Tropicana

Tropicana is a gold mining operation in the remote Great Victoria Desert of Western Australia, operated by AngloGold Ashanti in a joint venture.

History

Tropicana is a joint venture between AngloGold Ashanti (70%) and Regis Resources (30%, formerly Independence Group). The mine was discovered in 2005 and began production in 2013, making it one of the newer gold operations in Western Australia. The mine is located approximately 330km east-north-east of Kalgoorlie on the western edge of the Great Victoria Desert.

Why It's Iconic

Tropicana is a remote gold mine that demonstrates modern exploration and mining success in challenging desert conditions.

Scale and Production

Tropicana produces approximately 450,000 ounces of gold per annum. The operation has been successful in extending mine life through ongoing exploration and the development of the Havana and Boston Shaker underground deposits.

Equipment

Technology and Autonomous Systems

Processing Infrastructure

Tropicana processes ore through a conventional SAG and ball mill circuit followed by CIL recovery. The plant has a capacity of approximately 8 million tonnes per annum, producing gold doré on site.

Workforce

Approximately 500-600 employees and contractors, primarily FIFO from Perth. The operation is one of the most remote gold mines in WA, with no nearby communities.

Major Milestones

• 2005: Gold discovery
• 2013: First production
• 2010s: Open pit expansion
• 2020s: Underground development at Havana and Boston Shaker
• Ongoing: One of WA's most remote gold operations

Interesting Facts

• Located 330km from Kalgoorlie in remote desert terrain
• One of the most remote gold mines in Western Australia
• Exclusively FIFO from Perth
• Named after a nearby geographic feature
• Underground development has extended mine life significantly