Perth’s Biggest Nugget!

One of the largest gold nuggets ever discovered has gone on display at The Perth Mint.

Newmont Mining Corporation’s Normandy Nugget, which was found in a dry stream bed near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in 1995, can now be seen up close in the Mint’s fascinating Gold Exhibition.

Weighing in at 25.5 kilograms, it is the second largest nugget in the world today having escaped being melted down, and is the 26th largest gold nugget ever discovered.

The nugget has an intrinsic value of approximately AU$800,000 at today’s gold price, but its uniqueness and historical significance means it would doubtless fetch much more.

“It is a coup for the 100,000- plus people who visit our Gold Exhibition annually to be able to see this important cultural and heritage asset symbolising almost 160 years of gold discoveries in Australia,” Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer, Ed Harbuz said.

Normandy Mining, now part of Newmont Australia, purchased the nugget in 2000 after the Commonwealth Government objected to attempts by its finder to sell the culturally significant object overseas. It was brought home with the aim of ensuring it remained in Australia for all to see and admire.

Since then, it has been displayed at museums around the world including Denver and Tokyo before Newmont agreed to a long-term loan to the historic Perth Mint.

Newmont’s Normandy Nugget can be seen in The Perth Mint Gold Exhibition, open weekdays between 9.00am and 5.00pm, and on weekends and public holidays between 9.00am and 1.00pm. Standard adult entry $15; children (4 – 15 years) $5; family pass (2 adults and 2 children) $38. Telephone (08) 9421 7223 for tour information and bookings.