MineWare mainly provides systems for loading equipment, such as draglines, as well as rope and hydraulic shovels in mines around the world, optimising their payloads (payload monitoring) and visualising excavation positions (guidance). The company has an advanced technology portfolio to improve the loading process, a very important step to uplift productivity of the entire mining operations.

MineWare was established in 2005 out of the Mining3 (formerly CRCMining) research programme which produced the Universal Dig and Dump (UDD) technology. Developed in conjunction with the University of Queensland’s Mining and Mechanical Engineering School, Mining3 stated that UDD’s rigging and control system technology represented the first major change in dragline technology for decades and offered massive step-change performance improvements.

From that initial inception, MineWare developed its core technologies into market leading products. These include the Pegasys dragline monitor, Argus rope shovel and hydraulic excavator performance monitoring systems, and the dragline DTM technology.

Kevin Greenwood, COO of Mining3, and outgoing director of MineWare, said: “MineWare is a genuine success story for Australian mining research; ideas germinated via university research, supported by the mining industry, and successfully commercialised into a global business.”

He added: “We believe the acquisition is positive on all levels. It will enhance MineWare’s global reach and provide improved integration capability with other mining technologies, enabling the business to grow more sustainably. Komatsu will add world-leading technology to its product range and have the capability to expand on MineWare’s offerings utilising their advanced development team. Mining companies will benefit through MineWare’s improved reach, and capability to deliver and support its products globally.

“From an Australian perspective, this acquisition demonstrates a commitment by Komatsu to significant ongoing mining technology development within Australia, further strengthening our global leadership in the mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) space.”

MineWare will work with its existing partners and continue to deliver products for incorporation into mining equipment sold by all leading manufacturers.

MineWare’s CEO, Andrew Jessett, will continue in his current capacity under Komatsu’s ownership; however, Mining3 ceases to have MineWare board representation and any direct involvement in its business operations.