MaxMine Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

MaxMine, established in 2015 and headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, is a technology company specializing in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of open-pit mining operations. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), automated data processing, and military-grade Internet of Things (IoT) technology, MaxMine provides comprehensive solutions that capture, process, and analyze mining operational data. This approach enables mining operators to make informed decisions, leading to increased productivity and reduced environmental impact.

Mission and Vision

Vision: Accelerating the sustainability of humanity’s scarce resources.

Purpose: Delivering enhanced productivity and tangible improvements to open-cut mine operations.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

MaxMine is dedicated to transforming mining operations by focusing on:

Operational Efficiency: Utilizing advanced data analytics to optimize mining processes.

Safety Enhancement: Implementing technologies that monitor and improve safety standards.

Environmental Sustainability: Reducing carbon emissions through data-driven insights and operator behavior optimization.

Areas of Specialization

The company specializes in:

Data Analytics: Processing vast amounts of operational data to identify improvement opportunities.

AI and Machine Learning: Developing algorithms that automate data analysis and provide actionable insights.

IoT Integration: Deploying sensors and hardware to collect real-time data from mining equipment.

Primary Markets

MaxMine serves open-pit mining operations globally, with deployments in Australia, Africa, and North America. Clients include multinational mining firms and local operators such as NRW Holdings, Macmahon, First Quantum Minerals, and Kinross Gold.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In May 2021, Viburnum Funds, a specialist industrial investor, acquired a 25% stake in MaxMine. This investment aimed to accelerate the market penetration of MaxMine's flagship product and support the company's growth strategy.

Utilization of Capital

The capital infusion from Viburnum Funds has been directed towards:

Product Development: Enhancing existing technologies and developing new solutions.

Market Expansion: Extending the company's reach into new geographic regions and client segments.

Talent Acquisition: Building a team of experts to support growth and innovation.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

MaxMine's technology platform comprises several key components:

MaxMine Hardware: Custom-built sensors and devices that capture, store, and process data from mining equipment.

MaxCube: A cloud-based server that utilizes AI to cleanse, organize, and verify incoming data, transforming it into structured datasets for real-time reporting and analysis.

MaxHub: An intuitive online interface that allows users to analyze and visualize data, providing actionable improvement priorities in real-time.

MaxValue: A service that links data-driven insights to tangible real-world impact, promoting sustainable operator behavior changes through gamification and coaching.

Scientific Methodologies

MaxMine employs advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to automate data analysis and activity classification, ensuring data accuracy and reducing human error. This approach enables the company to process up to 10,000 times more data than traditional fleet management systems.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Coert du Plessis – Chief Executive Officer

Coert leads digital and data change initiatives, leveraging his extensive experience in scaling technology companies. His background includes roles as a senior partner on Big Data with Deloitte and data change leader for a major resources company. Coert holds qualifications in information systems and is a chartered accountant.

Jamie Foale – Head of Site Operations

A founding member of MaxMine, Jamie has over nine years of experience in industrial energy efficiency and project implementation across various sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from the University of Adelaide and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Energy Studies) from Murdoch University.

Shaun Mitchell – Chief Operating Officer

Shaun brings a wealth of experience in scaling global technology companies across industries such as construction, digital media, and defense. His expertise includes operational excellence, AI implementation, and corporate governance.

Matthew Long – Director and General Manager

Joining MaxMine in 2017, Matthew has over a decade of experience in the mining, oil and gas, and construction sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical) from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Ben Chartier – Head of Product Development

With ten years of experience in developing technology-enabled solutions for various industries, Ben leads MaxMine's product development across IoT, cloud services, and algorithm development. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide.

Board of Directors

Tom Cawley – Executive Chair

With over 25 years of experience in business, innovation, technology, and energy, Tom founded MaxMine in 2015. His background includes roles in automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and mining.

Robin Schleich – Director

Robin has 14 years of experience in operational improvement and line management across various industries. He holds degrees in Environmental Sciences and has led major transformations in multiple sectors.

Marshall Allen – Non-Executive Director

Marshall co-founded Viburnum Funds in 2007 and has extensive experience in private equity and investment banking. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and an MBA from Cornell University.

Leadership Changes

In May 2021, Viburnum Funds acquired a 25% stake in MaxMine, leading to the appointment of Marshall Allen as Non-Executive Director. Additionally, Coert du Plessis was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 2021, succeeding Tom Cawley, who transitioned to the role of Executive Chair.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mining industry is increasingly focusing on digital transformation to enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability. The integration of AI, IoT, and data analytics is becoming a standard practice, with companies seeking solutions that provide real-time insights and operational efficiencies.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the mining technology sector include:

Hexagon Mining: Offers integrated solutions for mine planning, operations, and safety, utilizing data analytics and automation.

RPMGlobal: Provides mining software solutions focusing on mine planning, scheduling, and asset management.

MineWare: Specializes in monitoring systems for draglines and shovels, enhancing equipment performance and productivity.

These competitors focus on various aspects of mining operations, from equipment monitoring to comprehensive mine planning and management solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

MaxMine has established significant partnerships to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity:

Viburnum Funds Investment: In May 2021, Viburnum Funds acquired a 25% stake in MaxMine, providing capital to accelerate product development and market expansion.

Tech Council of Australia Membership: In 2021, MaxMine joined the Tech Council of Australia, becoming the influential body's first mining sector member, highlighting its commitment to technological advancement in mining.