Peter Bradford remembered as a visionary

Tributes have poured in for late mining veteran Peter Bradford, who has been praised by his peers as an inspiring leader and a visionary of the state’s mining community.

The IGO chief executive and respected industry figure died suddenly on Saturday October 15 at the age of 64.

Members of Western Australia’s close-knit mining community have expressed their condolences following Mr Bradford’s passing and praised his contribution to the sector.

Association of Mining & Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce said Mr Bradford would be remembered as a man who had a great love for his industry and the people in it.

Mr Bradford had been AMEC president since 2019.

“Peter led AMEC in becoming truly national, believing that explorers and juniors all across the country needed a strong voice to represent their interests,” Mr Pearce said.

“He led us through two years of the COVID pandemic, which had heavy impacts for all our members, and he was an unwavering voice for increasing diversity in our industry and driving harassment and bullying out.”

Mr Pearce described him as one of industry’s most strident and passionate voices for responsible and sustainable mining practices.

“Peter always walked the talk. He led by example, and he inspired others to follow his lead.”

He said Mr Bradford always had a kind word of encouragement or helpful advice.

“For a person of his stature and achievement, Peter was surprisingly humble. He was warm, friendly and caring, and relentlessly optimistic,” he said.

“You made a difference, and you’ll be missed.”

Numerous industry leaders took to LinkedIn to share their condolences, including DEVELOP Global managing director Bill Beament, who described Mr Bradford as an inspirational leader and visionary.

“So very sad to hear of Peter’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

BHP Nickel West asset president Jessica Farrell said she was deeply saddened by the news.

“I very much respected and admired Peter’s leadership and personal commitment to the resource sector,” she said.

“This is an immense loss to the WA mining community.”

Former Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Elizabeth Gaines said his passing was devastating.

“Peter made a significant contribution to the resources sector and was always generous with his time and support of the industry,” she said.

“RIP Peter, you will be missed.”

Corporate lawyer Justin Mannolini offered condolences to Mr Bradford's family, friends and colleagues.

"May they take heart from Peter's incredible achievements at IGO, not only redefining "what is possible" for a once-junior mining company, but in the process making the world a better place," Mr Mannolini said.

Sabina Shugg decribed Mr Bradford as "a lovely generous man with plenty of vision to share" and thanked him for "all your support and friendship".

CSA Global manager Ivy Chen was one of many people fulsmore in her praise.

"Peter was such a strong guiding presence at IGO, and an inspiring visionary for our industry," Ms Chen said.

"A giant of a figure in the WA mining industry, a leader of great integrity and a very kind and generous man. Vale Peter Bradford, you will be greatly missed."