Maptek Sentry wins Excellence in Innovation award

Sentry, a laser based spatial solution for remote monitoring of surface stability and critical risk management in open cut and underground mines, won the Excellence in Innovation: Commercialisation of Research category for the METS Sector in the awards presented in Adelaide on Friday, November 30.

Maptek Operations Manager - Asia Pacific Athy Kalatzis said the result was a credit to the research and development team.

‘We’re delighted to receive this award,’ Mr Kalatzis said.

‘We’ve worked incredibly hard to transform the concept of real-time monitoring using a laser scanner into a commercial reality.

‘Perhaps more importantly, it’s satisfying to see Sentry helping improve safety and streamline operations at mines around the world.’

The Premier’s Awards in Energy and Mining recognise excellence demonstrated by leading resources and energy sector companies and organisations in the areas of diversity, working with communities, and innovation.

Maptek is approaching 40 years developing technology for the mining sector and was the first to commercialise the mobile laser-based approach to stability.

Sentry can be deployed to monitor mine surfaces such as pit walls, slopes, benches and ramps as well as underground convergence and subsidence. It is in operation at mine sites in Australia, North and South America, Africa and Asia.

‘Maptek successfully developed the first Australian-made terrestrial laser scanners for mining in 2004 to complement our industry leading 3D spatial software,’ Mr Kalatzis said.

‘Sentry is a new application of this technology and the concept grew from measuring changes in surfaces between scans.

‘We’d love to see this South Australian designed and built innovation installed at every mine site worldwide.’

The success of Sentry and the wider suite of Maptek mining solutions has the company entering a growth phase.

‘It’s terrific to contribute to the South Australian economy and employment,’ Mr Kalatzis said.

Caption: The Maptek team with the Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Steven Marshall MP