Mine Hosts Outstrip Each Other In Quest To Host Most
The Age
Wednesday August 10, 2005
MINERS' pockets are bulging with cash thanks to the commodity price boom.
Little wonder then that invitations for nosh-ups and booze-ups outside conference hours at this year's Diggers & Dealers bash in Kalgoorlie have been flying thick and fast.Macquarie Equities had its usual private dinner for select clients on the balcony of the Palace Hotel, taking advantage of Kalgoorlie's almost balmy winter weather. But it was not up to previous standards - the wine list in particular - and one mining executive who attended said it was as "boring as all get out".Perth broker Patersons scored well for its knees-up across the road at the Exchange Hotel, while last night BHP Billiton, of all companies, was dipping its toe in the water for the first time as mine host. It must be feeling the need to earn the trust of the locals following its takeover of former long-time resident WMC Resources. Canadian gold heavyweight Placer Dome was also hosting a small party, providing a break for delegates between the conference, the pub and staggering off to bed.But the invite that seemed to be generating the most interest was the one to a "Nude" breakfast. No names of the attendees were available, nor was the identity of the host, at least outside of Kalgoorlie.
© 2005 The Age