Graham McGarry is a legend of the gold industry in Kalgoorlie and a strong advocate for The Perth Mint. 

“We started out in 1984 and 1985 running a treatment plant, and we would take bars of gold to the post office in Hannan Street where it was mailed to the Mint in Perth for refining,” Graham says. 

“Some of those bars were as big as 20kg and they were a bit heavy for the post office to handle, so eventually the bigger ones were shipped by courier.” 

Some things have changed in the industry in 40 years. Most mining companies’ gold doré is now flown to Perth by a transport company which specialises in secure, high value cargo. 

Graham, who is now managing director of miner Beacon Minerals, says the industry is thankful The Perth Mint has stood the test of time and continues to provide a valuable service for the Western Australian gold industry. 

“The smaller producers and prospectors need a reliable outlet that operates fairly and above board,” he says. “The Perth Mint provides that, and we appreciate the quick payment arrangements which help miners’ cashflow. 

“We’re keen to see that it remains in government ownership.”