AN ELDERLY man spent a cold night lost in bushland 70km north of Kalgoorlie after becoming disorientated while collecting firewood.
The 67-year-old turned up safe and well on Monday morning when he wandered into a local nickel mine.
Kalgoorlie police Sergeant Louis Williams said the man left his wife at their car to get some firewood, near Davyhurst mine.
She became concerned when he had not returned and about 2.30pm she called police.
Sgt Williams said police and the SES conducted a ground search of bushland.
The search was called off Sunday night for safety reasons but the man’s wife and police officer waited at the car overnight.
Sgt Williams said dense bushland made it difficult for officers to see 10-15 metres ahead despite the aid of torches.
An SES plane joined the search on Monday morning.