St Barbara controls a large area of tenements immediately south of Meekatharra (the Bluebird area). Mining and processing at Bluebird operations ceased in 2004. Western Australia introduced a royalty on gold production of 1.25% from July 1998. The royalty increased to 2.5% in July 2000 at gold prices above A$450/oz; remaining at 1.25% if the price is below A$450/oz. In the accompanying analysis we have assumed an effective royalty rate of 1.875% for calendar 2000, and 2.5% for 2001 onwards.