Conference organizer Symposium for the first time presented the Precious Metals Industry Hall of Fame award at its Industry Awards Gala Dinner in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 11.

The award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the precious metals industry over the years.

The inaugural Precious Metals Industry Hall of Fame award, which was presented at the end of the two-day Precious Metals Investment Symposium, went to Don Mackay-Coghill, chairman of Gold Corp., operator of The Perth Mint.

South Africa-born Mackay-Coghill was responsible for the introduction of the Krugerrand, a South African gold coin first minted in 1967, to world markets, which created the first global market for bullion coins.

He emigrated to Western Australia in 1986 to take up the CEO position with GoldCorp Australia as well as the role of managing director for the Western Australian Mint, now known as The Perth Mint.

During his 17 years at the helm, Mackay-Coghill launched several new products for The Perth Mint, including the Australian government’s Precious Metals Coin Program, which saw the release of the flagship Australian nugget.

Mackay-Coghill has served as the chairman of Gold Corp. since July 1, 2015.