IN THE NEWS
Name the things that influence your perception of Perth and beautiful weather, fine wine, sand and surf probably spring to mind.
But Australia's fourth largest city can also claim to be one of the world's most important centres for gold.
According to The Perth Mint's Bron Suchecki, it's something that a lot of people don't realise about "little old Perth".
Earlier today, Bron highlighted some of Perth's golden credentials on ABC 720's Breakfast Show with Eoin Cameron (listen here).
Following up Bron's thought, here's a list of compelling reasons why Perth should be considered a top city for gold.
Picture: JJ Harrison
Nine reasons why Perth really is Australia's golden city
Did you know?
. The Western Australian capital became the home of Australia's official bullion coin program when the Federal Government officially licenced the historic Perth Mint as exclusive manufacturer in 1986.
. Last year alone, the Mint made and sold internationally nearly 4.2 million coins from pure gold, silver and platinum.
. Around 90% of the Mint's turnover is generated from exports of bullion, making it one of Western Australia's largest exporters.
. Australia is the world's second largest gold producer, but Western Australia dominates production with huge open cut mines including Kalgoorlie and Boddington, both convenient to Perth.
. The Perth Mint refinery is the largest precious metal refining operation in the Southern Hemisphere.
. It processes Australia's entire gold mine output, around 300 tonnes annually worth about $15 billion.
. About $3.5 billion of bullion is managed by The Perth Mint's depository.
. This precious metal is held securely on behalf of investors from America (50%), Australia (25%) and Asia/Europe (25%), who value Perth's reputation as a safe and secure location for their assets.
. In 2012, Perth made international headlines when skilled craftsmen and women at the Mint successfully created the world's largest legal tender coin - a solid gold Australian Kangaroo that weighed in at just over one tonne.
