Boom times for ANSTO Minerals
The resurgence in interest for uranium mining as well as new opportunities in the rare earths sector are impacting on the bottom line for one of our quiet achievers, ANSTO Minerals.
Consultancy work is booming
ANSTO Minerals' reputation for solving problems faced by national and international mining companies was reflected in a 50 per cent increase in revenue for 2008/09, and there is no sign that interest from mining companies is going to flag anytime soon.
ANSTO Minerals General Manger, Dr Bob Ring, said that the business unit is well positioned to benefit from the increased activity in mining around the world.
"ANSTO Minerals has existed in its current form for the last five-and-a-half years, and during this time our revenue has increased about five-fold. However, this has been built on ANSTO's history of hosting Australia's leading consultancy group for the processing of uranium for more than 25 years."
Bob says that the other exciting factor in the group's success has been the growth in rare earth minerals.
"Interest in rare earth mining is going up because of the need for minerals in high technology applications, such as new kinds of batteries and materials for ultra-violet protection. Rare earth mining is renowned for being complex, so there is plenty of call for consultancy work," he said.
While boom-times for mining are great for ANSTO Minerals, Bob says it also means increased competition.
"Mining is highly competitive, and new consultants are moving into the industry. However, we are confident we are well placed to compete. There are also numerous opportunities around the world, and we have been working on projects as far away as Africa and Greenland."
ANSTO Minerals' 25-year track track record of providing solutions and technology in ways that deliver financial and environmental benefits to the mining industry is knowledge relied upon by mining customers.
Posted: 22 January, 2010