"I grew up on the goldfields of Kalgoorlie, (well, actually Fimiston where
the Great Boulder Gold Mine was located).
Home was close to the treatment plant and the two sulphur dioxide stacks. Was it healthy ... an interesting question. Did it inspire me to help others .. yes! My father was closely involved with the Great Boulder Gold Mine, (now part of Kalgoorlie's Superpit), as the Assistant Manager / Mine Superintendant.
Colin Yates' interests included a focus on mine economics, safety, good fun (starting the annual Christmas
Pageant) and the environment. He was closely involved with the introduction of ANFO in 1962 to the Goldfields
Mining operations. (He died in August 1964). Two other activities of Colin Yates was his keen interest in all
aspects of automated mining, (see the cartoon below, The Yates Universal Miner 1953), and the Royal Flying
Doctor Service. The first Beechcraft Baron was named the 'Colin Yates' when delivered in 1963 to the Eastern
Goldfields Section.
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