He noted that most Australian gold producers were averaging all-in sustaining costs of $A950-1050 an ounce, while gold had jumped back up to around $1600/oz.

Northern Star Resources reported costs below the lower end of its guidance, while a record quarter for Evolution Mining saw it improve its full-year cost and production guidance.

Regis Resources – which Giorgetta is a director and former chairman of – reported cashflow of nearly $50 million and declared an early 4c per share dividend, while OceanaGold Corporation beat its 2015 guidance.

“Strong disciplined management are driving excellent business outcomes and creating sustainable investment opportunities for the medium to longer term and should be congratulated,” Giorgetta said.

He noted improved consistency in results had allowed gold miners to pursue expansions.

Doray Minerals and Saracen Mineral Holdings are both looking to bring on new mines (Deflector and Thunderbox respectively) by the end of the financial year.

Giorgetta noted that majors Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group had also delivered strong productivity gains in iron ore.

“Managers of other commodity based mines continue to also deliver strong economic efficiencies and the resources industry is presenting itself as lean, focused and efficient,” he said.

This year, the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum will be held on August 1-3 in Kalgoorlie.

“Diggers and Dealers remains committed to delivering the highest quality resources investment forum held in Australia annually and looks forward to announcing another highly qualified international key note speaker 24 February 2016,” Giorgetta said.