Gekko Systems (VIC)

Founded in 1996, Ballarat-based Gekko Systems provides mineral-processing solutions to gold and silver mining companies worldwide.

The company offers testwork and mineral analysis services, conducts engineering studies, and designs, constructs, commissions and supports mineral-processing equipment and modular plants.

Its innovative products include the Inline Pressure Jig, which uses gravity separation methods to recover minerals; the Inline Leach Reactor, the market leader in intensive cyanidation production units; and the Python, an award-winning modular process plant designed specifically for mines in remote locations.

International business has always underpinned Gekko’s success. The company exports to North America, South America, Africa, Myanmar and New Zealand. In 2016, 97 per cent of Gekko’s total revenue came from exports.

One of Gekko’s major achievements was designing and constructing the Hope Bay gold mining plant located within the Arctic Circle in Canada. The company was contracted to design and build two modular Python plants and a concentrate treatment plant.

The project involved using 236 suppliers across 10 countries (including 69 Australian suppliers). Sixty per cent of the plant was built by Australian companies and the project generated 40 new jobs in Ballarat.

In 2016, Gekko extended its agent base to Mexico, the world’s largest silver-producing region, and opened a new office in Russia, the world’s third-largest gold producer.

The judges remarked that the commitment of Gekko Systems to export is demonstrable.  “Its marketing is professional and thorough in every respect and its capability to support large projects well developed”.

Minerals Council of Australia is a proud sponsor of the Minerals, Energy and Related Services Award category.