Mining industry technical solutions provider Maptek™ has been awarded a $975,000 grant which will enable it to quadruple production of its high performance I-Site 3D laser scanners. A total of 27 new jobs are expected to be created in Maptek’s South Australian-based operation over the next six years as a result of the grant. With matching Maptek funding, the project is valued at $1,950,000.
The Innovation and Investment Fund for South Australia (IIFSA) is a joint Australian and South Australian Government program to assist companies with innovative industry development. The package supports new investment that will create sustainable new jobs in South Australia.
‘Global demand for Maptek’s 3D measurement technology lies behind the development planning,’ explains Simon Ratcliffe, Maptek I-Site Development Manager, ‘but home-grown demand from the mining sector has been a large factor in the decision to go for this.’
‘Our systems, which can be setup and operated by one person, address the current skills shortage in mining and allow sites to operate efficiently while still holding safety as a high priority’
The $975,000 grant over a three-year period will allow Maptek to diversify and expand its manufacturing capacity to cover emerging products in a rapidly changing technology field. Laser scanning is moving into the mainstream of modern surveying practice.
‘Customers are increasingly seeing the benefits of an integrated solution to their surveying needs’, said Mr Ratcliffe. ‘With a 27-year history providing high technology solutions to the mining industry, Maptek knows mining and what companies need on the ground.’
About Maptek I-Site
Maptek is a global company that develops 3D software and hardware to help mining companies get the most out of their data. Maptek’s robust, modular systems include I-Site which provides easy-to-use high technology surveying solutions with industrial site safety in mind. I-Site 4400 scanners combine a 3D laser imaging instrument with panoramic, high resolution digital photography for measuring large scenes accurately. I-Site products have garnered multiple innovation and engineering awards and are now achieving commercial success in mining and forensic mapping in Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Mali, Malaysia, Indonesia, NZ, Spain and Germany.