Eddie Plume
44 years in the Mining Industry. My relationship with the Mining Club began in 1976.
My proudest contributions are the trophies associated with the Scholarship awards.
After serving in Germany for 18 months I had this “bolt from the blue” that I should go to South Africa to mine GOLD of course.
As a life member I enjoy the camaraderie, respect and the sharing of ideas.
Wayne Bramwell, Westgold Resources Limited Chief Executive was an informative speaker.
I hope the WA Mining Club continues to bring likeminded people together to share new innovations to grow the industry and to support the younger incoming generation.
My relationship with the WA Mining Club Began in February 1976 when I received a letter from the then secretary, W.R. O’Beirne, chief geologist to present a talk on the various aspects regarding the re-opening of the Marvel Loch Gold Mine.
At this point, I would like to digress for a short time with your indulgence regarding my history, since I believe I am a stranger to the majority of members here today. After eight years at boarding school, located in Epping Forrest London during World War 2, I then did two years national service which included 18 months in Germany for occupational forces.
After demobilisation, rather than join my parents successful business in North London, I decided to go to South Africa and become a mining engineer, having been accepted by JCI (Johannesburg Consolidated Investment co.) at Ranfontein Estates gold mine. This was in 1954. After six years, I joined Union Corporation and worked on several projects on the east rand goldfields.
In 1969, I moved on to Australia and joined Peko Wallsend at Tennant Creek and sunk the gecko shaft and brought same into production.
It was at this time, in 1973, I was head hunted by the directors of Kia Ora gold and uranium, nickel exploration to re-open the marvel loch underground gold mine which was flooded and also contained mud in the old workings. During this time, I was invited to join the committee of the chamber of mines in Kalgoorlie during the period 1973 to 1976
Now to resume where I started, it was on the 24th of September in 1976 when I gave my presentation to the WA Mining club located at the “room with a view” now adjacent to Elizabeth Quay. This talk described in detail the re-establishment of marvel loch mine and the pouring of the first gold through the in-house treatment plant in 1976. But also – the closure of the mine and mothballing of same due to the demonitorisation of the gold price: where upon Kalgoorlie, Mount Magnet, Central Norseman gold mines all closed.
After the gold price started to recover, my on-going career included; 1980 bringing nan nine mine into production, south of Meekathara.
In 1981, having Joined Endeavour Resources Limited (Bond Corporation) and whilst awaiting for the mines department to approve blue bird goldmine to be developed, Warren Jones of Bond Corporation asked for my assistance in collecting donations for the America’s Cup race where upon I visited the Fremantle workshops where the spare winged keel was kept. I then followed through to contact all the suppliers of various components used to race Australia 2 with success.
1985 – I poured 1st gold at Bluebird and advised Alan Bond who was in London
1987 – I handed Bluebird over to Ross Atkins.
1990 – I was interviewed by Shell Billiton Jakarta to manage PT Prima Lirang Mining, located at Wetar Island. Maluka, Eastern Indonesia on the Banda Sea.
I received the sawali award for being an “environmentally friendly business man” in Bali on the 13th of November 1992, being the first expat and mining company to receive such an award.
1994 – I carried out consulting on old workings in Mindanao in the Philippines with armed bodyguards.
1994 – I became general manager to Altyn-tas in Kazakstan for three years. Activities all associated with gold production.
1997 – I carried out consulting activities in Burma. Once again with armed and mobilised bodyguards.
1998 – I carried out consulting in North Korea escorted by a North Korean Government official.
1999 – After 44 years in the mining industry, I retired in Mandurah, south of Perth WA.
2018 – 20th December, I was appointed a life member of the WA Mining Club.
2022 – in November, I Planted seeds with Cassandra regarding my thoughts on a perpetual trophy
2023 – on the 30th of March, I met members of the WA Mining Club committee here at Optus to discuss my proposal for a perpetual trophy to be presented annually to the most successful sponsored student of the year.
My reasoning behind this idea is as follows;
Not being able to participate in club management due to my extensive in the field mining career, I wanted to give a token of my membership appreciation and create a perpetual trophy to support current and future students and at the same time leave a legacy for all my endeavours.
To conclude; at St Barbara’s Day 2023, I asked former club President Natalie Taylor to make club history by announcing the first winner of the “Eddie Plume” trophy and presenting the miniature replica.
The WA Mining Club Young Professionals aspires to drive diversification and innovation within the mining industry, through creation of a forum that supports development and retention of young professionals. We will establish a career-long network of individuals who are building their careers in mining.
Members of the WA Mining Club receive access to a broad range of industry speakers, who discuss technical, operational, legislative and regulatory matters, as well as sharing thoughts on the broader industry.
Our monthly luncheons are regularly attended by in excess of 300 members, all eager to listen, talk and share information about their experiences with their industry peers.
Being a member of the WA Mining Club provides the very best opportunity around to meet other industry professionals and discuss topical issues, challenges and innovations with others across the spectrum of the Western Australian mining industry.
