west of Western Australia.
Andy Beckwith, operations manager De Grey
Mining, said drilling at two parallel sites
indicated very promising results.
“With the new reverse circulation drilling, there
is potentially a 200m-wide zone – that’s almost
unheard of,” he said, adding that the site “has
exceptionally wide intersections, we’ve got
mineralisation that is very consistent, and we
are just busily trying to extend them and see
what we have.”
The Mallina results led De Grey Mining’s largest
shareholder, DGO Gold, to invest a further $4.75
million in the company.
De Grey chairman Simon Lill said the move
was “a clear validation from DGO of their belief
in De Grey’s Mallina Gold Project and, more
specifically, the recent Hemi discovery, where
drilling is continuing, and we are seeking to
further grow its size and scale.”
The Pilbara is best known for its iron-rich
deposits and is not considered a premier source
of gold in Australia; each year, it produces less
than half of the gold mined from the Kalgoorlie
Super Pit.
At the time of publication, gold prices were at
$AU2,652.52 per ounce, an increase of 38 per
cent over last year.
12 | April 2020