Not too many would associate women’s business with a mining operation, but last week GRD Minproc presented a strong case for such a link.
The mining services group recognised the work of Kalgoorlie artist Biddy Dimer in presenting one of her pieces to local listed mining company Kagara Zinc.
The untitled acrylic presented to Kagara Zinc chairman Kim Robinson depicts two Aboriginal women’s groups gathering traditional desert food, and dancing and singing.
The painting was particularly appropriate as a project commemoration gift, GRD Minproc managing director and CEO Dario Amara said, as Kagara Zinc’s mature relationships with local communities were critical to GRD Minproc’s ability to complete a Kagara zinc concentrator plant on time and on budget.
"The Biddy Dimer artwork is a strong symbol of this maturity," Mr Amara said.
Full production at Kagara’s $43 million Mt Garnet zinc project near Cairns is expected by mid-year, following the commissioning of the treatment facility last month.
Kagara will decide on an expansion plan for the 75,000 tonnes per annum zinc concentrate operation by the end of this year.
If the proposed expansion goes ahead, zinc concentrate production could double for as little as $5 million in additional expenditure, Mr Robinson said.
Mr Amara said GRD Minproc has promoted cultural awareness through visits to important and sacred sites on specific projects.
The spin offs for GRD have included the opportunity to acquire significant pieces of artwork in addition to being able to participate in other project work.
Although remaining at home in Kalgoorlie following the recent birth of a child, Ms Dimer was exhibiting last week at the Moores Contemporary Art Gallery, as part of a combined Central Desert, Goldfields and South East Western Australia indigenous collection.
Ms Dimer is no stranger to exhibitions – this one was her sixteenth.