WA's peak exploration body says the future of the state's gold mining industry hinges upon finding new deposits.
Many of WA's gold mines have ageing reserves and rapidly declining ore quality.
Simon Bennison from the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) says many miners struggle to explore in greenfield areas because of the huge costs involved.
Mr Bennison says the Federal Government must implement an incentive scheme to help miners, if the industry is to exist in ten years time.
