The shareholders of Curtin University spin out company, Scanalyse, have this week signed an agreement for their shares to be acquired by Finnish minerals and metals processing technology and services supplier, Outotec, in another global success story for Curtin research.
Scanalyse was established in 2005, based on Curtin research into the application of laser scanning technology to monitor the wear of equipment used in mining and mineral processing operations.
The first two products developed by Scanalyse are world firsts for in-situ measurement, modelling and management of grinding mills and gyratory crushers and have been sold on an international scale with operations in Australia, Brazil, Chile and the United States.
Outotec is a global leader in minerals and metals processing technology. It has a strong focus on developing technology based solutions for its clients and is the ideal vehicle for the Scanalyse technology and products to reach their full potential.
Rohan McDougall, Director of Curtin’s Office of IP Commercialisation and Scanalyse Board Member, said this was a great example of Curtin and Western Australian innovation making an international impact.
“Curtin is known for its close collaboration with industry and this is a fantastic example of how technology developed in the University environment can, with the right ingredients, make a substantial economic impact and benefit industry,” he said. “This is also a good Western Australian story, again demonstrating our strengths in mining innovation.
“I am sure the original Curtin development team of Jochen Franke and Garth Johnson – who are now both key Scanalyse employees – Derek Lichti and Michael Stewart will be pleased with the impact of their work and the success of Scanalyse.”
MillMapper was the original Scanalyse product, which combines laser scanning technology with an integrated software suite to provide accurate measurement of liner thickness, weight and condition for the entire mill surface.
CrusherMapper was the second, using similar technology to MillMapper and providing accurate forecasting and wear rate modelling on gyratory crusher mantles and concave liners.
Peter Clarke, Scanalyse CEO, said the acquisition would mean that enhanced services would be offered to Scanalyse customers and that, with the global reach of Outotec’s networks, further rapid growth could be expected.
“Ever since the company was established, Scanalyse services have quickly gained acceptance in the minerals processing industry in Australia and other mining countries, and we are pleased to see Outotec continue to help mining operators to optimise their asset performance,” he said.
More information on Scanalyse can be found at http://www.scanalyse.com/index.php.
Contact:
Rohan McDougall, IP Commercialisation, Curtin University
Tel: 9266 3370, Email: r.mcdougall@curtin.edu.au
Megan Meates, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 755, Email: megan.meates@curtin.edu.au
