Finnish process technology group Outotec has acquired Perth-based laser scanning firm Scanalyse, marking its second WA acquisition in the past year.
Scanalyse was established in 2005 as a spinout from Curtin University research into the application of laser scanning to monitor equipment wear in mining and minerals processing.
The company’s original product, MillMapper, combined scanning technlology with software to accurately measure liner thickness, weight and condition for the entire mill surface.
Curtin University director of IP commercialisation and Scanalyse board member Rohan McDougall said Scanalyse was a great example of how technology can make a substantial economic impact.
“This is also a good Western Australian story, again demonstrating our strengths in mining innovation,” Mr McDougall said.
Commercial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Outotec said the acquisition would allow it to offer new services to its customer base.
“There are good opportunities to multiply the business volume of grinding mill and crusher monitoring services and to further develop applications for other process equipment, for example, refractory lined vessels,” chief executive Pertti Korhonen said.
The acquisition follows Outotec’s purchase of WA-based mining services company TME Group in July last year.
TME provides grinding mill relining and mineral processing plant maintenance to customers in Australia, Africa and South East Asia.
At the time of the acquisition, TME employed around 130 staff and had revenue of approximately €35 million ($44 million).
