I am sure words will fail me but... What do you say about someone like Pete. A loyal friend. A true friend. My Best Man. A friend who when you haven't seen him for a while, when you did finally catch up, it was like it was only yesterday you last saw him. He loved his family. He loved Amanda and Jameson so much. So very much. Pete loved life. He lived it big. He worked hard and I was in awe of his achievements. I am so sad that he is gone. Way too soon. He will never be forgotten though. Amanda and JT, Tom and Aileen I am sending you love and strength and deep condolences. I feel Pete's loss deeply. I wish it wasn't so. For you Pete I will make sure I connect more to the people that I love. That's what you did. Rest in peace friend.

I have been quite active with mining companies in Africa for many years (Moto Gold Mines, Sarama Resources, Perseus Mining... and would see Peter at all the usual mining events, Indaba, BMO, Denver.... We worked together in a joint venture at Sarama and i am shocked and deeply saddened by this news.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Full of life taken far too young.
May his soul rest in peace. A reminder to the rest of us: Carpe Diem.

I met Peter soon after starting my career and I was taken aback by someone who was so consistently giving with his time and expertise. He was a great guy who was always so genuine and a lot of fun to be around.

Peter was great in his field and an even more phenomenal human being; it was a privilege to get to know him. My deepest condolences to his family, the world is a lot poorer without him.

Peter has been a colleague and a very close friend of mine! His energy and sense of humor will be missed. My heart goes out to Amanda and Jameson. May God Rest His Soul in Eternal Peace - Amen.

My uncle Pete the first time we met I was put on duty by Aunty Amanda to see if the family would approve of you. Uncle Pete you exceeded expectations.I watched you work your but off pulling beers at an RSL club to pay for your degree from there I watched you grow into the great geologist you are.
You never stopped working so hard for your family.your passion for sport from soccer to the gallops to fishing. The thing that sticks out the most is that you always had time for your family or peers such a loving man to all.
We had such a lovely time on our family holidays whether it be at Culburra beach or over seas you were always the life of the party.The whole family would luv to put shit on you for not being a morning person or getting an answer when your were watching tv or asked if you would like a morning coffee you grunted well.
Uncle Pete you will be sadly missed by me Gail your god son Kai and Lane Fisher
But Never Ever forgotten

It’s so sad that once of the nice guys in mining has left us so soon. He gave everyone time and was so passionate about geology and his job. He will be sorely missed. RIP.

You could always hear Peter before you saw him; he was a force of nature and seemed to tackle everything he did with all his heart. I met Peter in Tanzania when he first arrived into Africa and remember listening to his stories about the Serengeti and wrestling with lions. That was the start of many stories and many moments that can’t help but make you smile.

Peter was a very decent person with many qualities. I have always found his love for his family inspiring. Amanda and Jameson I hope that all the love Peter had for you will give you the courge and strength to get past this difficult time. We are all lucky to have had Peter in our lives. He was an inspiring and unique man.

Thank you for the smiles and inspiration Peter. I’ll toast your birthday today, in celebration of your life.

With love. Claire

I first met Peter back to 2006 and worked with him for +7 years in the Barrick Projects in Tanzania. I'm deeply saddened to hear the sudden and untimely death of Peter. He was a true friend and great advocate for diversity and a big supporter and mentor in the in the industry. With his uniquely positive outlook, generosity of spirit and distinctive personality, Peter will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. My thoughts and heartfelt wishes are with Peter's family at this incredible sad time

I first met Pete in early 2007 when making my first trip to Tanzania. He and Jameson picked up Dave Brookes and myself at the airport and took us directly to their home (Amanda was hardly unpacked) for dinner and the first of many drinks together! What a beginning to the next nearly ten years working with Pete on land related issues in Africa. Many, many memories of this high energy guy; his intense love for Amanda and Jameson; for rocks - and his pushing all of us who worked with him to reach farther and commit more.  My sympathy to the family and to the many friends who will miss him so much. But - the spirit lives on. We were blessed to have known him.

I am lucky enough to say that I remember very clearly my first interaction with the Great Peter Spora, in November 2014. I had just accepted a job to come and work with him at Acacia, in London. My role was to do mergers & acquisitions for the company. I knew that Peter and I would be working closely together, and we had never met before. So I set up a phone call, a few weeks before I was meant to start my job. My only goal for the call was to say hello, tell him who I was, and that I looked forward to working together.

You can imagine my surprise when he answered the phone, skipped all the pleasantries, and immediately launched into a comprehensive review of every single gold mine in Africa, from memory. Without pausing for breath, he spent 25 minutes talking about the pros and cons of every one, and which ones we should acquire. And he wasn't blowing hot air - he had personally been to most of these places.

So I scrambled around to find a scrap of paper and a pen to take notes with, as I had thought this was going to be five minutes of "hello, nice to meet you".

Once the comprehensive review had finished, he said he had to go, and hung up. I was left dumbfounded, like I had just been hit by a tornado. Or I guess I should say, a Spornado.


A few weeks later, I moved to London. I hardly knew anyone there, and hardly knew the city. Within a couple of days of meeting me in person, Peter invited me over for dinner. He and Amanda made a wonderful meal, we had some lovely wine, and Jameson showed off his prowess with his musical instrument. After too many beverages, it was time to go home.


I think these two stories sum up the essence of Peter Spora. He was unbelievably passionate and knowledgeable, which made him amazing at his job. But he was also extremely generous and welcoming. He poured love into everything - his family (first and foremost), his job, his friends, and even strangers (as I was at the time).

I went on to become close colleagues, and then friends, with Peter, and then Amanda and Jameson too. I will remember him always as a larger-than-life character who is a role model for valuing the right things in life.

Much love to you, Peter, wherever you are now.


Graham

Apart from having started the day off at 5:30 in the morning, what an amazing day Peter and I shared together.

The previous night, Peter and my mother had been talking about hiking and how one of them had left the other before they could both wake up. Peter showed me this app where he had tracked his last few hikes and asked me jokingly if I would join him for a hike. To his surprise, I agreed. We spent the rest of dinner planning our route through the mountains of the South of France in pursuit of a beautifully cold river.

The next day, fully prepared, we thought the hike would take us about 4 hours in total but it turned out that we were very, very wrong. The entire hike was over 8 hours and was filled with densely packed brambles, thorns and fences to jump over.

However we did eventually find what we were looking for, a canyon-like little spot where we could swim underneath a small waterfall.

Even though after we had gotten back to the house with our arms and legs bleeding from the walk, I consider this to be one of the best days of my life.

Happy Birthday Peter

Ever since first meeting Peter in Tanzania c. 2010 he exuded warmth and friendship. He always went out of his way to make others feel included and part of the group. His great presence was felt by many. His energy and enthusiasm for life and work was infectious. I`m so glad I had the chance to know him and to share some good times with him again this year. Too many great stories to share here... Peter - gone way too soon.... you will be missed. Simon, Alex & Family x

Few expat geologists, and even fewer mining executives have backed up their interest in Africa’s mineral resources with their interest and support of Africa’s human resources. Peter nurtured local talent wherever he worked, investing his time, but mostly just letting his unlimited enthusiasm for the continent and its people show. He will be missed.

He may be gone, but his legacy will shine bright on the continent he loved.

On behalf of all of us at Trimble I would like to give my condolences to his family, friends and the Golden Star team.

I hadn't known Peter that long but had met on a few occasions and also had the pleasure of imbibing a few jars on an evening session in a pub in London last year. I have also had the privilege of working with him on a couple of occasions and can safely say that in 40 years of being in the mining industry I struggle to remember a nicer and more genuine person crossing my path. Not only that, but he was also smart! A tragic loss not only to his family and friends but, to the wider industry in general as we could do with a lot more like him.

Peter - first things first: happy birthday! I think it is safe to say that the wine, beer, scotch and tears will be flowing in equal measure in many corners of the world today as we all say our own thank you to you for being part of our lives.

How can I begin to sum up the part that you represent of me, my family and our lives since you burst into them? I know that we are already feeling the loss really deeply and I think that is because we knew you were one of a kind and we were instinctively drawn to you because it made us feel good to be with you. I don't feel any time we spent together was ever wasted, whether it was talking sport over a coffee, at site somewhere in Africa, cycling down a country lane or sitting around a table with friends and family. You taught me so much about the industry but more importantly than that you taught me to be a better person, to see that a dedicated professional could also make sure that friends and family knew how much he loved them. Whenever you spoke about Amanda and Jameson, and the family back in Australia, the pride was just burning in your eyes and bursting out of your chest.

There are so many memories of you etched in brilliant, bright, vivid colours in my memory and the memories of so many others that will always bring a smile to our faces whenever we think of you. Hopefully, you are sitting with a beer to hand, a smile on your face and keeping our steaks warm on the barbie.

Thinking of you, Peter.

Peter will be missed. He has left us all too soon. Life is precious and he has made us all remember that. My thoughts go out to his family in this very difficult time.

Such sad news. Always fond memories of Peter from the early days on rigs out the back of Kalgoorlie 25 years ago to years and years in Africa and too many wines in the Qantas Club lounge. Pete lit up the room with a big smile and even bigger handshake. Will miss you mate.

To all who knew Peter, he was widely respected and tremendously loved. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered, and these pages bring back great memories. Godspeed my friend. B

Peter was one of the warmest people I’ve been lucky enough to meet in the industry. His generosity of spirit and positivity made him stand out and the wonderful tributes here and elsewhere are testament to that. My deepest condolences to his family.

We had the pleasure of meeting Pete and and hanging out at various times over the last 20 or so years as our lives crossed paths amongst this small world - Pete's gregarious and larger than life personality was endearing and will be greatly missed. Most memorable for us was spending time together touring southern Chile during the start of our honeymoon. We had so many good laughs with Pete, Rob, Robbie and Tony on that trip that will never be forgotten. You'll forever be in our hearts Pedro and our sincerest condolences to Amanda and Jameson.

Love, Lee, Sherry, Lexie and Jake. xo

Peter will be so sorely missed. Such a great guy. I’ve never seen such wonderful and heartfelt tributes from colleagues in the industry. A very talented and generous man. 

Amanda and Peter were the first parents who welcomed us as soon as we arrived in London. We immediately found harmony with them in the pleasure of enjoying good food and wine. Peter's playfulness and cheerfulness have always filled our evenings with joy. He will always remain in our hearts. Sei andato via troppo presto ..ci mancherai. Marica Mario e Luca

When I think about Peter, I think about a lovely bloke who was great at bringing other people together. I first met him about 10 years ago when I was very junior in the mining industry and right from the beginning he always made the time to say hello, making me feel welcome and included wherever we were. Last year we set up monthly drinks for people in the industry, with another friend of ours, and we regularly got 30 or 40 people coming along of all ages and backgrounds. Peter was always at the centre of the fun - welcoming newcomers to the fold, sharing his years of experience and buying round after round of drinks for the "Spora's explorers" even though everyone kept trying to buy him a beer instead! His passing is a huge loss and he'll be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Peter and sending lots of love to Amanda and the rest of his family xx

We met Peter and Amanda in La Plagne 9 years ago through our children. I can still remember the moment Peter came over and introduced himself. Peter was a giant of a man in character. He was engaging, charismatic, hilarious and generous. Amanda and Peter always struck me as true soul mates and their love will endure. A fantastic father and role model. Amanda and Jameson you are in our thoughts. Rest in peace Peter you wonderful man. All our love Simon, Angela, Marcus and Alex.

I met Peter only three years ago when him and I joined La Mancha, me just starting in mining and not knowing anything about it. What a mentor, and what an example he set for me. Larger than life, passionate, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, not enough adjectives come to mind. For all of us who work too much, he also set the example of a true renaissance man, eclectic, bon vivant who had many lives beyond his work, with his horses, his cooking and most importantly in his devotion to Amanda and Jameson. Peter you have marked your print on La Mancha and on each of us. Salut l'Artiste!

I met Peter for the first time during my time at Barrick/Acacia in the late 2000's and he was partly the reason for joining GSR about a year ago. His boundless energy, passion for rocks, sense of adventure and his love for his family were infectious and always on display. Peter was genuine man that truly cared for others and went out of his way to make all of us feel welcome and respected. Amanda/Jameson - I can not imagine dealing with the pain of losing a wonderful and loving husband and father. May you rest peace brother! God bless. H 

Mr Spora was a great human. Full of energy and a sincere human. He was a top rate professional whose discoveries continue to drive wealth creation on many continents. This is benefiting shareholders and countries alike. May the family and loved ones find peace during this difficult time. Kind regards Wello

I first met Peter when Amanda and I had taken over a room in her house in Western Australia and we were sewing dance costumes. I loved his sense of humor and wit... Staying with the family during those UK holidays have given me such wonderful memories. Peter was always on the go, but would take time to talk about your day and share his stories with you. My last memory of him will be sitting in the lounge room with Amanda, Peter, Giulles and the dogs, and singing along to the start of NCIS New Orleans. RIP Peter.

Peter was always full of life and we enjoyed many a match at the Millennium Stadium cheering on our favorite team against a common foe. He was an example to us all of how to look on the bright side of things and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my friend.

Peter and my paths crossed only a few times over the years through work but those times stick out in my memory because his passion, his energy, his enthusiasm were so infectious and he had such a wonderful reputation both professionally and personally. I was very much looking forward to the opportunity of working with him as part of the team at GSR in the new year. His time was cut way too short, and my thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends and colleagues and all who grieve for him now.

Such terrible news. Peter was always a joy to meet and livened up even the most boring business meeting with his energy, passion, intelligence and sense of fun. All of which shone through even brighter at the bar afterwards! He’ll be sorely missed.

I had the pleasure of meeting Peter several years ago at one of the many industry conferences. We had several great conversations. He was such a lovely person, genuine. He was also full of life, outlasting almost everyone at the many post conference events. He will be dearly missed.

My deepest condolences go out to his family.

This is truly sad news and I'm really saddened to hear of Peter's passing. It was always a pleasure to meet Peter, this was usually at conferences, networking events or social evenings. He was always pleased to see you and happy to spend time and chat. My thoughts are with his wife and family and this impossibly difficult time.

Peter was my work colleague in Tanzania. He was one of life’s true gentlemen and was very passionate about his job and his family. He was a charming, charismatic, genuine, caring, remarkable person, had an infectious laugh and a fabulously positive outlook on life in general. Amanda and Jameson, I’m sad you have lost such a gem of a person. Please know that his memory will live on through you both and the many people around the world that were blessed to have known him

I first met Peter in the late 90’s as a colleague, who instantly became a friend. We played soccer in the same teams for several years. His competitive spirit and intensity were inspirational, but so was his ability to switch off after games and have a beer and a laugh with mates.
Our paths diverged over the years but we kept in touch wherever our paths crossed. Our family admired the genuine pride and love he had for Amanda and Jameson when we'd reconnect.
Peter was the life of the party wherever he went. He was a great guy who everybody loved to be around. Energetic, gregarious and passionate about whatever he was involved in. He had a huge presence and an infectious laugh.  We will truly miss our friend. Someone so special can never be forgotten.

Rob, Karen, Dylan, Jasmin and Alex

It all began way back when we were 16 years old. I remember this effervescent, lively boy who used to ride his bike every Sunday evening to mass. Many friendships already existed within the Antioch community but it wasnt long and Amanda, you and I became the best of friends. So many great times were had with holidays to Noumea, Perth, and weekends away to Culburra, the hunter valley, Friday night tennis was always fun ( highly competitive), drama productions, to buying homes, to watching you grow and achieve in your education and career. The Ford Family nurtured your talents to help you shine in all that you did.
Although its been years since we've actually caught up the memories will remain forever.
You and Amanda have a love which is eternal. Definitely soul mates who were always destined to be together.
Fly high my friend. Earth has lost a legend but heaven has gained a shining star.
RIP PS ♥️

This is very sad news. I worked with Peter in the same organization Acacia Mining at Bulyanhulu, despite being a Senior Leader Peter was a down to earth person interacting with almost everyone. He will always give me a huge when he arrives/visit the mine. May condolences to the family. 

I will miss you Peter. May your soul rest in peace

The first time I met Peter it was in the house he just moved to with Amanda and Jameson. It was fathers day. Peter was in his usual good spirits. There were quite a few friends over. We had a couple of beers and of course bbq. That was the beginning of a friendship in which we shared a few holidays in France and in Switzerland and many celebrations. Going through our whatsapp history I find 16 photographs of large pieces of meat, mostly beef, a few wonderful bottles and one work of art (Leger in Bar Masa, NYC). Peter was always very driven, competitive and a good sport. His love for his family, work, travel, food, wine and sports will be missed.

A traveller of the world, a traveller through our life’s and a traveller through our hearts. Everywhere you went you left an intense impression, of passion, gregariousness and drive. Thanks for cooking breakfast, for taking Bruno to Africa, for your hospitality, for your perspectives, for your BBQ lessons, for your friendship. Although your last travel is too early and too far, may it be rich and peaceful. You will always be in our hearts dear Peter. X

I had the privilege of meeting Peter on several occasions and spending a few brilliant nights out in London with him. The man was an absolute legend and one of the best geologists I have ever come across. He will be dearly missed by all and thoughts continue to be with Amanda and Jameson.

I feel truly grateful that my path crossed Peter's; beyond the incredible team member he was, I found Peter's thoughtfulness towards others very touching; he always had time for a chat and was quick to offer his help in every possible way, including when we settled in London. He was an epicurean whose appetite for life resonated high and loud and a sincere, generous man who will be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences go to Amanda and Jameson.

I met Peter 14 years ago the time at BULYANHULU gold mine , me and my brother always had constant chat with him in regards to various social issue being rugby or any other sports , he had always being down to earth person and always approachable when you require guidance , we always new he is only a phone call away for any advice

We will surely miss him and our heartfelt condolences to the family

From
Jiten and Ritesh Divecha and Family

Peter the legend: we first met in the Lounge at Heathrow... drinking champagne which continued as we tore up Porto.

Over fine food, fine wine and many many laughs in just two years we considered Peter a wonderful friend. His cooking was something that made me insanely happy, coupled only by how funny he was.

Whether it was one of his famous Zoom parties or in person, Peter’s infectious sense of joy is something which we all caught.

I met Peter through my wife Angela who worked for Peter at Acacia mining. Peter and I became friends almost immediately and have remained close ever since. Our shared love of BBQ’s, food, cooking, wine, golf, F1, Rugby and the list goes on meant we always had fun together. Peter’s energy and love of life was infectious and put a smile on my face every time we were together. The world has been robbed of a beautiful sole. I’m going to miss you my friend but you will forever remain in my heart. Amanda & Jameson, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m lost for words. Sending you both tons of love.

I met Peter when I was 12 or 13 through his beautiful wife Amanda who was my drama teacher. I have been in and out of contact with them both since then and I am now 40. They have been more important to my adult character then they could know. I'm at a complete loss for words and my heart aches for Amanda and Jameson. All my prayers and love to Peter's family xxx

Peter approached everything in life at 100% if not more. His passion and energy for geology, the mining industry and every person in it will forever be an inspiration to me. It didn’t matter whether we were kicking rocks in the field, heading underground or meeting with investors and fund managers at a conference his knowledge was extraordinary and generously shared. My sincere condolences to Amanda and Jameson, I can barely comprehend your loss. Peter’s love of life was amazing and I will miss him, and his cooking lessons, always.

I met Amanda and Peter in Tanzania, must have been around 2010. I was impressed to see what a loving couple they were and have always been and Jameson their son. I am so shocked with the news of Peter’s passing and cannot imagine what Amanda and Jameson are going through right now. The loss of a loving husband and father and to me and all my friends, we will miss Peter very much. I am so happy to have met someone like him and he will forever remain in all our hearts. Dear Peter rest in eternal peace.

I had only met Peter on a couple of occasions but he was a genuinely nice and sincere fellow. My condolences to his family, co workers and friends.