[1] WMC's strategy was to use the newly emerging sciences of mining geology and related geochemistry and geophysics to find new gold deposits.

[2][3] WMC began operations in Western Australia in December 1933 when it commenced an extensive aerial survey of the Eastern Goldfields.

[4] It acquired its first profitable mining operation in June 1935 when it took an option over a new gold discovery at Cox's Find, 43 miles northwest of Laverton.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission and Foreign Investment Review Board both approved the deal, however a number of people (including members of the Government) expressed concerns due to the economic (and strategic) importance of the Olympic Dam mine resources, and the reputation of Xstrata and its major shareholder, Glencore.

[13] The company name was later subsumed by the BHP Billiton corporate identity, and a significant name in Australian mining history ceased to be used.