NSW mining pioneer honoured with Outstanding Achievement in Mining Award

NSW mining pioneer and founder of one of Australia’s most successful grassroots mining startups, Jake Klein, has been honoured for his contribution to the NSW mining industry at the NSW Minerals Council’s Annual Parliamentary Dinner at State Parliament House.

Founder and Chair of Evolution Mining, Mr Klein was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to NSW Mining Award.

Jake Klein is one of Australia’s great entrepreneurs — a visionary who has built companies from the ground up, created thousands of jobs and delivered immense value for countless stakeholders across Australia.

After studying commerce at university in South Africa, Mr Klein moved to Australia in the early 1990s with little more than a thousand dollars in his pocket, beginning his career in investment banking.

Before Evolution, Mr Klein co-founded Sino Gold, serving as President and CEO and building it into the largest foreign gold producer in China before its $2.2 billion sale in 2009.

In 2011 Mr Klein established Evolution Mining with a clear vision of creating a premier global gold company. What has followed is one of the most impressive growth stories in Australian business.

Evolution Mining is now a Top 50 ASX company with six operations and is widely recognised as one of the world’s most efficient gold producers.

Following the announcement, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee praised Mr Klein’s contribution to the strength of the mining industry in NSW.

“Through his vision, commitment and demonstrated success in building a great business with significant world-class mining operations here in NSW, Jake Klein has made a massive contribution to our industry and our state.” Mr Galilee said.

Evolution Mining has deep roots in NSW with gold and copper mining operations near West Wyalong and Parkes that are sustaining hundreds of jobs, income for local suppliers, and lasting economic benefits for the regions.

Mr Klein is a strong advocate about the future of mining in NSW, including the need for greater productivity for Australia to remain competitive and the need to foster the next generation of talent in mining.

In accepting the award, Mr Klein said, “The mining industry is the backbone of Australia’s economy and one that I’m extremely proud to be a part of, having had the good fortune to build my career in the gold mining sector. It offers so much opportunity and potential for our country.

This is evidenced by the success of Evolution Mining, which evolved from humble beginnings to being a globally relevant gold mining business with a reputation of delivering value for all stakeholders.”

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by this award. It is testament to the many great people who I’ve been fortunate to work with across my career including our outstanding team at Evolution Mining.”

“I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the NSW mining industry,” Mr Klein said.

Contact: Brad Emery | bemery@nswmining.com.au | 0450620254 | 02 9274 1400