KALGOORLIE -- The opening of another gold mine this week in the rich fields of Western Australia's Pilbarra is a triumph of the symbiotic partnership between the Fujian-based Zijin and its Australian partner Norton, as shared knowledge and expertise literally prove their worth in gold.

The 89 percent Zijin-owned Norton Gold Fields, Ltd. opened its latest open cut gold mine, Enterprise, Tuesday, in a spectacular turnaround for the Australian gold miner, which was all but dead in the water when Zijin came knocking in August last year.

With rich synergies and complimentary ambitions, Zijin took control of Norton Gold Fields following a 229 million AU dollar bid, using the Perth-based company as a foothold in the Pilbarra to further acquisitions and joint venture opportunities.

Full ore production in the mine is expected in November 2013, when gold will be produced at an average rate of 110,000 ounces per annum.

The move suggests that forward looking Chinese operations with low cost capital and high technological capacities are stepping up activity in the global gold sector, just as many of the bigger Western operations are reining in spending in the wake of a 13 percent drop in gold prices since December 2012.

The latest mine to feed Norton's Paddington mill fulfills Zijin's commitment to boost production, reduce unit costs and increase stakeholders' value. Previously, Norton forecast gold output of 154,000 ounces to 162,000 ounces this calendar year from its Paddington mine in Western Australia.

In standing with the company's strategy to increase production and gold resources at the same time as trimming operating costs, the Australian unit of China's biggest gold producer, has indicated strong interest in three Barrick Gold Corp mines, reflecting strong confidence in the gold's prospects despite a recent drop in prices.

The base load Enterprise mine comes online as a further investment of 38 million AU dollars ramps up Norton's transition to an owner operator model providing the gold producer with a new fleet including Hitache 3600's and Caterpillar earthmovers which will be utilized at Enterprise.

Norton's 2013 capital spending requirements at the 3.3 million ton per annum Paddington operation has been backed with a galvanizing 105 million U.S. dollars Zijin credit facility, capital commitment "and set up growth for this area for many years to come."

Norton is now positioned to fund ongoing exploration programs and to explore further acquisition opportunities. Norton last month indicated its intention to acquire smaller rival Kalgoorlie Mining Co. for up to 14.9 million AU dollars.

The KMC plunge reflects Norton's CEO Chen Dianming's vision of becoming a globally recognized gold producer.

"Our recent takeover offer for KMC supports our vision to be a leading, long-term gold producer in Western Australia and part of our growth efficiency strategy. We remain focused on reducing operating costs and increasing our production," Dr. Chen said.

Enterprise is expected to deliver five years of solid production and 150 million AU dollars injection into the local community.

The Fujian province based Zijin, with its strong research and technical background, has shown its readiness to stake a claim in the competitive global gold industry with a commitment to push into foreign ventures.

Paddington General Manager Cullum Winn told Xinhua that Zijin and Norton were 'cross-pollinating when it comes to sharing technology.

"It's been a remarkable partnership." Winn said.

Behind Norton's strategy is consistent global interest and rising demand for gold in China, which is currently outstripping supply.

China produced around 410 metric tons of gold in 2012, but consumed nearly 800 tons. The Asian economy is the world's biggest producer of the precious metal, ahead of Australia.

Chen knows Barrick's Australian assets well. He worked in Australia for Barrick Gold through 2007, including a stint as a manager at the Darlot mine.

An offer by Norton for the mines would be another major milestone by a management team that has been praised for its natural harmony and close working relationship.

Norton has a market value of 137 million AU dollars while Zijin, listed in Hong Kong and Shanghai, has a market value of around 10 billion AU dollars.

A successful takeover of KMC will see Zijin's stake in Norton fall to around 81 percent and the Chinese company is happy to dilute its holding further via future deals to improve the broaden Norton's shareholder base, Chen said.

"Zijin is in the stage to grow their business internationally and, given the current market, maybe it is a good time for expanding further in Australia," Chen said.