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Imdex Limited

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FY2015 Annual Report · Imdex Limited
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I M D E X   L I M I T E D 
annual report

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Innovative Technologies

Integrated Solutions

Global Support

Imdex delivers leading innovative technologies 

to the global minerals industry and select oil and 

gas markets, focusing on integrated solutions that 

enhance customers’ operations and deliver value for 

shareholders.  The company achieves this through its 

extensive industry knowledge and commitment to 

product development, ensuring innovative, simple to 

use and fit-for-purpose technologies.

Imdex Limited

ABN 78 008 947 813

Head Office

216 Balcatta Road, Balcatta,

Western Australia 6021

T  +61 8 9445 4010

F  +61 8 9445 4042

E 

imdex@imdexlimited.com

www.imdexlimited.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
table of contents

04

Imdex Group 
at a Glance

Corporate Profile 

Mission 

Key Data 

Company Structure 

Global Business 

The Imdex Way  

5

7

9

11

12

14

16

FY15  
Snapshot 

Objectives, Strategy & Outcomes  

Market Overview  

Operational Highlights & Challenges 

Group Financial Performance 

Minerals Division Performance 

Oil & Gas Division Performance 

Summary of Financial Highlights  

16

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Imdex Limited (Imdex)

ABN 78 008 947 813

Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)

Listing Date 24 September 1987

ASX Code: IMD

Registered Office

216 Balcatta Road,

Balcatta, Western Australia 6021

Head Office

216 Balcatta Road,

Balcatta, Western Australia 6021

Directors

Mr Ross Kelly (Chairman)

Mr Bernie Ridgeway (Managing Director)

Mr Kevin Dundo (Non-Executive Director)

Ms Betsy Donaghey (Non-Executive Director)

Mr Ivan Gustavino (Non-Executive Director)

Mr Magnus Lemmel (Non-Executive Director 
retired 30 June 2015)

Company Secretary

Mr Paul Evans

2015 Annual General Meeting

Imdex’s AGM will be held at the Company’s  
Head Office located at 216 Balcatta Road, Balcatta 
Western Australia, commencing at:  
12 noon (AWST) on Friday 20 November 2015.

For further information please contact Paul Evans 
on 08 9445 4010 or visit the investor section of 
Imdex’s website at: www.imdexlimited.com.

table of contents

25

Board of 
Directors & 
Governance 

Imdex Board   

Board Member Profiles  

Chairman’s Report  

Corporate Governance 

Managing Risk  

25

26

28

30

31

32

Management 
& Personnel 

Managing Director’s Report  

Executive Management Team 

Global Team  

32

36

37

39

Operational 
Overview 

Technologies & Services 

A Year in Review – News & Case Studies  

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment  

Community Involvement  

FY16 Key Areas of Focus 

39

41

49

53

54

3

55

Company 
History

2015 ANNUAL REPORT4

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AMC Solids Removal Unit and drilling fl uids

 
[ imdex group at a glance ]

corporate 
profi le

Imdex is a leading provider of drilling 
fl  uid products, advanced downhole 
instrumentation, data management 
solutions and geo-analytical services.  
The Company’s strength is derived from 
its global operations, superior customer 
service and leading technologies.

Imdex supports a diverse range of customers at all stages of the mining 
cycle,  from  junior  explorers  to  major  producers  across  a  wide  range  of 
commodities.    Customers  include:  exploration,  development,  production 
and  mining  services  companies  within  the  minerals  and  oil  and  gas 
sectors;  together  with  horizontal  directional  drilling,  waterwell  and  civil 
construction companies worldwide.

The Company has operational centres in key mining regions of the world, 
including Asia-Pacifi c, Africa,  Europe  and  the Americas,  to  provide  optimal 
service to customers.

Imdex’s  substantial  commitment  to  ongoing  product  development  has 
enabled  the  Company  to  achieve  market  leader  status  in  its  fi elds  of 
operation.  It is continuously refi ning its integrated range of fl uid products, 
unrivalled  instrumentation  and  data  management  solutions  to  ensure 
customers have the most advanced operational technology available.

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6

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REFLEX downhole survey instrumentation 

 
[ imdex group at a glance ]

our mission

“We deliver leading 
innovative technologies to 
the global minerals industry 
and select oil and gas markets, 
focusing on integrated 
solutions that enhance our 
customers’ operations and 
deliver value for shareholders. 
We achieve this through our 
extensive industry knowledge 
and commitment to product 
development, ensuring 
innovative, simple to use and 
fit-for-purpose technologies.”

7

2015 ANNUAL REPORT8

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REFLEX instrumentation 

 
[ imdex group at a glance ]

key data

AS AT 30 JUNE 2014

AS AT 30 JUNE 2015

Market capitalisation: 

$133.6 million

Shares on issue: 

212.1 million

Share price at 30 June 2014: 

$0.63

Number of shareholders: 

3,367

Number of employees: 

567

Banking institutions: 

Market capitalisation: 

$64.9 million

Shares on issue: 

216.2 million

Share price at 30 June 2015: 

$0.30

Number of shareholders: 

3,032

Number of employees: 

524

Banking institutions: 

HSBC and Westpac 

HSBC and Westpac 

Legal advisors: 

Hopgoodganim

Legal advisors: 

Hopgoodganim

Auditors: 

Auditors: 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Share registry: 

Computershare

Share registry: 

Computershare

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REFLEX Downhole Survey Instrumentation

 
company structure 

Imdex has two operational 
divisions, Minerals and  
Oil & Gas.  

Imdex’s Minerals Division includes the AMC and 
REFLEX businesses.

AMC is a leading provider of innovative drilling 
fluids, chemicals and solids removal technologies 
to the global drilling industry.

real-time 

instrumentation; 
solutions; 

REFLEX  specialises  in  downhole  and  geo-
data 
scientific 
management 
geo-analytical 
consulting services and software.  The Company 
markets  its  integrated  product  offering  to 
resource, mining services and civil construction 
companies worldwide.

and 

Imdex’s Oil & Gas Division comprises AMC Oil 
& Gas and a 30% share of VES International.  

The  VES  joint  venture  is  the  third  largest 
provider  of  downhole  survey  services  to  the 

oil  and  gas  markets,  primarily  in  the  USA  and 
Middle East.  

The  AMC  Oil  &  Gas  and  VES  International 
businesses provide drilling fluids, production and 
completion  chemicals,  together  with  downhole 
survey services to the global oil and gas market.

M I N E R A L S
D I V I S I O N

O I L   &   G A S
D I V I S I O N

11

30% JOINT VENTURE

[ imdex group at a glance ]2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ imdex group at a glance ]

global business

Imdex is a well-established 
global business operating 
in diverse geographical 
markets.  

The  Company  has  operations  in  all  key  mining 
and exploration regions throughout Asia Pacifi c, 
Africa, Europe and the Americas. 

international  mineral  exploration  and  oil  and 
gas  markets;  and  effi ciently  introduce  new 
technologies to these markets. 

Imdex’s  global  presence  and  comprehensive 
distribution  network  allows  it  to:  provide  local 
solutions  to  customers;  have  greater  access  to 

During FY15 the Company divested Suay Energy 
and closed its oil and gas business in Kazakhstan.  
It also closed its Singapore base. 

REVENUE BY REGION

MINERALS

OIL & GAS

FY14

FY15

FY14

FY15

ASIA 
PACIFIC

ASIA 
PACIFIC

EUROPE

EUROPE

NORTH 
AMERICA

NORTH 
AMERICA

VANCOUVER, C ANADA

VANCOUVER, C ANADA

SAN LUIS OBISPO, USA

SAN LUIS OBISPO, USA

C ALGARY, C ANADA

C ALGARY, C ANADA

SALT LAKE CITY, USA

SALT LAKE CITY, USA

TIMMINS, C ANADA

TIMMINS, C ANADA

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

EAST SUSSEX, UK

EAST SUSSEX, UK

BREMEN, GERMANY

BREMEN, GERMANY

NEWMAN, AUSTRALIA

NEWMAN, AUSTRALIA

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

ACCRA, GHANA

ACCRA, GHANA

RASTEDE, GERMANY

RASTEDE, GERMANY

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

KALGOORLIE, AUSTRALIA

KALGOORLIE, AUSTRALIA

TORREON, MEXICO

TORREON, MEXICO

CORPUS CRISTI, USA

CORPUS CRISTI, USA

ECUADOR

ECUADOR

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

ITAJAI S.C ., BRAZIL

ITAJAI S.C ., BRAZIL

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

ROMANIA

ROMANIA

NEW DELHI, INDIA

NEW DELHI, INDIA

JOHANNESBURG, 

JOHANNESBURG, 

SOUTH AFRIC A

SOUTH AFRIC A

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

ROMA, AUSTRALIA

ROMA, AUSTRALIA

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

LIMA, PERU

LIMA, PERU

N O R T H  A M E R I C A

N O R T H  A M E R I C A

A S I A   P A C I F I C

A S I A   P A C I F I C

SOUTH 
AMERICA

SANTIAGO, CHILE

SANTIAGO, CHILE

S O U T H  A M E R I C A

S O U T H  A M E R I C A

MIDDLE EAST 
& NORTH 
AFRICA

MIDDLE EAST 
& NORTH 
AFRICA

E U R O P E

E U R O P E

A F R I C A

A F R I C A

IMDEX’S REGIONAL OFFICES

IMDEX’S REGIONAL OFFICES

VES JV OFFICE

VES JV OFFICE

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[ imdex group at a glance ]

“Our well-established global business 
allows us to effi ciently introduce new 
technologies to our core markets.”

VANCOUVER, C ANADA

SAN LUIS OBISPO, USA

TIMMINS, C ANADA

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

NEWMAN, AUSTRALIA

EAST SUSSEX, UK

BREMEN, GERMANY

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

ACCRA, GHANA

RASTEDE, GERMANY

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

KALGOORLIE, AUSTRALIA

ROMANIA

NEW DELHI, INDIA

JOHANNESBURG, 

SOUTH AFRIC A

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

ROMA, AUSTRALIA

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

C ALGARY, C ANADA

SALT LAKE CITY, USA

TORREON, MEXICO

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

CORPUS CRISTI, USA

ECUADOR

ITAJAI S.C ., BRAZIL

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

E U R O P E

LIMA, PERU

N O R T H  A M E R I C A

A S I A   P A C I F I C

SANTIAGO, CHILE

S O U T H  A M E R I C A

A F R I C A

IMDEX’S REGIONAL OFFICES

VES JV OFFICE

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the imdex way

14

The Imdex Way sets out the key principles and expected behaviours that govern the 
Company’s decision making, business practices and employee reward programs.

Integrity

Communicating openly and honestly.  Avoiding 
activities  or  organisations  that  are  unethical, 
harm people or the environment.

Teamwork 

Working  collaboratively,  safely  and  with 
respect  for  diversity  within  Imdex’s  Group 
to achieve the best results for the Company, 
customers and colleagues.

Accountability 

Taking  responsibility  for  and  delivering  on 
Imdex’s  commitments  to  the  Company, 
customers and colleagues.

IMDEX LIMITEDthe imdex way

15

Being 
Dynamic 

Maintaining an efficient global company with 
the  flexibility  to  provide  localised  customer 
solutions and the adaptability to react quickly 
to new opportunities and change.

Innovation

Leveraging  Imdex’s  advanced  technologies, 
research  and  development  capabilities  to 
deliver innovative, leading edge products and 
services that optimise customer operations.

Continuous 
Improvement

Pursuing Imdex’s strategy of ongoing growth 
and reward for shareholders, customers and 
employees through continuous improvement 
of  the  Company’s  products,  services  and 
work practices.

2015 ANNUAL REPORTFY15 objectives & outcomes

FY15 OBJECTIVES

FY15 OUTCOMES

Maintain strong cost discipline and prudent working capital management.

Oil  and  gas  market  conditions  placed  additional  pressure  on  working 
capital and lenders required further debt reduction. Alternative funding 
was secured in 1Q16 to strengthen the Company’s position.

Increase market share in previously under-penetrated regions.

AMC successfully increased its fluids business in the Americas.

Increase  exposure  and  capabilities  within  non-mining  applications, 
including HDD and waterwell markets.

During  FY15  minerals  revenue  from  non-mining  applications  increased 
from 12% to 16%.

Market new technologies to new and existing customers globally.

Increase annuity revenue streams via real-time data solutions.

Leverage 
capabilities.

Imdex’s  specialist  expertise  and  product  development 

Invest in Imdex’s oil and gas business to accelerate the Division’s growth.

Support  customers  to  increase  the  productivity  and  efficiency  of  their 
operations.

Imdex  successfully  marketed  its  SRUs  and  new  technologies  including 
the REFLEX EZ-Gyro, TN14 and XRF.  The Company’s new technologies 
made  an  increasing  contribution  to  the  positive  performance  of  the 
Minerals Division during a challenging year.

Imdex  enjoyed  further  uptake  of  REFLEX  HUB  by  large  resource 
companies.    It  also  released  two  new  secure  modules  that  provide 
customers with total visibility of operating costs in real-time.

During the later part of FY15, Imdex commercialised its REFLEX Ez-Gyro.  
It also made significant progress with its lab-at-rigTM project - including 
field trials with a large resource company in Western Australia.

Imdex continued to invest in the development of its Oil & Gas Division 
until 2H15.  Challenging market conditions resulted in excess capacity and 
the restructure of AMC Oil & Gas.  The Board then made the strategic 
decision to focus on Imdex’s minerals business.

During  FY15  Imdex  increased  its  collaboration  with  customers, 
particularly  resource  companies,  to  reduce  their  costs  and  increase 
operational  efficiencies.   The  Company  also  established  a  key  account 
management structure and CRM system.

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[ FY15 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITED[ FY15 snapshot ]

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REFLEX TN14 Gyrocompass

 
 
[ FY15 snapshot ]

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AMC mud testing

 
FY15 market overview

GLOBAL MINERALS INDUSTRY 

OIL AND GAS SECTOR 

 Š Commodity prices remained relatively low; 

 Š Buoyant throughout 1H15 with considerable growth opportunities; 

 Š Subdued activity levels with reduced rig utilisation rates;

 Š Activity levels decreased significantly in 2H15 due to the sudden 

 Š Measured signs of improvement continued to be evident; 

 Š Increasing drilling activity driven by brownfields’ expenditure by the 

major resource companies; and

 Š Growing customer interest in technologies to reduce costs and 

increase operational efficiencies.

collapse of the oil price and activity within the sector; and

 Š Customers focused on reducing exploration expenditure and 

operational costs during 2H15.

FY15 operational 
highlights & challenges

HIGHLIGHTS 

 Š Commercialisation of the REFLEX EZ-GYRO, the world’s first north 

seeking driller operated gyro, during the latter part of 1H15;  

 Š Successful marketing of new REFLEX technologies;

 Š Increasing uptake of REFLEX HUB by large resource companies and 

mining service companies;

 Š Release of two new secure REFLEX HUB modules that provide 

customers with total visibility of operating costs in real-time, together 
with enhanced planning capabilities;

 Š Continued product development producing a strong pipeline of new 

AMC and REFLEX technologies; and

 Š The acquisition of 2iC Australia Pty Ltd (2iC), effective 1 September 

2014 to enhance our technology offering.

CHALLENGES

 Š Subdued market conditions within the global minerals industry;

19

 Š Minerals industry is traditionally slow to adopt technology;

 Š Expansion of customer base, together with greater exposure to 

 Š Sudden collapse of the oil price and subsequent decrease in activity 

resource companies and the production phase of the mining cycle;

within the oil and gas sector; 

 Š Increasing demand for AMC’s Solids Removal Units – particularly in the 

 Š Restructure of Oil & Gas Division to align with market conditions; 

Americas; 

 Š A requirement to reduce debt via a share placement and alternative 

 Š Greater exposure to non-mining applications including horizontal 

debt funding; and 

directional drilling and waterwell markets; 

 Š Increased collaboration with customers to reduce their costs and 

increase operational efficiencies;

 Š Volatile macro-economic conditions.

[ FY15 snapshot ]2015 ANNUAL REPORTFY15 group financial 
performance

 Š Statutory revenue up 3% to $188.2 million (FY14: $183.5 million); 

 Š 13% increase in Minerals Division revenue reflecting improving market conditions and increasing uptake of Imdex’s new technologies;

 Š 15% decrease in revenue in the Oil & Gas Division due to the widespread downturn of the energy sector;

 Š Combined revenue (excluding interest) up 2% to $208.6 million (FY14: $204.6 million); 

 Š Normalised EBITDA of $11.6 million (FY14: $8.0 million*);

 Š Statutory EBITDA loss of $3.8 million (FY14: a profit of $4.8 million), impacted by a number of one-off items;

 Š Net profit after tax (NPAT) a loss of $22.5 million (FY14: a loss of $5.3 million);

 Š Net assets of $160.8 million (30 June 2014: $176.9 million);

 Š Positive operating cash-flow of $8.8 million (FY14: $2.9 million); and

 Š Reduced gearing with net debt / capital of 17.2% (30 June 2014: 18.5%).

*Adjusted to exclude one-off items (totalling a net loss of $15.4 million) as follows: $14.2 million profit on the partial sale of Imdex’s shareholding in Sino Gas & Energy Holdings (ASX: SEH); $29.6 million of 
non-cash balance sheet adjustments ($18.0 million of asset write downs and $9.5 million of inventory write offs, debtors provisioning and restructure costs predominantly associated with the reshaping of the Oil 
& Gas Division; and $2.1 million of costs relating to the product containment incident as reported on 13 March 2014.)

COMBINDED REVENUE ($m)

NORMALISED EBITDA ($m)

Minerals

Oil & Gas

20

134.3

278.9

249.4

205.3

204.6

208.6

82.0

50.8

43.0

25.4

8.0

11.6

FY10

FY11

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

FY10

FY11

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

[ FY15 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITED[ FY15 snapshot ]

FY15 minerals division 
performance

The Minerals Division generated $141.1 million and contributed 68% of our combined full year revenue.  This result represents a 13% increase on the previous 
year (FY14: $125.3).

This positive result by the Minerals Division was driven by: a modest increase in brownfi eld drilling activity by the major resource companies; additional market 
share gained by the company’s fl uids business; and growing demand for our new technologies.  

241.7

177.7

182.7

REVENUE ($m)

Europe

Africa

Americas 

Asia Pacifi c

108.9

111.3

141.1

125.3

FY09*

FY10*

FY11

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

REFLEX BAROMETER - THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF INSTRUMENTS ON HIRE WAS UP 14% ON FY14

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diversified minerals  
revenue base

During FY15 Imdex increased its revenue from major and intermediate customers, generated additional revenue from the development and production phases 
of the mining cycle and maintained its exposure to a diversified range of commodities.

CUSTOMER

PROJECT PHASE

COMMODITY

Principally mid-tier and major resource 
companies. Growing exposure to  
non-mining client base

Balanced exposure to project phase. 
Growing exposure to non-mining 

Diverse mix – primary exposure to gold 
and copper

Non-Mining 
16%

5
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F

Junior
17%

Intermediate/
Major 67%

Non-Mining 
16%

Exploration
23%

Production  
24%

Development 
37%

Non-Mining 8%

Non-Mining 12%

Junior  
18%

4
1
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F

Intermediate/
Major 74%

22

Exploration
22%

Production  
22%

Development 44%

Others 
21%

Gold
35%

Non-mining 
16%

Iron
10%

Copper  
18%

Others 
15%

Non-mining
12%

Iron
13%

Gold
39%

Copper  
21%

Customer type defined based on annual revenue:

 Š Major > US$500m

 Š Intermediate > US$50m

 Š Junior < US$50m 

Drilling phase defined as follows:

 Š Exploration – pre-inferred resource / greenfields

 Š Development – post-inferred resource moving towards indicated and measured resource

 Š Production – in-pit / underground drilling, mine life extension drilling programmes, resource delineation drilling, grade control and dewatering

 Š Non-mining – drilling in construction / civil industry, non-mining waterwell and non-mining horizontal directional drilling

[ FY15 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITED 
 
[ FY15 snapshot ]

FY15 oil & gas division 
performance 

Our Oil & Gas Division contributed 32% of combined revenue for FY15, generating revenue of $67.4 million. This result represents a 15% decrease on the 
previous corresponding period (FY14: $79.3 million). 

AMC Oil & Gas revenue for FY15 was down 19% versus the previous period and our 30% share of VES revenue was down 4% versus the previous period.  The 
decrease in revenue directly refl ected market conditions. 

OIL & GAS COMBINED REVENUE ($m)

VES International JV revenue

AMC Oil & Gas

79.2

66.7

67.4

37.2

23.0

27.4

FY10

FY11

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

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Modular SRU on site

 
 
[ FY15 snapshot ]

summary of fi nancial 
highlights

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE
(AUDITED RESULTS) 

 Consolidated    

 2013    

 $’000    

 2014    

 $’000    

 2015    

14-15 Var

 $’000    

%

Revenue from continuing operations (excluding interest income)

 232,791 

 183,485

 188,227 

3%

Operating Profi t before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortisation & Impairment
Depreciation
Earnings/(Loss) before Interest, Tax & Amortisation (EBITA)

EBITA margin

Amortisation

Earnings/(Loss) before Interest & Tax (EBIT)

Net interest expense
Net profi t/(loss) before tax

Income tax expense/(benefi t)
Net Profi t/(Loss) after Tax (before non-operational items)

 42,910 
 (7,728)
 35,182 
15.1%

 (3,364)

 31,818 

 (3,308)
 28,510 

 (9,127)
 19,383 

 8,035 
 (7,575)
 460 
0.3%

 (1,469)

 (1,009)

 (2,811)
 (3,820)

 1,785 
 (2,035)

 11,643 
 (10,287)
 1,356 
0.7%

 (1,663)

 (307)

 (2,941)
 (3,248)

 (3,859)
 (7,107)

45%
36%
195%
140.1%

13%

(70%)

5%
(15%)

(316%)
249%

Non-operational items
   Gain on the disposal of shares in Sino Gas and Energy Holdings Ltd (SEH)
   Offi ce closure costs
   Write down of assets
   Product containment costs

  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 

 24,094 
 (3,837)
 (14,419)
 (9,080)

 14,234 
  - 
 (27,488)
 (2,142)

Net Profi t/(Loss) for the Year after Tax

 19,383 

 (5,277)

 (22,503)

326%

Basic earnings / (loss) per share from continuing operations (cents)

 9.24 ¢ 

 (2.50 ¢)

 (10.44 ¢)

-

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

 38,970 

 2,914 

 8,814 

202%

Cash on hand

Net Assets

Total Borrowings

 9,979 

 10,070 

 8,417 

(16%)

 188,452 

 176,922 

 160,816 

(9%)

 63,986 

 50,141 

 41,840 

(17%)

Net Tangible Assets per Share

 57.52 ¢ 

 54.06 ¢ 

 45.42 ¢ 

(16%)

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[ board of directors & governance ]

imdex board

Imdex’s Board of Directors 
has extensive professional 
expertise, business 
experience and technical 
knowledge of the mineral 
exploration, mining, oil 
and gas and technology 
industries. 

Members  of  the  Board  are  well  respected  in 
these  sectors  and  play  an  active  role  in  the 
generation  and  management  of  the  Company’s 
strategic planning. 

The  objective  of  Imdex’s  Board  is  to  provide 
an acceptable rate of return to the Company’s 
shareholders  and  takes 
into  account  the 
interests of its employees, customers, suppliers, 
lenders  and  the  wider  community. The  Board 
must at all times act honestly, fairly and diligently 
in  all  respects  in  accordance  with  the  law 
applicable to Imdex. Furthermore, the Board will 
at  all  times  act  in  accordance  with  all  relevant 
Imdex  policies.    Each  of  the  Directors,  when 
representing Imdex, must act in the best interest 
of Imdex’s shareholders and in the best interests 
of the Company as a whole. 

The  Board  has  a  process  to  enable  the 
Chairman  to  discuss  and  evaluate  with  each 
Director  their  contribution  to  the  Board  and 
to  enable  that  Director  to  comment  on  all 
facets  of  the  operation  of  the  Board  –  Chief 
Executives  are  also  subject  to  formal  annual 
reviews of their performance.

FY15 DEVELOPMENTS

During  FY15  Mr  Magnus  Lemmel  took  the 
decision  to  retire  from  his  directorship  of 
Imdex – effective 30 June 2015.  The Company 
enjoyed Mr Lemmel’s counsel as Non-Executive 
Director for the past nine years and wishes him 
well for the future.

On 3 July 2015, Mr Ivan Gustavino was appointed 
Non-Executive  Director.    Mr  Gustavino  has  25 
years’  experience  developing  global  technology 
businesses and will make a valuable contribution 
to Imdex’s development as a provider of leading 
technologies. 

Further  information  relating  to  the  Board  of 
Directors,  including  details  of  meetings  and 
remuneration can be found on pages 4 to 18 of 
Imdex’s FY15 Financial Report. 

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[ board of directors & governance ]

board member profi les

Mr Ross Kelly 

AM BE (HONS) FAICD

Chairman

Age 77 years

Mr Bernie Ridgeway

B.Bus (ACCTG) ACA

Managing Director

Age 61 years

Mr Magnus Lemmel

B.A.

Non-Executive Director

Age 75 years

 Š Appointed as Chairman 15 October 

 Š Appointed to the Board 23 May 

 Š Appointed to the Board 19 October 

2009

2000

2006

 Š Management consultant based 
in Brussels, Belgium, involved 
in small business development 
in Sweden.  Former Chairman 
of FiberformVindic Holding AB, 
previously the largest Imdex 
shareholder

 Š Previously Senior Vice-President of 
Ericsson Telecommunications, Chief 
Executive Offi cer of the Federation 
of Swedish Industries and Director 
General for Enterprise Policy of the 
European Commission.

 Š Bachelor of Electrical Engineering 

 Š Bachelor of Business and Qualifi ed 

with Honours

Chartered Accountant

 Š Fellow of the Australian Institute of 

 Š Member of the Institute of 

Chartered Accountants Australia and 
the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors

 Š Non-Executive Director of Sino Gas 

and Energy Holdings Limited

 Š Over 29 years’ experience with 
public and private companies as 
a business owner, Director and 
Manager.

Company Directors

 Š Consultant to a number of major 

Australian companies in the mining, 
offshore gas, oil refi ning, steel, 
construction and heavy process 
industries

 Š Previously advisor to the Western 
Australian Government on water 
policy and reform

 Š Previously Councillor of the 

Australian Institute of Company 
Directors and member of the 
Advisory Board of the Curtin 
University Graduate School of 
Business

 Š Previously Chairman and Non-
Executive Director of Clough 
Limited, Sumich Group Limited, 
Orbital Corporation Limited, 
Beltreco Limited, Fraser Range 
Granite NL and Director of Aurora 
Gold Limited, PA Consulting 
Services Ltd and the Fremantle 
Football Club Ltd.

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[ board of directors & governance ]

Ms Betsy Donaghey 

B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. 
Operations Research

Non-Executive Director

Age 57 years

 Š Appointed to the Board 28 October 

2009

 Š Bachelor of Civil Engineering 

A & M University, Texas, and Master 
in Operations Research University 
of Houston

 Š Extensive experience within the 
energy sector, including 19 years 
with BHP Billiton and 9 years with 
Woodside Energy

 Š Non-Executive Director of 

Australian Renewable Energy Agency

 Š Previously Non-Executive Director 

of St Barbara Limited.

Mr Ivan Gustavino 

B. Bus

Non-Executive Director

Age 56 years

 Š Appointed to the Board 3 July 2015

 Š Bachelor of Business from the 

Curtin University of Technology, 
Western Australia

 Š 25 years’ experience developing 
global technology businesses

 Š Extensive experience as a corporate 
advisor within the resources sector

 Š Previously a co-founding shareholder 
and Director of Surpac Software, 
now Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA Inc.

Mr Kevin Dundo 

B. Comm, LLB

Non-Executive Director

Age 63 years

 Š Appointed to the Board 14 January 

2004

 Š Bachelor of Commerce and 

Bachelor of Laws

 Š Member of the Law Society of 
Western Australia, Law Council 
of Western Australia, Australian 
Institute of Company Directors and 
a Fellow of the Australian Society of 
Certifi ed Practicing Accountants

 Š Practicing lawyer, specialising in 
commercial and corporate law 
and in particular, mergers and 
acquisitions, with experience in the 
mining services and fi nancial services 
industries

 Š Director of Red 5 Limited and 

Synergy Plus Limited

 Š Previously a Director of ORM 

Limited.

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[ board of directors & governance ]

chairman’s report

Dear Shareholders,

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
Imdex’s  2015  Annual  Report;  summarising  a 
challenging year, yet one highlighted by continued 
development of our differentiated product range 
for the minerals sector. 

FY15 PERFORMANCE SUMMARY 

During  the  12  months  ending  30  June  2015 
(FY15), our company achieved a total combined 
this  result 
revenue  of  $208.6  million  – 
represented  a  2%  increase  on  the  previous 
fi nancial year (FY14: $204.6 million).

Our  underlying  EBITDA 
from  continuing 
operations increased 45% to $11.6 million (FY14:  
$8.0 million) and statutory EBITDA was loss of 
$3.8 million – down 21% on the previous year 
(FY14:  a  profi t  of  $4.8  million).    Our  earnings 
were impacted signifi cantly by a number of one 
off impairments – principally associated with the 
restructure of AMC Oil & Gas.

It is signifi cant that despite challenging conditions, 
our Minerals Division achieved a 13% increase in 
revenue and its average number of instruments 
on hire was up 14% on FY14.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY 

For  the  past  eight  years,  our  diversifi cation 
strategy  to  achieve  sustainable  revenue  and 
earnings  growth  has  included:    expansion  into 
new markets – particularly oil and gas to counter 
the cyclical nature of the minerals industry; and 
investment in leading technologies through those 
cycles to maintain our competitive advantage.

EXPANSION INTO NEW MARKETS, 
PARTICULARLY OIL AND GAS

As  mentioned  above,  our  strategy  to  grow  our 
oil  and  gas  business  was  based  on  reducing  the 
impact  of  minerals  industry  downturns  and  the 
size  of  the  global  oil  and  gas  markets  –  even  a 
small portion of these multi-billion dollar markets 
would yield additional returns for Imdex.

progress.  AMC Oil & Gas was gradually gaining 
market share and the Division had achieved year-
on-year revenue growth since FY10.

Unfortunately, towards the end of the fi rst half of 
FY15,  market  conditions  were  impacted  by  the 
collapse of the oil price and subsequent downturn 
of the energy sector.  The 55% decrease in active 
land-based  oil  and  gas  rigs  in  the  US  –  since 
September 2014 – provides some context to the 
severity of the downturn.

While we remain confi dent the sector provides 
long-term  opportunities, AMC  Oil  &  Gas  is  still 
a  relatively  small  player.  During  times  of  lower 
activity competition is intensifi ed and the larger 
well-established  oil  and  gas  businesses  have  the 
ability to bundle services and erode profi tability 
at the lower end of the market.

With  this  in  mind,  your  Board  and  Executive 
Management Team took the decision to downsize 
capacity in our oil and gas business.  The process 
was completed within FY15 and AMC Oil & Gas 
is forecast to be breakeven from 1Q16. We will 
also  seek  to  divest  our  non-core  oil  and  gas 
assets.

Our decision to divest our oil and gas business 
was  not  only  a  response  to  the  downturn  and 
highly  competitive  landscape  –  it  was  also 
infl uenced  by  our  success  in  introducing  our 
differentiated  product  range  into  the  minerals 
market  (particularly  into  the  production  phase) 
and  our  fi rm  belief  that  once  established,  these 
technologies  will  reduce  the  impact  of  cyclical 
minerals industry downturns on our company.

INVESTING IN LEADING 
TECHNOLOGIES 

Since  our  acquisition  of  ioGlobal  in  2012,  our 
development  as  a  mining  technology  company, 
as  opposed  to  a  mining  services  company,  has 
accelerated.    Our  combined  products,  services 
and expertise, together with investment through 
the cycles, have resulted in a leading portfolio of 
technologies and a differentiated position within 
our minerals market.

Accordingly, we committed substantial investment 
in  the  necessary  equipment  and  personnel  to 
grow  the  business  and  we  were  making  solid 

It  was  very  pleasing  to  see  the  benefi ts  of 
this  position  throughout  FY15.    Customers 
are  beginning  to  move  away  from  ineffi cient 

Mr Ross Kelly 

AM BE (HONS) FAICD

Chairman

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reporting systems and data collection processes 
and,  in  time,  our  real-time  technologies  will 
become  an  integral  part  of  their  day-to-day 
operations.    We  are  confident  this  industry 
shift will provide us with long-term sustainable 
revenue streams.

STRENGTHENING OUR 
BALANCE SHEET 

As  at  30  June  2015  net  assets  were  $160.8 
million (30 June 2014: $176.9 million); operating 
cash-flow  had  increased  202%  to  $8.8  million 
(FY14: $2.9 million); and our gearing levels were 
17.2%  based  on  net  debt/  (net  debt  +  capital) 
(FY14: 18.5%).

Despite  our  robust  history,  and  as  part  of  the 
process of renegotiating covenants for FY16, the 
decline  of  the  global  oil  and  gas  sector  caused 
our  bankers  –   Westpac  Banking  Corporation 
(Westpac) and HSBC Bank Australia Ltd (HSBC) 
to  require a minimum reduction of $25 million 
in  our  banking  facility  by  30  September  2015.  
This requirement subsequently led to the capital 
raising  and  new  debt  financing  alternative  we 
announced to the market on 21 August and 24 
September 2015 respectively. 

On  28 August  2015,  Imdex  issued  32.4  million 
shares  and  successfully  raised  approximately 
A$6.5  million.    Our  Company  then  entered 
into  an  agreement  with  Sankaty  Advisors 
LLC  (Sankaty)  on  24  September  2015.    This 
agreement  resulted  in  a  new  Sankaty  facility 
(New Facility) that replaced all of the Westpac 
and HSBC debt and provided additional capacity 
for  financing  costs,  working  capital  and  general 
corporate and ancillary purposes.

These  decisions  are  never  easy,  however,  the 
raising  was  successful;  we  have  satisfied  the 
requirements of our banks and our company has 
the headroom to pursue its growth strategy in 
FY16 and beyond.

Strengthening  our  balance  sheet  remains 
a  priority  and  we  now  have  more  flexible 
covenants that enable us to pursue the orderly 
sale  of  our  non-core  oil  and  gas  assets  and 
achieve full value for our Company.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Your  Board  remains  committed  to  best 
practice  recommendations  in  all  aspects  of 
corporate  governance.    Further  information 
pertaining  to  corporate  governance  within 
our company is provided on page 23 to 27 of 
Imdex’s Financial Report.

This  year  we  had  a  number  of  changes  to 
your Board.  Magnus Lemmel retired following 
nine  years  as  a  Non-Executive  Director  and 
we welcomed Ivan Gustavino on 3 July 2015. I 
am grateful for Magnus’ valuable contributions 
and enjoyed his company as an accomplished 
businessman and fellow Director. 

We  are  all  looking  forward  to  working  with 
Ivan  –  his  experience  as  a  corporate  advisor 
both  within  the  resources  sector  and  as  a 
developer  of  global  technology  businesses 
makes him an ideal fit for this phase of Imdex’s 
development.   

“Our development as 
a mining technology 
company, as opposed 
to a mining services 
company, has 
accelerated.”

THE YEAR AHEAD 

Signs  of 
the  global 
improvement  within 
minerals  industry  were  evident  throughout 
FY15;  however,  the  fundamentals  affecting  this 
market suggest that recovery will be gradual.  As 
mentioned  earlier,  we  are  fortunate  to  have  a 
unique product offering that will assist customers 
to  reduce  costs  and  achieve  efficiencies  in  the 
short-term and hence become an integral part 
of their operations.

During  FY16  we  will  continue  to  work 
closely  with  customers  and  prudently  invest 
appropriate levels of expenditure to develop our 
leading  technologies  for  the  minerals  market.  
This  expenditure  is  expected  to  generate 
accelerating  revenue  growth  and  incremental 
increases in profits.

STRONG MANAGEMENT TEAM 

I  would  like  to  thank  our  Managing  Director, 
Bernie Ridgeway and Chief Financial Officer and 
Company Secretary, Paul Evans, for their tireless 
dedication and hard work. Their response to the 
tight  bank-imposed  deadlines  was  magnificent 
and should also be acknowledged.

I also offer my thanks to our Executive Managers 
and  their  global  teams  for  their  commitment 
and achievements throughout a difficult year. To 
my fellow Board Members, I thank you for your 
contributions  and  I  look  forward  to  working 
with  you  in  FY16.  Our  Board  has  always  been 
closely involved with the business and this year 
was certainly no exception.

Finally,  on  behalf  of  Imdex’s  Board  and  all 
employees, I would particularly like to thank all 
of  our  customers  and  shareholders  for  their 
loyalty and support.

Yours faithfully

Mr Ross Kelly 

Chairman

29

[ board of directors & governance ]2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ board of directors & governance ]

corporate governance

The  Company’s  practices  and  disclosures 
are  underpinned  by  the  Australian  Securities 
Exchange  Corporate  Governance  Council 
recommendations.  The key principles include:

 Š Safeguarding integrity in fi nancial reporting;

 Š Making timely and balanced disclosure;

 Š Respecting the rights of shareholders;

 Š Laying a solid foundation for management 

 Š Recognising and managing risk; and

and oversight;

 Š Structuring the Board to add value;

 Š Promoting ethical and responsible decision-

making;

 Š Remunerating fairly and responsibly.

relating 

information 

Further 
Imdex’s 
Corporate  Governance  during  FY15  can  be 
found  on  pages  23  to  27  of  the  Company’s 
Financial Report.

to 

Imdex’s Board and 
Executive Management 
Team strive to achieve 
best practice in all 
aspects of corporate 
governance. 

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Imdex Head Offi ce

 
managing risk

The identification and 
management of risk is 
central to delivering  
long-term value to 
Imdex’s shareholders.  

Each year, as part of the Company’s annual 
strategic planning cycle, the Board reviews 
and considers the risk profile for the entire 
organisation.  

Imdex has also established a formal framework 
for governance of managing risk.  The principal 
aim  of  Imdex’s  risk  management  governance 
structure  is  to:  enhance  the  system  of  internal 
control  to  create  a  culture  of  risk-informed 
decision  making  to  manage  business  risks; 
enhance  the  value  of  shareholder  investments; 
and safeguard assets. 

The  Company  is  committed  to  an  effective 
risk  management  process,  which  enables 
management  to  operate  a  risk-based  approach 
in  establishing  internal  control  systems  to 
effectively 
identify,  mitigate  and/or  control 
significant risks. 

The  risk  management  framework  is  used  to 
identification, 
provide  governance 
for 
risks.   
and  management 
assessment 

the 

of 

Risks  are  rated  using  a  methodology  outlined 
in  ISO  31000:2009  –  Risk  Management  – 
Principles  and  Guidelines.    When  a  risk  is 
assessed as material, it is reported to the senior 
management group on a monthly basis until it is 
satisfactorily mitigated. 

All employees globally are responsible for being 
aware of potential business and operational risks 
and the supporting risk management frame work 
established  by  the Audit,  Risk  and  Compliance 
Committee (ARCC). 

Employees  are  also  requested  to  promptly 
communicate  significant  issues  to  their  line 
manager  in  accordance  with  the  Group’s  risk 
management framework.  

All employees 
globally are 
responsible for being 
aware of potential 
business and 
operational risks.

is 

responsible 

Each  business  unit 
for 
incorporating  risk  management  activities  and 
controls  into  their  daily  operations  and  to 
monitor  risks  relating  to  the  unit.    The  risk 
management 
the 
following factors:

incorporates 

framework 

 Š Consideration of other ASX principles on 

corporate governance as they relate to risk 
management;

 Š Consultation with the Board, senior 

management and the leadership group in 
identifying the business risk areas;

 Š Consideration of the Imdex quality 

assurance, quality control and health and 
safety risk assessment system to ensure 
a common language is used across both 
operational and commercial environments;

 Š Development of a corporate risk register 
to record and manage risks by assigning an 
owner, designing mitigating treatments and 
then applying the treatment; and

 Š Identification of areas where additional 

work is required by an internal audit and/or 
business unit to reduce risk exposure.

31

[ board of directors & governance ]2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ management & personnel ]

managing director’s report

Dear Shareholders,

ONE-OFF ITEMS 

The  2015  fi nancial  year  (FY15)  provided  many 
challenges  for  our  company  and  the  markets 
in which we operate.   I am pleased to report, 
however,  our  Minerals  Division  achieved  some 
encouraging  results  including  a  13%  increase 
in  revenue  and  a  14%  increase  on  the  average 
number  of  instruments  on  rent,  which  assisted 
in driving a 45% increase in normalised EBITDA.

These  positive  results  are  largely  due  to  our 
leading  technologies;  commitment  to  reducing 
for  our 
increasing  effi ciencies 
costs  and 
customers; and the expertise and hard work of 
our global team. 

OVERVIEW OF GROUP 
PERFORMANCE

Following is a summary of our company’s FY15 
performance:

Our FY15 results were impacted negatively by a 
number of one-off items, the majority of which 
were non-cash.   

Equipment  write-downs  totalled  $18.0  million.  
Inventory  write-offs,  debtor  provisioning  and 
restructuring costs – principally associated with 
the  restructuring  of  the  Oil  &  Gas  Division  – 
were $9.5 million.

The product containment incident reported to 
the  market  on  13  March  2014,  was  concluded 
during FY15 with a fi nal provision of $2.1 million.  
In July 2014, we divested the remaining share of 
our investment in Sino Gas & Energy Holdings 
(SEH) – a non-core asset – resulting in a profi t 
on disposal of $14.2 million. 

The impact of these one-off items to our FY15 
fi nancial results was a net loss of $15.4 million. 

 Š Statutory revenue up 3% to $188.2 million 

MINERALS DIVISION 

(FY14: $183.5 million); 

 Š 13% increase in Minerals Division 

revenue refl ecting improving market 
conditions and increasing uptake of 
Imdex’s new technologies;

 Š 15% decrease in revenue in the Oil & 
Gas Division due to the widespread 
downturn of the energy sector;

 Š Combined revenue (excluding interest) up 
2% to $208.6 million (FY13: $204.6 million); 

 Š Underlying EBITDA of $11.6 million (FY14: 

$8.0 million);

 Š Statutory EBITDA loss of $3.8 million 

(FY14: a profi t of $4.8 million), impacted 
by a number of one-off balance sheet 
adjustments and non-recurring items;

 Š Net profi t after tax (NPAT) a loss of $22.5 

million (FY14: a loss of $5.3 million)

 Š Net assets of $160.8 million (30 June 2014: 

$176.9 million);

 Š Positive operating cash-fl ow of $8.8 million 

(FY14: $2.9 million); and

 Š Reduced gearing with net debt / capital of 

17.2% (30 June 2014: 18.5%).

Our  Minerals  Division  contributed  68%  of 
combined  revenue  for  FY15  and  generated 
revenue of $141.1 million. This result represents 
a  13%  increase  on  the  previous  corresponding 
period (FY14: $125.3 million). 

Despite  challenging  market  conditions,  our 
Minerals  Division  performed  well  during  FY15 
and the average number of REFLEX instruments 
on hire was up 14%.

This  positive  result  by  the  Minerals  Division 
was driven by: a modest increase in brownfi eld 
drilling activity by the major resource companies; 
additional market share gained by the company’s 
fl uids business and growing demand for our new 
technologies.    The  company  was  particularly 
encouraged  by  this  growing  demand,  as  the  new 
technologies provide a unique platform to increase 
revenue and earnings in FY16 and beyond – even if 
market conditions remained static. 

During  FY15  our  Minerals  Division  continued 
to  make  signifi cant  progress  with  its  pipeline 
of product development and marketing of new 
technologies.    The  Division  also  successfully 
commenced  diversifying  its  customer  base  to 
include additional resource companies and non-
mining applications.

Mr Bernie Ridgeway

B.Bus (ACCTG) ACA

Managing Director

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KEY FY15 OPERATIONAL 
HIGHLIGHTS 

 Š Commercialisation of the REFLEX EZ-

GYRO, the world’s first north seeking driller 
operated gyro;  

 Š Successful marketing of new REFLEX 

technologies;

 Š Increasing uptake of REFLEX HUB by large 
resource companies and mining service 
companies;

 Š Expansion of customer base, together with 
greater exposure to resource companies 
and the production phase of the mining 
cycle;

 Š Increasing demand for AMC’s Solids 
Removal Units – particularly in the 
Americas; 

 Š Greater exposure to non-mining 

applications including horizontal directional 
drilling and waterwell markets; 

 Š Increased collaboration with customers to 
reduce their costs and increase operational 
efficiencies. 

 Š Continued product development producing 
a strong pipeline of new AMC and REFLEX 
technologies; and

 Š The acquisition of 2iC Australia Pty Ltd 
(2iC), effective 1 September 2014.

OIL & GAS DIVISION

Our  Oil  &  Gas  Division  contributed  32%  of 
combined revenue for FY15, generating revenue 
of  $67.4  million. This  result  represents  a  15% 
decrease on the previous corresponding period 
(FY15: $79.3 million). 

AMC  Oil  &  Gas  revenue  for  FY15  was  down 
19%  versus  the  previous  period  and  our  30% 
share  of  VES  revenue  was  down  4%  versus 
the  previous  period.   The  decrease  in  revenue 
directly reflected market conditions. 

As anticipated, the collapse of the oil price and 
widespread downturn of the oil and gas sector 
had an adverse impact on our Oil & Gas Division 
during 2H15.  

Notwithstanding  the  growth  potential  as  the 
energy  sector  stabilises,  we  have  restructured 
AMC  Oil  &  Gas  to  align  with  current  market 
conditions  – VES  has  also  taken  similar  action.    
Significant  costs  have  been  taken  out  of  these 
businesses and the Oil & Gas Division is forecast 
to be breakeven from, and including, 1Q16 – all 
restructuring  costs  are  included  in  the  2H15 
AMC Oil & Gas results. 

The  Board  of  Imdex  has  also  made  a  strategic 
decision to divest its oil and gas assets including 
AMC Oil & Gas and its 30% share in VES.  The 
funds  from  this  divestment  will  be  applied  to 
further debt reduction and working capital.

“Our Minerals 
Division achieved 
some encouraging 
results including a 13% 
increase in revenue 
and a 14% increase on 
the average number 
of instruments on 
rent which assisted 
in driving a 45% 
increase in normalised 
EBITDA.”

We  successfully  satisfied  this  debt  reduction 
requirement via a share placement (announced to 
the market 21 August, 2015) and a debt refinancing 
agreement  with  Sankaty Advisors  LLC  (Sankaty) 
(announced to the market on 24 September, 2015).

The terms of the agreement with Sankaty include a 
new three year A$54 million facility, which replaced 
debt owing to the Westpac Banking Corporation 
and  HSBC  Bank Australia  Ltd.   The  New  Facility 
offers more flexible terms and provides additional 
capacity  for  financing  costs,  working  capital  and 
general corporate and ancillary purposes.  

 We  are  now  in  a  strong  position  to  strengthen 
our balance sheet with the orderly sale of our oil 
and gas assets, while focusing on our core markets 
within the minerals industry. 

OUTLOOK

The outlook for our minerals markets in FY16 
remains  encouraging  yet  challenging.    Fourth 
quarter  performance  of  our  Minerals  Division 
provides  further  evidence  market  conditions 
are  gradually  improving  –  divisional  revenue 
increased  7%  from  3Q15;  the  average  number 
of REFLEX rental instruments on hire increased 
quarter-on-quarter  since  2Q15;  and  demand 
for SRUs remains strong with significant orders 
forecast for 1Q16 and beyond.

The  modest  increase  in  activity  within  the 
minerals industry continues to be underpinned 
by  brownfield  expenditure,  principally  by  large 
resource companies and is expected to continue 
at a measured rate throughout FY16.

33

the 

interest 

Encouragingly, 
in  our  new 
technologies  is  continuing  to  gain  momentum.  
Customers are increasingly focused on utilising 
technology  to  reduce  costs  and  increase  the 
efficiency of their operations – our technologies 
enable  them  to  achieve  this  and  provide  the 
company with a growing and sustainable annuity 
revenue stream. 

POST 30 JUNE 2015 EVENTS

The decline of the global oil and gas sector resulted 
in our company reviewing its funding requirements.  
Banking  covenants  for  FY16  have  been  reset; 
however,  they  were  conditional  on  a  $25  million 
debt reduction by 30 September 2015.

Our  investment  in  technology  development 
through  the  cycle  means  we  can  generate 
additional  revenue  and  earnings  from  changing 
customer  needs  in  the  short-term  and  remain 
well  positioned  to  benefit  from  the  upturn  in 
the minerals sector.

2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ management & personnel ][ management & personnel ]

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REFELX XRF

 
The  outlook  for  the  energy  sector  remains 
uncertain  for  the  short-term;  however  as 
outlined earlier, our Oil & Gas Division has been 
restructured for current market conditions and 
is  forecast  to  be  breakeven  from  and  including 
1Q16.  We will continue to monitor the impact 
of the current operating environment to ensure 
our strategy remains appropriate and in the best 
interests of our shareholders.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS AND 
GROWTH INITIATIVE FOR FY16

We have successfully developed a pipeline of leading 
technologies  and  services  to  support  customers 
within the minerals industry.  During FY16 we will 
leverage our advantages within the minerals sector 
and focus on the following initiatives:

 Š Pursuing the orderly sale of our oil and gas 

businesses;

 Š Commercialising new technologies that are 
currently being trialled or are in the later 
stages of development; 

 Š Marketing new technologies to new and 

existing customers via our established global 
operations;

 Š Increasing annuity revenue streams via 

REFLEX HUB;

 Š Working closely with and supporting 

customers to increase the productivity and 
efficiency of their operations;

 Š Diversifying our customer base to include 
additional resource companies and non-
mining applications, including HDD and 
waterwell markets;

 Š Leveraging our specialist expertise and 
product development capabilities; and

 Š Increasing market share in previously under-

penetrated regions.

While we continue to seek and invest in 
growth opportunities, we will do so with a 
strong focus on cost discipline and prudent 
working capital management.

A UNIQUE COMPANY AND 
TALENTED TEAM  

While  FY15  was  a  challenging  year,  we  are 
fortunate  to  occupy  a  unique  position  within 
the  minerals  market.    Our  commitment  to 
developing  progressive  technologies  provides 
us  with  a  competitive  advantage  –  this  was 
evidenced by our minerals results in FY15 and we 
anticipate incremental gains in FY16 and beyond.

I would like to thank our Executive Management 
and  all  of  our  employees  globally  –  they  should 
be  very  proud  of  how  they  have  guided  and 
supported our company throughout the year, and 
as always, I look forward to all we can achieve in 
FY16.  I would also like to thank Imdex’s valued 
customers  and  shareholders  for  their  ongoing 
support of our Company.

Yours faithfully

Mr Bernie Ridgeway

Managing Director

“Just as the internet 
revolutionised 
so many aspects 
of our lives and 
business operations, 
Imdex’s technologies 
can achieve this 
for the minerals 
industry...”

35

industry  – 

Just  as  the  internet  revolutionised  so  many 
aspects  of  our  lives  and  business  operations, 
Imdex’s  technologies  can  achieve  this  for  the 
minerals 
just 
several percent can equate to substantial savings 
and  greater  efficiency.     Although  the  industry 
is  traditionally  slow  to  embrace  change,  the 
benefits cannot be ignored and we are beginning 
to see growing momentum. 

improvements  of 

We  would  not  be  in  this  position  without  the 
hard work and unique skills of our talented team.  

2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ management & personnel ][ management & personnel ]

executive management team

Mr Paul Evans

Ms Pamela Italiano 

Chief Financial Offi cer and Company Secretary

Chief Executive, AMC Minerals

 Š Chartered Accountant

 Š Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 

in Australia

 Š Chief Financial Offi cer and Company Secretary 

since 17 October 2006

 Š Extensive experience in commercial, general management and 

fi nancial roles

 Š Industry experience covering the media, manufacturing, mining 

services and telecommunications industries. 

 Š 23 years’ experience within the minerals and oil and gas 

industries – companies included Schlumberger, Fugro (formerly 
WGC), BHP Billiton, Glencore (formerly Inco), MMG and MPI 

 Š Extensive management and global leadership experience with a 

focus on strategy, profi tability and business development

 Š Experience implementing new technologies within the minerals 

and oil and gas sectors

 Š Bachelor of Science majoring in geology and geophysics, 

Masters in Exploration Geoscience (Petrology & Petrophysics).

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Mr Derek Loughlin

Chief Executive, REFLEX 

Mr Sven Maikranz

Chief Executive, AMC Oil & Gas 

 Š 29 years experience within the drilling industry

 Š 9 years in executive management positions at Imdex

 Š 17 years with leading drilling company Boart Longyear in 

engineering, operations, sales and global exports, working in 
Ireland, Australia and Germany

 Š Honours Degree in Mining Engineering from the Camborne 

School Of Mines, UK

 Š Diploma of Executive Development at the International 
Institute for Management and Development in Lausanne.

 Š 20 years within the oil and gas industry, including 

17 years with MI-Swaco and Schlumberger

 Š Extensive management and leadership experience with a focus 
on driving profi tability, business turnarounds and start-ups

 Š 14 years on international assignments in Asia, 

Europe and the USA

 Š Executive Masters of Business. Masters of Business and 

Masters in Chemistry. 

 
[ management & personnel ]

global team

During  FY15  Imdex  had  a  greater  focus  on  the 

capabilities  of  its  global  team  to  optimise  the 

Company’s  global  reach,  synergies  between 

business units and effi ciencies across regions.

Imdex’s annual report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency confi rmed 
compliance  with  the  Workplace  Gender  Equality  Act  2012  (Act).    The 
Company’s report can be found at www.wgea.gov.au.

Female representation within Senior Management has increased from 11% in 
FY14 to 22% in FY15 and will increase to 30% in FY16.  The Company also 
continues to value the expertise and guidance of a female Director. 

WORKFORCE COMPOSITION

It has been important for Imdex to remain agile and responsive to changing 
market  conditions,  while  maintaining  a  balanced  global  workforce  and  its 
unique skills set. 

As at 30 June 2015, Imdex employed 524 people globally – a 7.5% reduction 
from the corresponding previous period (FY14: 567).  The reduction was 
principally  due  to  the  restructure  of AMC  Oil  and  Gas  to  align  with 
market conditions. 

The Company’s voluntary turnover of 14.4% (FY14: 13%) demonstrates stability 
in the core workforce and employees’ commitment to Imdex’s strategies.

STRATEGIC RECRUITMENT

During  the  year  Imdex  continued  to  take  advantage  of  a  less  competitive 
labour  market  by  attracting  high-calibre  people.    Strategic  recruitment 
campaigns secured specialised talent in the areas of technology and business 
development  to  maintain  the  Company’s  competitive  advantage  through 
technological  leadership.     To  support  this  strategy,  Imdex  strengthened 
its  research  and  development  capabilities,  particularly  within  REFLEX,  and 
secured  a  key  executive  for  the  newly  created  senior  role  of  Head  of 
Information and Innovation.  

Governed  by  the  Recruitment  and  Selection  Policy  and  capitalising  on 
the  global  labour  market,  candidates  have  been  selected  on  merit  and  in 
compliance with equal employment opportunity legislation. 

FY15 EMPLOYEES BY REGION

FY14 EMPLOYEES BY REGION

Africa (50)

Asia Pacifi c (12)

Australia (217)

Central Asia (3)

Europe (78)

Middle East (15)

North America (80)

South America (69)

Total Employees 524

Africa (49)

Asia Pacifi c (24)

Australia (228)

Central Asia (11)

Europe (95)

Middle East (22)

North America (75)

South America (63)

Total Employees 567

FY15 EMPLOYEES BY GENDER

FY14 EMPLOYEES BY GENDER

Female 23% (120 employees)

Male 77% (404 employees)

Total Employees 524

Female 23% (129 employees)

Male 77% (438 employees)

Total Employees 567

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[ management & personnel ]

HIGH PERFORMING AND RESULTS-DRIVEN 
CULTURE 

In order to develop Imdex’s high performing and results-driven culture, the 
Company has focused on promoting the following in FY15:

 Š Values – The Imdex Way comprises six guiding principles that govern 
the Company’s decision making, performance reviews and employee 
reward programs – further information can be found on page 14;

 Š Performance and Development Review system – a review of 

performance against FY15 objectives, setting objectives for FY16 and 
the alignment of individual behaviours to the Imdex Way;

 Š Code of Conduct – a minimum standard of conduct for all employees 
globally, to promote a fair and equal workplace that is free from 
discrimination and to ensure the protection of Imdex’s intellectual 
property; and

 Š Training – enhancing training programs to develop existing employees 
and, where possible, provide employees with career opportunities.  
An example is the global mud training for AMC Oil & Gas and the 
development of a similar global program for AMC Minerals. 

PERFORMANCE-BASED REWARD

Imdex’s reward framework remains unchanged, however, market conditions 
and business performance has been appropriately factored into its application 
in FY15 as follows: 

 Š Global salary reviews were awarded to a limited number of employees 

and there were no executive remuneration increases;

 Š The Short Term Incentive Plan (STIP) remained in place, however, 

payments were only made to a limited number of employees who met 
the FY15 targets and no executive bonuses were paid; and

 Š The Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) remained in place and enables 

eligible Imdex employees to have a greater involvement with, and share 
in, the future growth and profi tability of Imdex.

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY IN HR

Throughout FY15, Imdex adopted comprehensive technologies to support 
and engage its global workforce.  Key improvements included:

 Š Transition of the Human Resources Information System onto the 

integrated Imdex Enterprise Resource Planning platform;

 Š Expansion of the Document Management System globally; and

 Š Introduction of an e-Learning Platform in the Cloud, which makes 

training easy to access by all employees globally.

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technologies & services 

BRANDS

PRODUCT & SERVICE RANGE

MARKET

REFLEX ACT III: Digital core orientation

REFLEX HT ACT: Digital core orientation

REFLEX EZ-Shot: Single-shot magnetic survey

REFLEX EZ-Trac: Multi-shot magnetic survey

REFLEX HT EZ-Trac: Multi-shot magnetic survey

REFLEX Maxibor II: Optical survey

REFLEX Gyro: Gyroscopic survey

REFLEX HT Gyro: Gyroscopic survey

REFLEX TN14 Gyrocompass: Rig aligner

REFLEX EDR: Rig monitoring 

REFLEX XRF: On-site geoanalysis

REFLEX HUB: Data management solutions

REFLEX Geochemistry: Geochemical data analysis

ioGAS: Geochemical data analysis software

Customised downhole motors

Drilling fluids and chemicals

Fluid containment and transfer equipment

Waste management equipment

Solids removal units  
(surface, underground & heli-portable SRUs)

Global mining / mineral exploration, HDD 
and civil construction markets

BRANDS

PRODUCT RANGE

MARKET

39

Drilling fluids and production chemicals market

Fluid containment and transfer equipment

Waste management equipment

Solids control units (SCUs)

Inflex (formerly Target INS)

Gyroflex survey tool

Global oil & gas market

[ operational overview ]2015 ANNUAL REPORT 
Integrated Real-Time Solutions to Enhance 
Customer Operations

REFLEX Core 
Orientation  
Instruments

REFLEX Survey 
Instruments

REFLEX 
Directional 
Control

Drill Management 
Systems

REFLEX 
HUB

Rig-Based 
Geoscience 
Instruments

Software

Drilling Fluid 
Systems

Consulting

40

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDa year in review –  
news & case studies 

Case study: 
AMC SRU saved 
147,500L of water 
in 20 days

AMC’s  customer  had  two  exploration  drill  rigs 

operating  near  Taltal,  some  3,900m  above  sea-

level  on  the  western  edge  of  the  Domeyko 

Mountain  in  Chile.    Water  was  scarce  and  had 

to be carted by trucks 240km to the project site.  

Two  AMC  SRUs  were  trialled  to  reduce  water 

usage and cartage costs. 

41

Following  the  twenty  day  trial,  AMC’s  customer  recorded  significant 
operational  and  environmental  efficiencies  including  a  60%  reduction  in 
water usage (147,500 litres) and a 65% reduction in cartage costs. The total 
savings during the trial were estimated to be at least US$36,120.

[ operational overview ]2015 ANNUAL REPORTRelease of new REFLEX HUB modules 
enable total visibility in real time

REFLEX  was  pleased 

to 

release  its  new  REFLEX  HUB 

Schedule  of  Rates  (SoR)  and 

Production Planning modules 

in April 2015. 

These  secure  modules  enable  total  visibility 
of  operating  costs  in  real  time,  together  with 
enhanced  planning  capabilities  at  a  time  when 
customers  are  scrutinising  every  dollar  to 
maximise efficiencies. 

The REFLEX SoR allows customers to track and 
monitor  expenditure  and  contractor  invoices 
on a shift by shift basis, which enables them to 
resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner.

REFLEX  Global  Project  Manager  –  Data 
Solutions, Michelle Carey, said customers value 
the ability to accurately compare their current 
expenditure against what has been forecast.

“With the ability to input their own rates and 
measurement  parameters, 
forecasting  and 
invoicing is accurate and reliable,” said Michelle. 
“The  data  on  which  this  is  based  has  prior 
approval which assures its accuracy.”

The  REFLEX  Production  Planning  module 
assists  customers  to  track  current  versus 
planned activity and provides them with greater 
confidence that projects remain within budget 
and scope. 

“Actual  performance  data  is  tracked  in  real 
time so any changes can be made as required”, 
explained Michelle.

“Customers  can  make  immediate  adjustments 
rather  than  risk  incurring  time  delays  and 
additional  costs  when  issues  are  detected 
later.”

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Golden data streams

The  cost  saving  benefits  of  REFLEX’s  technologies  were  recently 

highlighted in Mining Monthly Editor Noel Dyson’s article entitled 

“Golden Data Streams”, featured by MiningNewsPremium.net.

Dyson’s  article  reported  how  technology 
was  being  utilised  at  the  Tropicana  Gold 
Mine  project  to  reduce  operational  costs 
such  as  mill  electricity  consumption  –  a 
significant cost at this remote location and 
one that can “decide the throughput of the 
plant  or  whether  the  mine  has  one  mill 
instead of two.”

A  range  of  data  was  collected  utilising 
Tropicana’s automated lab on site and REFLEX’s 
technologies.  This  data,  relating  to  the  gold 
grade  and  mineralisation  of  ore,  together 
with data from the mill, was then provided to 
REFLEX’s  team  of  geoscientists  for  analysis 
and modelling. 

REFLEX  Global  Product  Manager  –  Data 
Solutions  Michelle  Carey  said  “REFLEX 
helped  Tropicana  establish  a  relationship 
between things they could measure in their 
ore and their real time lab and how their ore 
was getting processed through the plant.”

“Knowing what is going in you can predict 
how much power is going to be used by bits 
of  their  mill  and  the  different  recoveries 
based on the chemistry of their rocks”, she 
said.  While “Golden Data Streams” focused 
on  the  energy  consumption  of Tropicana’s 
mill,  it  suggested  the  use  of  such  data 
collection  and  analysis  could  be  applied 
to other parts of its operation to make it 
more efficient and profitable. 

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDCase study: 
AMC’s custom 
designed fl  uid 
delivers HDD 
project success

AMC’s  custom  developed  fl  uid  and  technical 

support  enabled  the  successful  completion  of  a 

challenging  horizontal  directional  drilling  (HDD) 

borehole.  The  diffi cult  geological  formations  of 

the  borehole  halted  the  operation  at  1,700  feet, 

following  multiple  attempts  by  alternative  fl  uids 

providers and engineering contractors.

[ operational overview ]

BACKGROUND

The HDD project required a gas line to be replaced across a cobble creek 
for PEMEX – Mexico’s state owned petroleum company.  PEMEX had used 
multiple contractors for this project without any success. 

AMC’s  customer  had  spent  three  months  losing  tooling,  including  bit  and 
mud motor assembly, to the formation. 

A number of approaches were utilised including bit and mud motor variations 
together with alternative mud programs.  With the project not progressing, 
the customer’s contract was under increasing pressure.

SUCCESS WITH AMC’S CUSTOM DESIGNED FLUID 

AMC’s engineers in the USA and Mexico worked together to customise a 
solution for this unique borehole.  Their principal focus was to develop a fl uid 
that  would  maintain  hole  stability  in  the  highly  dense  and  unconsolidated 
formation. 

The  solution  was  a  low  shear  rate  viscosity  (LRSV)  fl uid  that  would  give 
exceptional cleaning results without relying on high pump rates and turbulent 
fl ow to move cuttings from the borehole. Unlike other LSRV options, this 
customised  formula  could  be  adjusted  over  time  to  accommodate  the 
changes in the formation.

PROJECT OUTCOME

The technical guidance of AMC’s mud engineers and the development of the 
innovative fl uid enabled the borehole to progress – they also increased the 
rate of penetration and improved production time to complete the project. 

AMC’s  solution  delivered  signifi cant  cost  savings  to  the  contractor,  which 
were estimated to be US$120,000.

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HDD rig in action

 
 
[ operational overview ]

Successful 
deployment of 
DET CRC Lab-at-
Rig™ in Victoria 

A press release issued by the Deep Exploration 

Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DET 

CRC) summarised the “successful deployment” 

of its Lab-at-Rig™ system at a drilling program 

in western Victoria.

The  program,  conducted  in  conjunction  with  Geoscience  Australia, 
has two principal objectives: to “reveal the hidden mineral potential of 
Australia’s buried but prospective geology”; and refi ne the DET CRC’s 
Lab-at-Rig™  system,  which  provides  geochemical  and  mineralogical 
information on drilling samples as they are recovered.

Commenting  on  the  concept  testing,  DET  CRC  CEO  Richard  Hillis 

said: “This  drilling  program  is  providing  an  important  fi eld  test  and 
an  opportunity  to  ‘pull  through’  the  new  technologies  that  will 
be  required  to  explore  the  80%  of  the Australian  continent  where 
mineral deposits are hidden beneath barren cover,”

The DET CRC release also highlighted how new technologies such as 
the Lab-at-Rig™ “seek to inform drilling decisions and, in due course, 
to replace time-consuming and expensive lab-based assays of drilling 
samples.”

Our company is working closely with the DET CRC and its partners to 
deploy the trailer-mounted X-Ray fl uorescence and X-Ray diffraction 
system, which provides near real-time geochemistry and mineralogy 
during diamond drilling.

The  program  is  utilising  the  REFLEX  Connect  and Terra  portable 
analyser  technology,  coupled  with  sampling  workfl ows  and  data 
management through the REFLEX HUB, all deployed in a mobile unit. 
Data  is  delivered  to  Geoscience Australia  geologists  during  drilling, 
giving important early information about the location of key geological 
horizons before detailed geological logging of the core.

REFLEX’s Lab-at-Rig™ project leader, Mr James Cleverly, said it was 
exciting to be able to log into the REFLEX HUB from Perth and see 
that the drill rig in Victoria had crossed a critical boundary.

“Our team will use the learnings from this concept testing to further 
refi ne  the  prototype  development  of  the  Lab-at-RigTM  system,”  Mr 
Cleverly said.

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REFLEX EZ-GYRO

Customers value 
effi ciencies of 
fi rst north 
seeking driller 
operated gyro

The REFLEX EZ-Gyro 

has generated strong 

customer interest as it costs 

approximately 25 – 30% less 

than a specialist surveying 

provider’s daily rate.

The REFLEX GYRO was engineered to be highly 
accurate yet easy to use. The instrument utilises 
north  seeking  sensors,  originally  designed  for 
aerospace operations, to provide azimuth and dip. 

Drilling and resource companies can now obtain 
this  critical  data  without  the  cost  of  engaging 
a  north  seeking  gyroscopic  instrumentation 
service provider. 

 
REFLEX TN14 
Gyrocompass and 
REFLEX Gyro used 
in Crossrail project

REFLEX  technologies  were  utilised  for  their 

accuracy  during  critical  stages  of  London’s  £15 

billion Crossrail development project.

The project has been described as among the most significant infrastructure 
projects  undertaken  in  the  United  Kingdom.    Approximately  200  million 
passengers  are  expected  to  travel  on  the  Crossrail,  which  will  run  from 
Reading in the west, through London to Shenfield in the east.   The new line 
will pass through 40 stations and will reduce journey times substantially.

The  Crossrail  comprises  26  miles  of  new  tunnels  passing  under  some 
of  the  most  expensive  and  historic  real  estate  in  London.   To  reduce  the 
risk  of  damage  to  these  buildings,  compensation  and  permeation  grouting 
techniques were applied to unconsolidated ground.  These techniques involve 
high  pressure  injection  of  grout  under  buildings  to  strengthen  underlying 
formations and reduce their permeability.   The spacing and pattern of the 
injection ports are vital, therefore grout injection holes had to be accurately 
drilled to a planned pattern.  

REFLEX TN14 Gyrocompass

The REFLEX TN14 Gyrocompass was used to accurately establish the correct 
starting point for each injection hole.  The instrument provided a live azimuth 
and inclination reading to guide the driller while aligning the rig.  The data was 
available on a personal digital assistant via blue-tooth and was then exported 
for quality assurance.

The  REFLEX  GYRO  was  used  to  survey  the  trajectory  of  the  holes.   This 
instrument  is  not  affected  by  magnetic  disturbance,  such  as  metal  or 
underground power cables, which made it ideal for this project.  The survey 
data retrieved could also be quickly exported as a .csv file and easily imported 
into the client’s CAD or planning software.

The  tunnelling  phase  of  the  Crossrail  project  is  near  completion  and  it  is 
expected to be operational in 2019.

45

[ operational overview ]2015 ANNUAL REPORTCase study:  
AMC’s SRU limited risks of 
spills in protected area

BACKGROUND

A  uranium  drilling  project,  located  in  Canada’s 
Patterson  Lake  South,  presented  a  number  of 
unique  environmental  and  technical  challenges 
for the resource company. 

46

The  uranium  mining  project  is  located  within 
a  lake  surrounded  by  protected  native  land. 
The  site  is  also  within  the  migratory  range  of 
the  Beverly  Caribou  herd  –  a  major  source  of 
sustenance  for  the  Denesuline  communities.  
As  an  environmentally  sensitive  area,  strict 
environmental  policies  apply  to  protect  the 
natural  environment,  prevent  contamination  of 
the lake and the impact of drilling must be kept 
to an absolute minimum.

presented 

difficulties 

Logistical 
further 
challenges  at  this  site.  Being  in  an  isolated 
location,  with  drilling  operations  mounted  on 
barges  on  the  lake,  there  is  no  infrastructure 
for mobilisation of equipment and management 
of  fluid  and  drilling  waste  is  costly  and  time 
consuming.   This  also  presents  a  higher  risk  of 

environmental contamination through spills and 
leaks off the barge.

RESULTS

The  barge  mounted  SRUs  reduced  costs 
associated  with  mud  usage  and  transportation 
of  fluids;  increased  operational  efficiencies;  and 
importantly, enabled cleaner and safer operations 
this  environmentally  sensitive  area. 
within 
Feedback  from  the  customer  also  highlighted 
the high level of training and support provided 
by AMC, ensuring smooth set up and operation.

 Š Reduced environmental footprint and risk 

of contamination; 

 Š Mud consumption reduced by 65-90%;

 Š 65-90% Reduction in mud consumption;

 Š Fluid transport cost savings up to 

A$120,000/month;

 Š Easy cuttings disposal; and

 Š Cleaner and safer operating environment.

AMC’S SRU

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDIntroducing Salesforce

enable us to monitor communication with our customers and provide 
better support.  Other benefits will include: 

In  July  2015,  we  commenced  the  introduction 

 Š Greater visibility for planning, forecasting, reporting and 

prioritising; 

of Salesforce to support our AMC Minerals and 

 Š A central repository for industry information;

REFLEX operations globally.

 Š A support framework for our account management teams; and

Salesforce  is  a  well-established  customer  relationship  management 
(CRM)  system  and  valuable  sales  tool.    The  system  will  enhance 
communication between our business units and provide efficient access 
to  a  broader  range  of  customer  information.    Importantly,  it  will  also 

 Š Greater customer visibility for our global operations. 

Salesforce is an important tool to assist us work more closely with 
our customers to provide technologies and services to support their 
operations.

REFLEX – 
Intelligence on 
demand

During 1Q15, REFLEX enhanced 

its  branding  to  align  with  its 

new  portfolio  of  technologies 

and  solutions  for  its  expanding 

customer base. 

REFLEX’s branding is based on the company’s 
positioning  statement  –  to  be  the  minerals 
industry  standard  for  increasing  productivity 
through transformational technologies.

resource companies. The site also includes an 
integrated  customer  management  system  to 
enhance the efficiency of REFLEX’s customer 
support across all regions. 

The  new  REFLEX  website  is  central  to  all 
marketing and sales activities and will be used 
to  measure  and  assess  opportunities  and 
initiatives in the future. 

To  reinforce  this  statement,  REFLEX  updated 
its logo to include the Intelligence on Demand 
strapline and created simple graphics to visually 
represent  its  comprehensive  range  of  data 
collection, management and analysis solutions.

REFLEX  also  launched  its  new  website  to 
coincide with its rebranding. The website was 
developed  to  provide  additional  tools  and 
tailored  support  for  drilling  contractors  and 

47

New REFLEX website

[ operational overview ]2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ operational overview ]

Case study: 
SRU signifi cantly reduced water costs for 
underground drilling operations

BACKGROUND

In  many  remote  areas  water  is  a  scare  commodity.   When  coupled  with 
underground  mining  operations,  its  management  becomes  challenging  and 
costly. A  customer  trial  was  conducted  comparing  two  holes  –  one  was 
using the AMC Underground Solids Removal Unit (UG-SRU) and the other 
traditional methods.

KEY CHALLENGES

 Š Reducing water and mud consumption

 Š Reducing cost of underground drilling operations.

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RESULTS

The  trial  demonstrated  economic  benefi ts  for  the  drilling  operator  and 
the mining resource company. A signifi cant reduction in water (90%) and 
mud  consumption  (55%),  together  with  associated  costs,  were  achieved 

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Direct to the HUB – 
REFLEX XRF

New REFLEX XRF software is now available to enhance the effi ciency 
and  accuracy  of  data  management  for  our  customers. The  custom 
designed software enables geochemical data to be transmitted directly 
to  REFLEX  HUB,  where  built-in  analytics  produce  derived  outputs 
that can be used immediately for logging, domaining and classifi cation.

when utilising the UG-SRU. Net savings per rig per month were estimated 
to be A$7,134.

The trial also highlighted the success of the unit’s small footprint and its ability 
to operate when water supply is interrupted due to technical diffi culties.

 
[ operational overview ]

quality, health, safety & 
environment 
The FY15 Regional 
QHSE Plan

Observation Program

As part of the Regional QHSE Plans, Imdex introduced a QHSE Observation 
program to raise employee hazard awareness.  Every employee was required 
to report observations during the year and attend safety meetings.  These 
KPIs also formed part of the FY15 employee performance reviews. 

During FY15, Imdex launched its Regional QHSE Plans to ensure QHSE risks 
were  managed  and  controlled  appropriately  and  consistently  at  all  global 
locations.  A key objective was to further elevate and improve the company’s 
QHSE culture by regional and location managers driving improvement.

The minimum global QHSE requirements included the following: 

 Š Six monthly QHSE risk assessments

 Š Location personal protective equipment assessment

 Š Maintaining a legal register

 Š Hazard identifi cation KPIs

 Š Quarterly workplace inspections 

 Š Monthly safety meetings 

 Š Confi ned space identifi cation and program

 Š Emergency response whilst travelling 

 Š Emergency response plan development and drills

 Š Journey plans.

The  plans  were  monitored  monthly  and  progress  was  measured  through 
scorecards  –  similar  plans  are  being  introduced  for  FY16  and  are  well 
supported by the Regional Managers.

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[ operational overview ]

Injury 
Performance

Imdex  has  increased  its  safety  performance 
benchmarks  for  its  global  operations  by  using 
APPEA oil and gas industry results, rather than 
the WorkSafe benchmarks.

graph 

(right) 

benchmarks 

The 
Imdex’s 
performance  from  September  2012  to  30  June 
2015  against  the  stringent  APPEA  oil  and  gas 
industry results. 

The graph shows a signifi cant decrease in injury 
rates  since  Sept  2012.    Unfortunately  two  lost 
time  injuries  occurred  during  FY15,  with  a 
combined total of 53 days lost.   

Imdex’s  TRIFR  result  was  7.51  injuries  per 
million hours worked and the Company’s LTIFR 
result  was  in  line  with  the  APPEA  result  was 
1.885 injuries per million hours worked.

TOTAL REPORTABLE INJURY FREQUENCY RATE (TRIFR) & 
LOST TIME INJURY FREQUENCY RATE (LTIFR)

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TRIFR = Number of total recordable injuries / diseases 

for each one million hours worked.

LTIFR = Number of lost time injuries / diseases for 

each one million hours worked

LTIFR
TRIFR
LTIFR Benchmark
TRIFR Benchmark

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29

300

Major Injury

Minor Injuries

Near Misses

The Heinrich 300-29-1 Model

IMDEX GROUP - FY15 STATISTICS

Fatality 0

Lost Time 2

Restricted Duties 3

Medical Treatment 3

First Aid 16

Near Miss 25

Safety Meetings 330

Observations 3816

Data shown in red and grey sections is number reported in FY15

Data in blue section is number completed in FY15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New GHS Compliant Chemical Labelling System

During  the  year  considerable  work  was  completed  to  create  a  globally 
harmonised  scheme  (GHS)  and  REACH*  compliant  labelling  system. This 
system takes regulatory and chemical information from the existing state-of-
the-art Chemwatch Safety Data Sheet system, then compiles product labels 
as needed in the required language for the selected country. 

This  solution  enables  Imdex’s  regional  distributors  to  efficiently  print 
compliant labels in the national language.

*REACH is a European Regulation (No 1907/2006) concerning chemicals and their safe use. 
It aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment through a system of 
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. As a European Regulation 
REACH applies directly in all 28 Member States of the European Union. It also applies to 
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway as member countries of the European Economic Area.

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[ operational overview ]2015 ANNUAL REPORTISO Certifications

Imdex added the following certifications during FY15:

 Š AMC & REFLEX (Brisbane) certified to ISO14001, in addition to 
existing ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 ISO14001 certifications;

 Š AMC Oil & Gas Brisbane certified to ISO 9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS 

18001;

 Š AMC Calgary Canada certified to OHSAS 18001, in addition to existing 

ISO 9001 certification;

 Š AMC Itajai Brazil certified to OHSAS 18001, in addition to existing ISO 

9001 certification; and

 Š AMC Johannesburg South Africa certified to OHSAS 18001, in addition 

to existing ISO 9001 certification.

Environment

As  a  provider  of  products  and  services,  Imdex  does  not  have  a  material 
impact on the environment.  The Company works closely with its customers 
to develop innovative products to reduce the environmental impact of their 
operations.  Examples of these products include:

 Š Solids removal units that enable sumpless drilling and significantly 

reduce water consumption;

 Š Environmentally friendly drilling fluid products;

 Š Recycled packaging options;

 Š Dust suppression products; and

 Š Paperless daily drill reports.  

No significant environmental aspects were reported during FY15.  Similarly 
no Field Notices or fines were received by Imdex or its global subsidiary 
companies for environmental pollution. 

New ISO Environmental 
Certifications

The Company was pleased to introduce Imdex Limited Global Certificates 
for  Quality  (ISO9001),  Safety  (OSHAS  18001)  and  the  Environment 
(ISO14001).    Its  53  individual  certifications  were  audited  and  successfully 
maintained globally.

These certifications ensure Imdex’s integrated QHSE systems are adhered 
to and remain valid and effective throughout its global operations.

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[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDcommunity involvement 

Imdex  actively  supports  local  work  experience 

students  to  provide  them  with  valuable  skills  in 

the  workplace  related  to  their  career  directions.  

The company also supports events and initiatives 

undertaken  by  its  regional  operations  to  assist 

their  local  communities  and  charity  fundraisers.   

Support during FY15 included: 

The Movember Foundation

The  Movember  Foundation  is  a  leading  global  organisation  supporting 
men’s  health.   The  Foundation  is  committed  to  saving  and  improving  the 
lives  of  men  affected  by  prostate  cancer,  testicular  cancer  and  mental 
health problems.  Each November men are challenged to grow moustaches 
to  spark  conversation  and  raise  vital  funds  for  its  men’s  health  programs. 

Breast Cancer Care WA

Breast  Cancer  Care  WA  is  a  Western  Australian  charity  that  provides 
personalised emotional, practical and financial support and care to women 
and men affected by breast cancer.  The charity’s biggest annual fundraiser is 
Purple Bra Day – where people raise money by wearing the iconic purple 
bra on the outside of their clothes.  Money raised provides support to those 
affected by breast cancer.

Epworth Children’s Village 
– South Africa 

The Epworth Children’s Village is a therapeutic community that develops the 
lives of children who are disadvantaged socially, intellectually, emotionally or 
educationally.  The community also focuses on remedies and rehabilitation 
for hurt, abused and damaged children.  Its principal services include:

 Š Effective community outreach;

 Š Service delivery to schools;

 Š Support and mentorship to other smaller organisations;

 Š Assessment and therapy;

 Š Training for professionals, parents; and

 Š Running children’s therapeutic residential care. 

Santa’s Shoe Box Project

The  Santa  Shoebox  Project  originated  in  Cape  Town.    The  boxes  are 
distributed  to  more  than  1000  recipient  facilities,  through  more  than  60 
satellites around South Africa and Namibia. The success of the Project can 
largely be attributed to its personalised nature – donors give gifts to children 
whose names, ages and genders are known.

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[ operational overview ]2015 ANNUAL REPORT[ operational overview ]

FY16 key 
areas of 
focus

Pursuing the orderly sale of our oil and 
gas businesses

Commercialising new technologies that 
are currently being trialled or are in the 
later stages of development

Marketing new technologies to 
new and existing customers via our 
established global operations

Increasing annuity revenue streams via 
real-time data solutions

Working closely with and supporting 
customers to increase the productivity 
and effi ciency of their operations

Diversifying our customer base to 
include additional resource companies 
and non-mining applications, including 
HDD and waterwell markets

Leveraging our specialist expertise and 
product development capabilities

Increasing market share in previously 
underpenetrated regions

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[ company history ]

company history

17 December 1980  Australian company Pilbara Gold NL incorporated 

21 July 1985 

Pilbara Gold NL changed name to Imdex Limited 

24 September 1987 Imdex Limited listed on the ASX 

1988 

1997 

2001 

Formation of Australian Mud Company 

Acquisition of Surtron Technologies Pty Ltd and Ace Drilling Supplies 

Joint venture formed with Imdex and Rashid Trading Establishment (RTE) 
in Saudi Arabia 

1 July 2005 

Sale of Imdex Minerals 

1 August 2005 

Acquisition of African based company Samchem 

1 August 2006 

Acquisition of Swedish based REFLEX Group of Companies and United 
Kingdom based company Chardec 

1 May 2007 

Acquisition of Swedish based company Flexit 

1 July 2007 

Ace merged with REFLEX. Imdex finalised the sale of its interest in  
Imdex Arabia to RTE.  Acquisition of Canadian based Poly-Drill and a  
75% interest in Kazakhstan based Suay Energy Services 

31 October 2007 

Sale of Surtron Technologies 

1 November 2007

Acquisition of Chilean based company Southernland 

1 January 2008 

Acquisition of German based company System Entwicklungs 

1 July 2008 

Acquisition of the remaining 25% of Kazakhstan based  
Suay Energy Services 

1 September 2008  Acquisition of Australian based company Wildcat Chemicals Australia 

1 July 2010 

New regional structure implemented and business reporting streamlined 
into Minerals and Oil & Gas Divisions 

1 September 2010  Acquisition of Australian based companies Fluidstar and Ecospin 

55

1 March 2011 

Acquisition of German based company Mud-Data 

1 July 2011 

Formation of DHS Services joint venture 

1 July 2011

1 August 2011 

Acquisition of Australian based company  
Australian Drilling Specialties Pty Ltd 

Acquisition of Brazilian based company  
System Mud Indústria e ComércioLtda 

1 January 2012 

Acquisition of Vaughn Energy Services (VES) by  
Imdex’s DHS Services joint venture 

1 November 2012 

Acquisition of ioGlobal Pty Ltd, ioAnalytics Pty Ltd and  
ioGlobal Solutions Inc. (together ioGlobal) 

1 December 2012  DHS Services and Vaughn Energy Services rebranded as VES International

1 September 2014  Acquisition of 2iC 

30 June 2015

Divestment of Suay Energy Services

2015 ANNUAL REPORTT
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Innovative Technologies
Integrated Solutions
Global Support

Imdex delivers leading innovative technologies 
to the global minerals industry and select oil and 
gas markets, focusing on integrated solutions that 
enhance customers’ operations and deliver value for 
shareholders.  The company achieves this through its 
extensive industry knowledge and commitment to 
product development, ensuring innovative, simple to 
use and fit-for-purpose technologies.

Imdex Limited
ABN 78 008 947 813

Head Office
216 Balcatta Road, Balcatta,
Western Australia 6021

T  +61 8 9445 4010
F  +61 8 9445 4042
E 
www.imdexlimited.com

imdex@imdexlimited.com