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The remoteness of Kalgoorlie and a long waiting list for accommodation led to renewed calls for the conference to be shifted to Perth.
Speaking ahead of the start of the conference, Walker said holding the event in Kalgoorlie was part of its appeal.
"Holding the event in Kalgoorlie ensures that delegates are fully engaged with the conference," he said.
"This is the reason why the event is known for its networking opportunities and cannot be missed by serious industry participants.
"Delegates are able to hear directly from CEOs on the performance of their companies and projects, as well as connecting with the decision-makers in the resources industry."
The location hasn't deterred delegates with a record 2620 people registering for the three-day event.
Opening the 31st edition of Diggers this morning, Walker noted the forced absence of delegates outside Western Australia for the past two years due to the global pandemic and said Diggers would be a great opportunity to catch up.
Walker also used his welcome address to pay tribute to one of Kalgoorlie's favourite sons, the late Ausdrill founder Ron Sayers.
Sayers, winner of the 2018 GJ Stokes Memorial Award at Diggers, died in May after a battle with stomach cancer.
