Gold! Gold! Gold! The Australian Gold Industry

Dr Sandra Close graduated in Economic Geology from the University of Sydney began work in early 1967 as an exploration geologist for CRA (Conzinc Riotinto of Australia Ltd), now part of Rio Tinto. She was the first female, full-time field geologist employed by any company in Australia.

After working in Australia, the USA and Ireland for a decade, she joined the Australian Resources Development Bank as a banker, financing a range of resources projects. She then worked for Shell Australia in finance, strategy and executive management roles for a further decade before starting her own consulting company in the mid-1990s. Today, Surbiton Associates is well known for its expertise and knowledge of the gold industry.

She holds a PhD from The University of Melbourne and is the author of the book, “The Great Gold Renaissance.” Sandra is an Honorary Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. She is currently a Director of The AusIMM and has previously been an AusIMM Councillor, as well as serving as a Chair or Member of many AusIMM Committees, past and present. She was also a part-time member of VCAT and its predecessors for some 15 years. Sandra is married and has twin sons.

Chair:  Katrina Flinn