Ballarat Resources Company Innovates To A $70m Global Contract
The Andrews Labor Government has commended Ballarat-based Gekko Systems for securing a $70 million contract to build a mineral processing plant for TMAC Resources’ Hope Bay project in Canada.
The plant will be primarily designed, manufactured, assembled and shipped from Ballarat and, where possible, parts will be sourced locally and nationally. The modular processing plant will include all of Gekko Systems’ patented equipment. The project is estimated to create 40 new project related jobs.
Visiting the Gekko Systems’ headquarters in Ballarat, Minister for Energy & Resources Lily D’Ambrosio congratulated the company’s achievement and highlighted the work the Government was doing to support and promote investment opportunities in the global resources sector.
The Resources Equipment, Technology and Services (RETS) sector is a key driver of professional services and international education; two sectors identified for future growth by the Government through the $200 million Future Industries Fund initiative. Victorian companies, such as Gekko Systems, are providing solutions to mining and resources sectors around the world.
Regional Victoria provides invaluable capability to the resources and services sector, with skilled workers available throughout Victoria, particularly in Ballarat, Latrobe Valley, Bendigo, Geelong and Wimmera region.
The resources sector was worth an estimated $17 billion to the Victorian economy in 2012, featuring over 1,900 firms in the supply chain.
Founded in 1996, Gekko Systems has employed over 120 people and provided more than 600 installations in 43 countries. Gekko Systems is a world leader in the design of low foot-print, energy efficient, modular processing plants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“Resources businesses support the economic development of Victoria and are critical to the breakthroughs and implementation of innovative technologies.”
“This is great news for Ballarat and is a sign of the confidence multinational companies have when it comes to investing in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Labor Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Gekko Systems is a great local company capitalising on its global connections to grow their business in the resources sector.”
Quote attributable to Labor Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“This project will create 40 new jobs which is great news for the local economy, and it’s also a glowing endorsement of the skillset that we have right here in Victoria.”