The mining family in Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of Roy Woodall, a mining industry great whose working life was dedicated to the science of mineral exploration and mine development.
In recognising his contribution, Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum said that he and his teams at the time were instrumental in the discovery and development of many of Australia’s commercially important mineral deposits.
These included Kambalda, Western Australia (nickel, the 1960s), Yeelirrie, Western Australia (uranium, 1971), Olympic Dam, South Australia (copper, uranium, gold, 1975) and Ernest Henry, Queensland (gold and copper, 1991).
Three of these deposits – Kambalda, Yeelirrie and Olympic Dam - are ore deposits the like of which had never previously been found anywhere in the world.
Olympic Dam discovery
Forum chairman Jim Walker said: “Roy's greatest legacy to the resources industry is no doubt the discovery of Olympic Dam.
“The discovery revealed the fourth largest copper deposit in the world, the largest uranium deposit in the world, and the largest gold deposit found in Australia.”
Roy Woodall was a recipient of the annual Diggers & Dealers GJ Stokes Memorial Award in 2000 for his enormous contribution and dedication to the advancement of the resources industry.
“Staunch supporter”
"Even in retirement Roy remained a staunch supporter of the mining industry and was one of its key supporters through his attendance at Diggers & Dealers, along with his wife Barbara," Walker said.
"Roy could be found deep in conversation with his fellow geologists at almost every Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum over the event's 29-year history.
"We were privileged to hear Roy speak at the 2018 gala dinner when he was inducted into the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Walk of Fame.
"The Woodalls are considered part of the Diggers family and we will miss Roy dearly in the years ahead.
"Diggers & Dealers extends its condolences to Barbara and their family," Walker added.