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Norton, Phoenix strike ore deal

Norton entertains

Fresh from entertaining Mines Minister Bill Marmion at its Paddington mine 45km north of Kalgoorlie yesterday, Norton Gold Fields exercised a long-held option to process ore from Phoenix Gold's nearby Castle Hill project.

The deal helps Phoenix get into production for a minimal outlay, and lets Norton keep its hungry Paddington mill full.

Sachs scuttled

Among the usual throng of investment bankers looking for a deal, Goldman Sachs is a noteable no-show.

Apparently the New York giant pulped its team's travel plans because evening entertainment at Diggers often happens in the presence of skimpies.

Award angst amps up

Excitement is building ahead of tonight's awards extravaganza.

One deal contender is flying his wife to Kalgoorlie, and there is talk another nominee is preparing for a rare visit to the conference.

AngloGold Ashanti last night showcased its gold jewellery-wearing models, hoping to tonight be crowned Digger for its Tropicana mine.

The worthy winner of the Stokes memorial award, meanwhile, has been busy running around the marquee, as has the media winner who is struggling to contain his excitement.

The excitement obviously also got the better of Diggers skimpy John Langford, who handed a female friend what he thought were his car keys. They were, in fact, his hotel room keys.

Lord King lucks out

Former Bank of England boss Mervyn King has long departed Kalgoorlie but not before trying his hand at Diggers' exclusive putting green, behind the portaloos.

Our spies say Lord King of Lothbury was a deft hand but narrowly failed to sink the ball.