Quarterlytics / Industrials / Imdex Limited / FY2016 Annual Report

Imdex Limited
Annual Report 2016

IMD · ASX Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker IMD
Exchange ASX
Sector Industrials
Industry
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2016 Annual Report · Imdex Limited
Loading PDF…
T

R

O

P

E

R

L

A

U

N

N

A

6

1

0

2

D

E

T

I

M

I

L

X

E

D

M

I

m

o

c

.

d

e

t

i

m

i

l

x

e

d

m

i

.

w

w

w

I M D E X   L I M I T E D 
2016 annual report

m
o
c
.

d
e
t
i

m

i

l

x
e
d
m

i

.

w
w
w

Imdex’s vision is to be the market leader in 

real-time subsurface intelligence solutions.  

The Company delivers leading technologies 

to the global minerals industry and target 

non-mining markets.  Its purpose is to create 

long-term value for Imdex’s shareholders, 

solutions that enhance its clients operations 

and rewards for its employees. 

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

4

Imdex Group 
at a Glance

Corporate Profile 

Our Vision & Mission 

Key Data 

Company Structure 

Global Business 

The Imdex Way  

5

7

9

11

12

14

16

FY16  
Snapshot 

FY16 Objectives & Outcomes  

FY16 Market Overview  

16

19

FY16 Operational Highlights & Challenges  19

FY16 Group Financial Performance 

FY16 Minerals Division Performance 

Summary of Financial Highlights  

20

21

22

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 Anthony Wooles (Non-Executive Chairman)

Mr Bernie Ridgeway (Managing Director)

Mr Kevin Dundo (Non-Executive Director)

Ms Betsy Donaghey (Non-Executive Director)

Mr Ivan Gustavino (Non-Executive Director)

Company Secretary

Mr Paul Evans

2016 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: 11am (AWST) 
on Friday 25 November 2016.

For further information please contact Paul Evans 
on +61 (0)8 9445 4010 or visit Imdex’s website at  
www.imdexlimited.com.

table of contents

24

Board of 
Directors & 
Governance 

Imdex Board   

Board Member Profiles  

Chairman’s Report  

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment  

Corporate Governance 

Managing Risk  

24

26

28

30

31

32

33

Management 
& Personnel 

Managing Director’s Report  

Executive Management Team 

Global Team  

33

36

37

38

Operational 
Overview 

Technologies & Services 

A Year in Review – News & Case Studies  

FY17 Key Areas of Focus 

38

40

46

3

47

Company 
History

2016 ANNUAL REPORT4

Developing leading subsurface technologies 

IMDEX LIMITED[ imdex group at a glance ]

corporate 
profile

Imdex is a leading mining technology 
provider to the global minerals industry. 
The Company’s strength is derived from 
its advanced technologies, end-to-end 
subsurface solutions, global operations 
and superior service. 

Imdex’s range of product and services includes: quality drilling fluids; drilling 
equipment;  advanced  downhole  instrumentation;  data  management;  and 
analytical software for geological modelling via its AMC and REFLEX brands.

The Company supports a diverse range of clients at all stages of the mining 
cycle,  from  junior  explorers  to  major  producers  across  a  wide  range  of 
commodities.  Clients  include  exploration,  development,  production  and 
mining  services  companies  within  the  minerals  sector;  together  with 
coal  bed  methane,  geothermal,  horizontal  directional  drilling,  waterwell, 
geotechnical and civil construction companies worldwide.

Imdex has established operations in all key mining areas including:  Africa; 
Asia  Pacific;  Europe  and  the Americas.     This  global  presence  allows  the 
Company  to  provide  local  and  timely  support  to  its  clients  and  have 
greater access to international mineral exploration markets. 

Imdex’s  in-house  expertise,  together  with  its  substantial  commitment 
to  ongoing  product  development,  has  enabled  the  Company  to  achieve 
market leader status in its fields of operation. It is continuously refining its 
integrated  product  and  service  offering  to  enhance  the  productivity  and 
efficiency of clients’ operations.

5

2016 ANNUAL REPORT6

REFLEX Lab-at-Rig on site 

IMDEX LIMITED[ imdex group at a glance ]

our vision  
and mission

“ Imdex’s vision is to be the 
market leader in real-time 
subsurface intelligence 
solutions.  The Company 
delivers leading technologies 
to the global minerals 
industry and target non-
mining markets.  Its purpose 
is to create long-term value 
for Imdex’s shareholders, 
solutions that enhance 
its clients’ operations and 
rewards for its employees. ”

7

2016 ANNUAL REPORT8

Inside AMC’s Research and Development Laboratory

IMDEX LIMITEDkey data

AS AT 30 JUNE 2015

AS AT 30 JUNE 2016

Market capitalization: 

$64.9 million

Shares on issue:  

216.2 million

Share price at 30 June 2015:  

$0.30

Market capitalization: 

$52.2 million

Shares on issue:  

248.6 million

Share price at 30 June 2016:  

$0.21

TRIFR (per million hours worked):  

TRIFR (per million hours worked):  

7.51

Number of employees:  

524

Banking institutions:  

HSBC and Westpac 

Legal advisors:  

Hopgoodganim

4.11

Number of employees:  

468*

Banking institutions:  

Bain Capital

Legal advisors:  

Hopgoodganim

Auditors:  

Auditors:  

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

9

Share registry:  

Computershare

Share registry:  

Computershare

* including 74 oil and gas employees within discontinued operations

[ imdex group at a glance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORT10

REFLEX XRF collecting geochemical data

IMDEX LIMITEDcompany structure 

During FY16, Imdex made the strategic 
decision to exit the oil and gas market to 
focus on its minerals business where the 
Company has a differentiated position 
and clear competitive advantages.

Imdex’s refined Company structure includes the AMC Minerals and REFLEX 
businesses, which are market leaders within the global minerals industry. 

AMC  provides  quality  drilling  fluids,  specialty  products  and  innovative 
equipment.    REFLEX  provides  advanced  downhole  instrumentation,  data 
management and analytical software for geological modeling.  Together,  AMC 
and REFLEX offer an integrated range of products and services to enhance 
clients’ operations.  

MINERALS 
DIVISION

11

30% JOINT VENTURE

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

OIL & GAS  DIVISION[ imdex group at a glance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTglobal business

Imdex is an established 
global business operating 
in diverse geographical 
markets. 

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

Imdex’s  global  presence  and  comprehensive 
distribution  network  allows  it  to:  provide  local 
solutions  to  clients;  have  greater  access  to 
international  mineral  exploration  markets;  and 

efficiently  introduce  new  technologies  to 
these markets. 

During FY16 the Company closed its oil  and 
gas  businesses  in Asia  Pacific  and  the  Middle 
East.  It also consolidated its North American 
minerals businesses to align with its client base. 

VANCOUVER, CANADA

VANCOUVER, CANADA

SAN LUIS OBISPO, USA

SAN LUIS OBISPO, USA

TIMMINS, CANADA

TIMMINS, CANADA

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

NEWMAN, AUSTRALIA

NEWMAN, AUSTRALIA

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

EAST SUSSEX, UK

EAST SUSSEX, UK

ACCRA, GHANA

ACCRA, GHANA

RASTEDE, GERMANY

RASTEDE, GERMANY

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

KALGOORLIE, AUSTRALIA

KALGOORLIE, AUSTRALIA

SALT LAKE CITY, USA

SALT LAKE CITY, USA

TORREON, MEXICO

TORREON, MEXICO

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

ITAJAI S.C., BRAZIL

ITAJAI S.C., BRAZIL

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

JOHANNESBURG, 

JOHANNESBURG, 

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

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

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

E U R O P E

E U R O P E

A F R I C A

A F R I C A

MINERALS REVENUE 
BY REGION

142.3

143.3

12

FY15

FY16

FY16

Europe 10%

Asia Pacific 34%

Americas 41%

Africa 15%

[ imdex group at a glance ]IMDEX LIMITED“ The Company has operations in all key mining 
and exploration regions throughout Asia Pacific, 
Africa, Europe and the Americas. ”

VANCOUVER, CANADA

SAN LUIS OBISPO, USA

TIMMINS, CANADA

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

NEWMAN, AUSTRALIA

EAST SUSSEX, UK

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

ACCRA, GHANA

RASTEDE, GERMANY

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

KALGOORLIE, AUSTRALIA

SALT LAKE CITY, USA

TORREON, MEXICO

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

ITAJAI S.C., BRAZIL

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

JOHANNESBURG, 

SOUTH AFRICA

DUBAI (DMCC), UAE

LIMA, PERU

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

SANTIAGO, CHILE

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

E U R O P E

A F R I C A

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

ROMA, AUSTRALIA

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

13

A S I A   P A C I F I C

[ imdex group at a glance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTthe imdex way

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 organizations 
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, clients and 
colleagues.

Accountability 

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

Being Dynamic 

14

Maintaining an efficient global Company with the flexibility to provide 
localised client 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 client operations.

Continuous Improvement

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

IMDEX LIMITEDthe imdex way

15

AMC Mud School training program

2016 ANNUAL REPORTFY16 objectives & outcomes

FY16 OBJECTIVES

FY16 OUTCOMES

Pursuing the orderly sale of Imdex’s oil and gas businesses.

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

Marketing new technologies to new and existing clients via the Company’s  
established global operations.

During  FY16  the  Company  closed  its  loss  making  AMC  Oil  &  Gas 
businesses and continued to progress the strategic sale of its remaining 
oil and gas assets.

Imdex  successfully  commercialized  its  REFLEX  EZ-GYRO  and  REFLEX 
EZ-GAMMA  technologies.    The  Company  also  unveiled  its  REFLEX  
IQ-LOGGER prototype at the PDAC.

Despite challenging market conditions, the Company achieved a marginal 
increase  in  revenue  from  continuing  operations  and  recorded  a  6% 
increase in the average number of REFLEX instruments on hire.

Increasing annuity revenue streams via real-time data solutions.

REFLEX HUB throughput continued to increase year on year.

Working closely with and supporting clients to increase the productivity 
and efficiency of their operations.

Diversifying  the  Company’s  client  base  to  include  additional  resource 
companies  and  non-mining  applications,  including  HDD  and  waterwell 
markets.

Imdex  continued  to  work  closely  with  its  clients,  which  resulted  in  a 
marginal  uplift  in  revenue  and  an  increase  in  the  average  number  of 
instruments on hire.   

The  number  of  resource  companies  in  the  Company’s  top  25  direct 
clients increased throughout the year.

Leveraging  Imdex’s  specialist  expertise  and  product  development 
capabilities.

The  Company  commenced  a  number  of  new  product  development 
initiatives that are expected to be commercialized during FY17. 

Increasing market share in previously underpenetrated regions.

Imdex achieved a significant increase in sales in USA and Europe.  This 
additional market share was predominately driven by drilling fluids. 

16

[ FY16 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITED17

AMC’s Surface SRU on site in Canada

[ FY16 snapshot ]2016 ANNUAL REPORT18

AMC supporting clients on site in the Goldfields,  Western Australia

[ FY16 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITEDFY16 market overview

GLOBAL MINERALS INDUSTRY 

 Š Subdued drilling activity globally;

OIL AND GAS SECTOR 

 Š Oil prices reached a 12 year low;

 Š Commodity prices strengthened – particularly gold; 

 Š Highly competitive with intense pricing pressure; and

 Š Additional capital raisings and further expenditure on greenfield and 

 Š Heightened uncertainty placed pressure on oil and gas companies 

brownfield projects during 2H16; and

globally.

 Š Growing client interest in technologies to reduce costs and increase 

operational efficiencies.

FY16 operational 
highlights & challenges

HIGHLIGHTS 

CHALLENGES

 Š Commercialization of new instrumentation and technologies; 

 Š Subdued market conditions within the global minerals industry;

 Š Industry recognition of Imdex’s leading technologies including; winning 

 Š Further deterioration of the global oil and gas industry;

the Most Innovative Collaborative Technology and The Minister’s Award 
for Excellence in Innovation for REFLEX HUB-IQ at the 2016 WAITTA 
INCITE Awards;

 Š Expansion of client base, together with greater exposure to resource 

companies and the production phase of the mining cycle; 

 Š Greater exposure to non-mining applications, particularly horizontal 

directional drilling; and

 Š Further product development with the design and manufacture of new 

capabilities that will be released to the market in FY17.

 Š Sale of AMC Oil & Gas due to downturn of the energy sector; and

 Š Volatile macro-economic conditions.

19

[ FY16 snapshot ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTFY16 group financial 
performance

 Š Statutory revenue from continuing operations¹ of $143.3 million, up 1% (FY15: $142.3 million);

 Š Normalized EBITDA of $20.3 million from continuing operations, up 30% (FY15: $15.6 million);

 Š EBITDA of $15.1 million from continuing operations, down 45% (FY15: $27.6 million) (The FY15 result included $14.2 million profit on sale of Imdex’s 

remaining interest in Sino Gas and Energy Holdings Ltd; SEH);

 Š EBITDA loss of $36.3 million (FY15: $3.8 million loss), including discontinued operations² and non-recurring impairment, restructuring and other costs 

of $50million³;

 Š Net loss after tax of $56.2 million (FY15: a loss of $22.5 million), including discontinued operations and non-recurring impairment, restructuring and 

other costs4;

 Š Gearing ratio of 21% (FY15: 17%)5;

 Š Pro-forma gearing ratio of 4% (following capital raising as announced to the market 5 September 2016 and subject to shareholder approval at the General 

Meeting6);

 Š Normalized operating cash flow (excluding financing costs) of $9.4 million; 

 Š Normalized EBITDA interest cover of 2.0 times (FY15: 5.2 times); and

 Š Pro-forma normalized interest cover of 21 times (following capital raising as announced to the market 5 September 2016 and subject to shareholder 

approval at the General Meeting6).

1 Continuing operations include Minerals and Engineering & Product Development 

2 Discontinued operations includes AMC Oil & Gas

3 VES impairment, restructuring and other one-off items principally associated with the Company’s decision to divest its oil and gas assets via sale and closure

4 Non-cash impairment of the investment in VES of $32.2 million and restructuring and other costs of $17.8 million (net cash outflow of approximately $2 million) largely related to the sale / closure of our oil 
and gas assets

5 27% based on total net debt (FY15: 17%)

6  A General Meeting of the Company’s shareholders is expected to be held on Thursday, 13th October 2016

FY16 REVENUE ($m)

269.6

20

232.7

NORMALIZED EBITDA ($m)

Minerals

Oil & Gas

83.6

Continuing Operations

Discontinued Operations

183.5

189.4

173.7

241.7

182.7

125.4

142.3

143.3

41.7

27.9

50.0

58.1

47.1

30.4

7.4

15.6

-2.7

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

20.3

-6.7

FY16

Discontinued operations includes AMC Oil & Gas for FY16 and is separated in FY15 for 
comparative purposes

[ FY16 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITEDFY16 minerals division 
performance

MINERALS REVENUE ($m)

241.7

182.7

FY16

Europe 10%

Asia Pacific 34%

Americas 41%

Africa 15%

142.3

143.3

125.4

“Our minerals 
business performed 
well throughout 
another 
challenging 
year,  achieving 
a 13% increase 
in normalized 
EBITDA.”

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

FY16

REFLEX BAROMETER - THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF INSTRUMENTS ON HIRE WAS UP 6% ON FY15

21

8
0
N
U

J

8
0
C
E
D

9
0
N
U

J

9
0
C
E
D

0
1
N
U

J

0
1
C
E
D

1
1
N
U

J

1
1
C
E
D

2
1
N
U

J

2
1
C
E
D

3
1
N
U

J

3
1
C
E
D

4
1
N
U

J

4
1
C
E
D

5
1
N
U

J

5
1
C
E
D

6
1
N
U

J

[ FY16 snapshot ]2016 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
summary of financial 
highlights

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 
(AUDITED RESULTS) 

Revenue from continuing operations (excluding interest income)

 143,346 

 142,299 

1%

 2016    

 $’000    

 2015    

15-16 Var

 $’000    

%

Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation & Amortisation (EBITDA) from continuing operations

EBITDA margin

Depreciation and impairment

Amortisation

Earnings before Interest & Tax (EBIT) from continuing operations

Net interest expense

Net profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax benefit/(expense)

Net Profit/(Loss) after Tax from continuing operations 

Loss from discontinued operations

Net Loss for the Year after Tax

 15,078 

10.5%

 (8,830)

 (592)

 5,656 

 (10,052)

 (4,396)

 535 

 (3,861)

 27,623 

19.4%

 (8,384)

 (1,506)

 17,733 

 (2,925)

 14,808 

 (3,859)

 10,949 

(45%)

(46%)

5%

(61%)

(68%)

244%

(130%)

(114%)

(135%)

 (52,392)

 (33,452)

57%

 (56,253)

 (22,503)

150%

Basic loss per share from continuing and discontinued operations (cents)

 (23.11 ¢)

 (10.44 ¢)

-

Net Cash (used in)/provided by Operating Activities

 (6,567)

 8,814 

(175%)

22

Cash on hand

Net Assets

Total Borrowings

 12,977 

 8,417 

54%

 115,593 

 160,816 

(28%)

 44,159 

 41,840 

6%

Net Tangible Assets per Share

 22.03 ¢ 

 45.42 ¢ 

(51%)

[ FY16 snapshot ]IMDEX LIMITED23

Product development in AMC’s Laboratory

[ FY16 snapshot ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTimdex board

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

FY16 DEVELOPMENTS

On 24 June Imdex announced the appointment 
of  Mr  Anthony  Wooles  as  Non  -  Executive 
Chairman of the Company – effective 1 July 2016. 
His appointment followed Ross Kelly’s decision 
to retire on 30 June 2016.  Mr Kelly has provided 
valuable support and guidance to the Company 
since  2004.    Imdex’s  Board,  management  and 
employees thank him for his contributions and 
wish him all the very best for the future.

Mr Wooles  is  a  highly  qualified  and  successful 
professional  who  has  held  executive  and 
advisory  roles  with  leading  private  and  public 
companies. He also has extensive knowledge of 
financial and capital markets.

In his advisory capacity Mr Wooles has worked 
closely with companies including BHP Minerals; 
Coles Myer; Telstra; Coca-Cola Amatil; FAL and 
Western Power.

His professional qualifications include: a Bachelor 
of  Commerce 
from  Deakin 
(Economics) 
University,  a  Graduate  Diploma  of  Securities 
Analysis from the Securities Institute of Australia 
and a MBA (Finance) from the Wharton School 
of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Mr Wooles is looking forward to working closely 
with  Imdex  to  achieve  sustainable  earnings 
growth through FY17 and beyond.

On 21 July 2016, the Company also announced 
the  resignation  of  Non-Executive  Director,  Mr 
James  Hegyi,  who  was  appointed  to  the  Board 
on 1 December 2015.  

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 FY16 Financial Report. 

24

[ board of directors & governance ]IMDEX LIMITED25

The Imdex Limited Board

[ board of directors & governance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTboard member profiles

“ I look forward 
to working with 
Imdex’s Board 
and management 
team to further 
refine its business 
model and deliver 
value for all Imdex 
shareholders. ”

26

Mr Anthony Wooles

BCom, MBA (Finance)

Non-Executive Chairman 

Age 55 years

Mr Bernie Ridgeway

B.Bus (ACCTG) ACA

Managing Director 

Age 62 years

 Š Appointed as Chairman 1 July 2016

 Š Appointed to the Board 23 May 

2000

 Š Bachelor of Business and Qualified 

Chartered Accountant

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

 Š Bachelor of Commerce (Economics)

 Š MBA (Finance) from the Wharton 

School of the University of 
Pennsylvania

 Š Graduate Diploma of Securities 

Analysis

 Š Fellow of the Australian Institute of 

Company Directors

 Š Senior Associate of the Financial 
Services Institute of Australasia

 Š Chairman of Bhagwan Marine Pty Ltd

 Š Diverse industry experience 
including:  mining; oil and gas; 
power generation; manufacturing; 
telecommunications; food and 
beverages and retail

 Š Previously Principal at Marakon 

Associates, a management consulting 
firm

 Š Founder of PearlStreet Limited and 
the Trudo Group, a Perth-based 
shareholder value advisory firm

 Š Consultant to a number of major 

companies including: BHP Minerals; 
Coles Myer; Telstra; Coca-Cola 
Amatil; FAL; and Western Power.

[ board of directors & governance ]IMDEX LIMITEDMs Betsy Donaghey 

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

Non-Executive Director

Age 58 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 Formerly 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 57 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.

27

Mr Kevin Dundo 

B. Comm, LLB

Non-Executive Director 

Age 64 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 
Certified Practicing Accountants

 Š Practicing lawyer, specializing in 
commercial and corporate law 
and in particular, mergers and 
acquisitions, with experience in the 
mining services and financial services 
industries

 Š Director of Red 5 Limited and Cash 
Converters International Limited

 Š Previously a Director of ORM 

Limited

[ board of directors & governance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTchairman’s report

Mr Anthony Wooles

BCom, MBA (Finance)

Chairman

28

Dear Shareholders,

On  behalf  of  Imdex’s  Board  of  Directors,  it  is 
a  pleasure  to  present  the  Company’s  Annual 
Report for the 2016 financial year, my first as the 
company’s Non-Executive Chairman. 

I  am  delighted  to  lead  the  Imdex  organization, 
because  in  my  view,  the  Company  possesses 
a  number  of  valuable  and  unique  attributes. 
Imdex  has  an  excellent  safety  record,  an 
established  international  platform,  significant 
potential  operating  leverage  and  demonstrable 
competitive advantages within the global mining 
services industry.  

As  a  result  of  Imdex’s  decision  to  exit  the  oil 
and gas market – and the uncertainty currently 
associated with the sector – the Company can 
now  focus  on  the  sustainable  growth  of  its 
core  business,  including  its  in-house  product 
and  technology  development  expertise.    As 
activity  and  volumes  increase  within  the  global 
minerals  industry,  Imdex  is  strongly  positioned 
for sustainable earnings growth. 

FY16 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

As announced to the market on 22 August 2016, 
statutory  revenue  from  continuing  operations 
was  $143.3  million,  a  marginal  increase  on  the 
Company’s 2015 result.   Group EBITDA was a 
loss  of  $36  million,  which  included  substantial 
non-recurring  impairment  and  restructuring 
costs associated with the strategic closure and 
divestment of Imdex’s oil and gas assets.   

More  encouragingly,  Imdex’s  minerals  business 
achieved a 13% increase in normalized EBITDA, 
which highlights the strength of the Company’s 
underlying operations. 

Based  on  the  Group  financial  results,  Imdex 
will  not  be  issuing  a  dividend  for  the  2016 
financial year.  The Company is, however, looking 
forward  to  returning  to  sustainable  earnings 
performance  and  an  attractive  dividend  policy 
for shareholders in the future. 

POST 30 JUNE EVENTS – $40 
MILLION PLACEMENT

strengthen 

On  5  September  2016,  the  Imdex  Board 
announced  a  capital  raising  to  reduce  debt 
the  Company’s  balance 
and 
sheet.    Support  for  the  raising  was  strong  and 
I’m  pleased  to  say  that  the  placement  was 
significantly oversubscribed.

The  two  tranche  placement  of  approximately 
72.72  million  new  ordinary  shares  was  offered 
to  qualified 
institutional  and  sophisticated 
investors at an issue price of A$0.55 to raise $40 
million before issue costs.  

Tranche  1  was  an  unconditional  placement  of 
37.29  million  shares,  whereas Tranche  2  was  a 
conditional  placement  of  approximately  35.43 
million  shares  and  is  subject  to  shareholder 
approval  at  a  General  Meeting  on  the  13 
October 2016. 

Imdex  also  provided  eligible  shareholders  with 
the  opportunity  to  acquire  new  shares  in  the 
Company  at  the  same  price  as  the  placement 
via a share purchase plan, which was capped at 
A$5 million.

The  capital  raising  substantially  de-risks  the 
balance sheet and results in an enhanced capital 
structure for the Company in the long-term.

THE FUTURE 

The  future  for  Imdex  involves  a  clear  focus 
on  the  core  minerals  business  to  achieve 
sustainable earnings growth.   Imdex’s ability to 
provide  end-to-end  real-time  data  collection 
solutions  is  unique  and  the  company  has  an 
exciting opportunity to become an integral part 
of clients’ long-term operations. 

I  believe  the  company  has  now  implemented 
important  refinements  to 
its  capital  and 
corporate structure.  I look forward to working 
with  Imdex’s  Board  and  management  team  to 
further  refine  its  business  model  and  deliver 
value for all Imdex shareholders. 

Yours Sincerely 

Mr Anthony E Wooles 

Chairman

[ board of directors & governance ]IMDEX LIMITED“ The capital raising substantially 
de-risks the balance sheet and 
results in an enhanced capital 
structure for the Company in the 
long-term. ”

29

AMC’s Surface SRU on site

[ board of directors & governance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTquality, health, safety & 
environment 

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

S
E
I
R
U
N

J

I

.

F
O
O
N

10

8

6

4

2

0

5
1

L
U

J

5
1
G
U
A

5
1

P
E
S

5
1
T
C
O

5
1
V
O
N

5
1
C
E
D

6
1
N
A

J

6
1
B
E
F

6
1
R
A
M

6
1
R
P
A

6
1
Y
A
M

6
1
N
U

J

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

During FY16, Imdex’s 
safety performance was 
measured against the 
competitive APPEA 
oil and gas industry 
results.

significantly 

Injuries  decreased 
throughout 
the  year  resulting  in  a  total  reportable  injury 
frequency  rate  (TRIFR)  of  4.11  injuries  per 
million  hours  worked.    This  result  was  well 
below  the  FY15 TRIFR  (7.51)  and  the  industry 
benchmarks 
its 
performance against.

the  Company’s  measures 

Imdex’s  Lost  Time  Injury  Frequency  Rate 
was  1.03  injuries  per  million  hours  worked.  
Globally,  the  Company’s  LTIFR  is  consistently 
well  below  industry  standards.  These  high 
standards are achieved by fostering a common-
sense working culture that is based on Imdex’s 
ImSafe 10 Safety Principles.

30

“During FY17 
we will continue 
to enhance our 
safety culture and 
performance by 
implementing an 
internal 4 Star QHSE 
Rating System.”

The ImSafe 10 Safety Principles

[ board of directors & governance ]IMDEX LIMITED 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
corporate governance

Imdex’s Board and 
Executive Management 
Team strive to achieve 
best practice in all 
aspects of 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 financial reporting;

 Š Making timely and balanced disclosure;

 Š Respecting the rights of shareholders;

 Š Laying a solid foundation for management 

 Š Recognizing 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  FY16  can  be 
found  on  pages  24  to  28  of  the  Company’s 
Financial Report.

to 

31

AMC R&D Laboratory in Western Australia

[ board of directors & governance ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTmanaging risk

effectively 
significant risks. 

identify,  mitigate  and/or  control 

management 
following factors:

framework 

incorporates 

the 

of 

the 

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

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 

 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.

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 
organization.  

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 

32

[ board of directors & governance ]IMDEX LIMITEDmanaging director’s report

Dear Shareholders,

of our oil and gas assets. 

Mr Bernie Ridgeway

B.Bus (ACCTG) ACA

Managing Director

Our  minerals  business  performed  well 
throughout  another  challenging  year,    achieving 
a 13% increase in normalized EBITDA. 

Conditions within the minerals market improved 
during the fourth quarter and the upward trend 
continued  into  the  new  financial  year.  This 
increase in activity was reflected in our REFLEX 
rental  fleet,  which  was  the  highest  it  has  been 
in three years with further increases expected.

During  FY16,  we  successfully  upgraded  our 
existing  product  range,  commercialized  new 
instrumentation  and  continued  to  progress 
our pipeline of new technologies for the global 
minerals market.  We also continued to diversify 
our  client  base  to  include  additional  resource 
companies  and  non-mining  applications  –  for 
example horizontal directional drilling. 

As anticipated, our Group revenue and earnings 
were  impacted  negatively  by  the  deterioration 
within  the  energy  sector.    We  are,  however, 
divesting our oil and gas assets via closure and 
sale,  which  will  eliminate  the  losses  associated 
with this business. 

The  downturn  in  the  energy  sector,    together 
with  our  decision  to  focus  on  growing  our 
minerals  business  resulted  in  non-recurring 
impairment  charges,  restructuring  and  other 
one-off  costs  for  the  year  of  $50m.    These 
charges  were  largely  brought  to  account  in 
FY16  and  will  not  affect  materially  our  results 
for FY17.

Following  our  decision  to  exit  the  oil  and  gas 
market,  we  are  implementing  a  cost  reduction 
programme.  This  programme  will  ensure  we 
have  the  most  efficient  operating  model  to 
capitalize  on  the  minerals  industry  upswing. 
The  full  benefits  of  this  programme  will  be 
progressively realized throughout FY17. 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 

from 
Our  FY16  statutory  revenue  result 
continuing operations was $143.3 million (FY15: 
$142.3 million). 

Revenue was generated by our Minerals Division, 
which  includes  the AMC  Minerals  and  REFLEX 
businesses.    AMC  Oil  &  Gas  is  disclosed  as 
discontinued operations and our strategic oil and 
gas technology is classified as Assets Held for Sale. 
Our share of VES has been written-off consistent 
with the review of our strategy and carrying value 

Our Oil & Gas Division, comprising AMC Oil & 
Gas,  generated  revenue  of  $30.4  million,  a  34% 
decrease  on  the  previous  corresponding  period 
(FY15: $45.9 million).

Our  earnings  were  impacted  negatively  by 
deteriorating  conditions  within  the  oil  and 
gas  sector.  Group  EBITDA  from  continuing 
operations  for  the  full  year  was  $15.1  million 
(FY15: $27.6 million).

Late in FY16, there was increased activity within 
the gold sector globally and this renewed activity 
is expected to continue given the number of gold 
capital  raisings  and  increased  profitability  of  the 
gold miners.

The normalized Group EBITDA from continuing 
operations increased by 30% (FY16: $20.3 million 
versus FY15: $15.6 million).

Encouragingly,  normalized  EBITDA 
for  our 
Minerals Division increased 13% to $27.1 million 
for the full year (FY15: $23.9 million).

included  non-cash  VES 

Non-recurring  charges  for  FY16  totalling  $50 
million 
impairment, 
restructuring and other one-off items principally 
associated  with  our  decision  to  divest  our  oil 
and  gas  assets  via  sale  and  closure. All  of  these 
non-recurring outflows were largely expensed in 
2016;  accordingly,  they  have  no  material  impact 
on the 2017 financial year.

As at 30 June 2016, our balance sheet has a net 
debt / capital ratio of 21% (27% based on total net 
debt) versus 17% in FY15 and normalized EBITDA 
interest cover of 2.0 times (FY15: 5.2 times). 

Following  the  capital  raising  announced  to  the 
market  on  5  September  2016,  we  anticipate  our 
net  debt  /  capital  ratio,  based  on  our  pro-forma  
30  June  2016  balance  sheet,  will  be  4%.  Our 
normalized EBITDA interest cover is expected to 
be 21 times, subject to shareholder approval at the 
General Meeting to be held on 13 October 2016. 

The  raising  will  enable  us  to  move  forward 
with a reset capital and organizational structure 
that  will  allow  us  to  take  full  advantage  of  the 
minerals cycle upswing.  We thank our existing 
shareholders  for  their  strong  support  and 
welcome several new, high quality institutions to 
the Imdex share register.

We  remain  focused  on  diligently  managing  our 
costs,  while  continuing  to  grow  our  minerals 
business. 

33

2016 ANNUAL REPORT[ management & personnel ] 
34

REFLEX EZ-GAMMA

IMDEX LIMITED[ management & personnel ]REFLEX RENTAL FLEET 
BAROMETER 

As at 30 June 2016, the number of instruments 
on hire was at the highest level it has been in 
three years – with further increases expected.

The  uplift  in  numbers  is  driven  by  increased 
activity within the minerals sector and growing 
demand for our new technologies. 

recordable 

Importantly,  our 
injury 
total 
frequency  rate  of  4.11  for  the  year  was  well 
below  the  industry  safety  benchmarks  we 
measure  ourselves  against.      During  FY17  we 
will continue to enhance our safety culture and 
performance by implementing an internal 4 Star 
QHSE Rating System.

 Š Achieve or exceed sales targets for FY17;

 Š Prioritize product development priorities 
and capabilities and commercialize new 
products; and

 Š Improve systems and process to assist the 

business with its growth strategy.

OUTLOOK

A TALENTED TEAM 

“The raising will 
enable us to move 
forward with a 
reset capital and 
organizational 
structure that will 
allow us to take 
full advantage of 
the minerals cycle 
upswing.”

OPERATING ACHIEVEMENTS 

Conditions  within  the  global  minerals  market 
remain encouraging for our Company. 

Strengthening  commodity  prices,  particularly 
gold, 
is  driving  additional  capital  raisings 
and  further  expenditure  on  greenfield  and 
brownfield projects.

Our  well  established  operations  in  all  of  the 
key  mining  regions  of  the  world  and  market 
leadership position place us in a strong position 
as drilling activity increases. 

The  use  of  innovative  technologies  to  increase 
efficiencies  and  reduce  costs  is  also  continuing 
to  gain  momentum  within  the  global  minerals 
industry.  Our  strategic  investment  in  driller 
operated 
real-time  data 
solutions  and  geoscience  expertise  throughout 
the 
industry  downturn,  complement  our 
traditional  product  offering  and  provide  our 
Company with a first mover advantage. 

instrumentation, 

There  is  now  a  genuine  sense  that  conditions 
are improving.  This sentiment is reflected by the 
performance  of  our  minerals  business  during 
FY16,  our  REFLEX  rental  fleet  and  increasing 
demand for our new technologies. 

As I have said in previous years, I am very proud 
of  our  global  team  and  the  level  of  in-house 
expertise it brings to our Company.  My sincere 
thanks  to  all  of  our  employees  for  their  hard 
work,  innovation  and  commitment  to  working 
safely throughout another challenging year.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Ross 
Kelly.  As Non-Executive Chairman and member 
of our Board, he provided valuable guidance and 
support  to  our  Company  for  twelve  years.    It 
was  a  pleasure  to  work  with  Ross  and  I  wish 
him the very best for his future.  I would also like 
to thank our clients and shareholders for their 
ongoing support of our Company.

Yours faithfully

Mr Bernie Ridgeway

Managing Director

During  FY16  we  continued  to  strengthen 
our  product  and  service  offering  for  the 
global  minerals  industry  –  the  key  operating 
achievements are set out below:  

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS AND 
GROWTH INITIATIVES FOR 
FY17

 Š Commercialization of new instrumentation 

and technologies; 

 Š Industry recognition of Imdex’s leading 
technologies including winning the Most 
Innovative Collaborative Technology and 
The Minister’s Award for Excellence in 
Innovation for REFLEX HUB-IQ at the 2016 
WAITTA INCITE Awards;

For the balance of FY17 we will remain focused 
on  divesting  our  remaining  oil  and  gas  assets, 
while  continuing  to  grow  sustainable  revenue 
and  earning  via  our  minerals  business.  Our 
broader strategy is to:

 Š Focus on markets where the Company has 

a clear competitive advantage;

 Š Develop leading technologies and Imdex 

 Š Expansion of client base, together with 

solutions;

greater exposure to resource companies 
and the production phase of the mining 
cycle; 

 Š Greater exposure to non-mining 

applications, particularly horizontal 
directional drilling; and

 Š Expand and diversify its global client base;

 Š Engage, develop and retain talented people; 

and 

 Š Build a resilient business by becoming an 

integral part of clients’ operations.

 Š Further product development with the 

Operationally our objectives are to:

design and manufacture of new capabilities 
that will be released to the market in FY17.

 Š Achieve or exceed financial targets for 

FY17;

35

2016 ANNUAL REPORT[ management & personnel ]executive management team

Mr Paul Evans

Mr Charlie Oliver 

Mr Derek Loughlin

Chief Financial Officer and 
Company Secretary

 Š Chartered Accountant

 Š Fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in 
Australia

 Š Chief Financial Officer and 

Company Secretary since 17 
October 2006

 Š Extensive experience in 

commercial, general management 
and financial roles

 Š Industry experience covering 

the media, manufacturing, mining 
services and telecommunications 
industries.

36

General Manager, AMC Minerals

Chief Executive, REFLEX 

 Š 31 years’ experience in the 

 Š 27 years’ experience within the 

minerals drilling and oil and gas 
industries including 16 years’ 
with Halliburton (formerly 
Baroid Drilling Fluids)

 Š 15 years experience with AMC 
Drilling Fluids and Equipment 
including warehousing, logistics, 
purchasing and operations

 Š Extensive senior management 
and business development 
experience 

 Š Extensive international business 

experience.

drilling industry

 Š 10 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.

IMDEX LIMITED[ management & personnel ]global team

During FY16 Imdex’s global workforce reduced by 11% to 468 people (FY15 524), which included 74 oil 

and gas employees that form part of the Company’s discontinued operations.

Following the divestment and closure of AMC Oil & Gas, the total number of employees will be approximately 400.

FY16 EMPLOYEES BY REGION

FY15 EMPLOYEES BY REGION

Africa (48)

Asia Pacific (7)

Australia (182)

Europe (76)

Middle East (7)

North America (77)

South America (71)

Total Employees 468

Africa (50)

Asia Pacific (12)

Australia (217)

Central Asia (3)

Europe (78)

Middle East (15)

North America (80)

South America (69)

Total Employees 524

FY16 EMPLOYEES BY GENDER

FY15 EMPLOYEES BY GENDER

Female 22% (101 employees)

Male 78% (367 employees)

Total Employees 468

Female 23% (120 employees)

Male 77% (404 employees)

Total Employees 524

37

Imdex Head Office

2016 ANNUAL REPORT[ management & personnel ]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 EZ-Gyro: Gyroscopic survey

REFLEX EZ-Gamma: Gamma logging 

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 motor

Drilling fluids and chemicals

Fluid containment and transfer equipment

Waste management equipment

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

Global mining / minerals exploration, 
CBM, geothermal, horizontal directional 
drilling, water well, geotechnical and civil 
construction markets

38

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITED 
End-To-End Real-Time Solutions

39

“Imdex can assist clients to control their 
costs and increase their productivity by 
providing end-to-end solutions across the 
full mining life cycle – currently no other 
competitor has this capability and we have a 
first mover advantage.”

[ operational overview ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTa year in review –  
news & case studies 

Derek Loughlin, REFLEX CE, with Professor Ben Adair, 

Managing Director & CEO of CRC ORE.

40

Industry Collaboration

REFLEX  recently  formalized  its  collaboration 

Mr. Derek Loughlin, REFLEX Chief Executive, said: 

with  CRC  ORE  –  a  not-for-profit  organization 

funded  by  the  Australian  Federal  Government 

and  the  global  minerals  industry.  CRC  ORE 

undertakes 

research  projects 

to 

‘optimize 

resource extraction’ utilizing on-site innovations 

to improve overall productivity.

“We are very pleased to work with CRC ORE to advance technologies that 
can make a real difference to the future of the global minerals industry. We 
are also very proud to be acknowledged as a thought leader in this field.”

In addition to the Company’s ongoing research with CRC ORE, REFLEX is 
also working closely with: the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative 
Research  Centre  (DET  CRC);  the  Canadian  Mining  Innovation  Council; 
Amira  International;  and  the  National  Sciences  and  Engineering  Research 
Council  of  Canada  (NSERC).  Each  of  these  research-based  organizations 
is  focused  on  advancing  innovation  and  technology  to  benefit  the  global 
minerals industry. 

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDMining Magazine 
Exploration Award

In  July  2016,  REFLEX  was  the  winner  of  the 

Mining Magazine Exploration Award.  The award 

recognized the Company’s logging and surveying 

instruments  –  the  REFLEX  EZ-GAMMA  and 

the REFLEX EZ-GYRO – which assisted drilling 

contractor FORACO Australia to complete the 

deepest  diamond  hole  ever  drilled  within  the 

Kalgoorlie Golden Mile, Western Australia.

REFLEX’s technology enabled FORACO to receive accurate information 
relating  to  drill-bit  position  and  lithology  of  the  formation  to  a  record 
depth  of  3,011  metres. This  data  was  provided  in  near  real-time  via  the 
Company’s cloud-based REFLEX HUB.

Solids Removal 
Units Delivering 
Safety, Production 
and Cost Saving 
Advantages 

The  benefits  of  AMC’s  Solids  Removal 

Unit 

(SRU)  were  recently  recognized  by 

client  FORACO  Australia.  The  testimonial 

highlighted  the  unit’s  safety,  production  and 

cost saving advantages.

FORACO Australia Area Manager – Western Australia, Mr. Paul Allen, 
said: 

As  a  leading  global  drilling  service  provider  committed  to  a  safe  working 
environment, we are always looking to innovate and seek ways to exceed our 
clients’ expectations. With the experience of our crews, the AMC SRU, support 
and teamwork, we have been able to complete the deepest diamond hole in 
Australia – a tremendous effort by our crew and support teams.

The SRU has made a noticeable difference in many areas, notably safety, 
production and cost savings.

Record diamond hole drilled +3,000m

41

The unit’s closed-loop system has reduced the amount of product required, 
which means less time mixing and handling product. 

It also reduces substantially the amount of water needed and therefore the 
need for water carting in heavy vehicles – a key risk to personnel. Offsiders 
can stay at the rig monitoring operations, we reduce fuel consumption and 
there is lower requirement for track and vehicle maintenance.

The SRU has assisted us to achieve and surpass our targets. Even at depth, 
we have been able to record very good production rates. The unit enables 
us to rely on the mud we are using to be consistent and clean – something 
that could not always be achieved when using ground sumps.

We have also seen significant cost savings when compared to the traditional 
sump  system. The  mud  systems  needed  are  smaller  and  more  effective, 
which reduces the need to constantly top up and treat some 100,000 litres 
of mud; water cartage and associated costs are substantially lower; and the 
cost of digging and rehabilitating ground sumps is eliminated. We have also 
reduced the down time required to clean out sumps when there was an 
excessive build-up of cuttings.

[ operational overview ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTHeli-Portable 
SRU Performs in 
Extreme Conditions

AMC’s heli-portable SRU (AMC HP-SRU) has been 

delivering  some  positive  results  on  a  drill  site 

within  the  Canadian  Arctic  /  Tundra  area,  some 

450km from Yellowknife in Canada. 

Conditions at the site are extreme.  At this time of the year temperatures 
drop to -50°C to -60°C and there is almost 24 hours of darkness. 

Both the drilling client and resource company have been happy with the 
performance of the unit in such adverse conditions. Data gathered from 
the  site  shows  fresh  water  consumption  has  reduced  by  90%  and  the 
efficiency and ease of operation has increased dramatically. 

The HP-SRU has also reduced time and fuel costs associated with removing 
cuttings from the drill hole. Previously the drill cuttings were highly liquid 
and difficult to remove. Since using the unit, the cuttings are drier and are 
fed directly from the HP-SRU into a Mega-Bag.  This bag is then lifted via 
a helicopter long-line to the waste dump, freeing up one person per shift.

The auxiliary hydraulic circuit on the HP-SRU has also proven beneficial, 
giving  the  drillers  an  option  to  run  a  remotely  operated  hydraulic  sump 
pump,  independent  of  the  drill’s  hydraulic  system. This  means  that  when 
the drill is shut down, the closed-loop system continues to flow, reducing 
incidents of frozen water lines or over flowing tanks.

Government  agencies,  particularly  during  the  warmer  months  when  the 
water begins to flow.

The  Canadian  Arctic  /  Tundra  area  is  an  extremely  environmentally 
sensitive  region.  Some  plants,  for  example  Lichens,  take  50  –  100  years 
to re-generate if damaged. Water sources are also strictly monitored by 

Representatives  from  the  Government  of  Northwest Territories  Land  & 
Resource-Use support this technology – particularly our HP-SRU’s ability 
to recycle drilling fluid and substantially reduce water use in the area.

42

AMC’s Heli-portable SRU in Canada

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDPower Saving 
Initiative at HQ

Planning approval is being sought for the installation of approximately 
400  solar  panels  at  Imdex’s  Head  Office  in  Balcatta,  Western 
Australia. The panels are expected to meet the energy needs of both 
buildings and save some $60,000 per year.

REFLEX Supports 
Women in Mining

Employees at REFLEX Mexico have been volunteering time to establish the 
first Women in Mining (WIM) group in Sonora, one of Mexico’s 31 states. 
The  team  has  also  been  involved  in  establishing  the  first WIM  groups  in 
Durango and Chihuahua states.

A Double Win 
For REFLEX

On Friday 24 June, REFLEX won the Most 

Innovative Collaborative Technology Award 

and  the  Minister’s  Award  of  Excellence  in 

Innovation  for  its  REFLEX  HUB  IQ  at  the 

WAITTA INCITE Awards.

Western  Australia’s  Minister  for  State  Development,  Finance  and 
Innovation, the Honourable Bill Marmion, attended the event and said:

“Special congratulations go to REFLEX for winning the Minister’s 
Award  for  Excellence  in  Innovation. This  is  a  fantastic  example 
of West Australians  leveraging  our  natural  mining  advantage  to 
springboard into new business opportunities. Initiatives such as 
this have the ability to fundamentally transform the economy of 
our State.”

New Light-
Weight SRU 
- The African 
Solution 

Following strong demand from clients, AMC has developed a 
smaller light-weight Solids Removal Unit.

The  new  unit  is  currently  being  trialled  in  the  field  in  South 
Africa.

43

The new highly mobile SRU will be available in trailer mounted, 
skid mounted, heli-portable and containerized options. 

2564 Samples 
Analysed With 
The REFLEX XRF

The REFLEX XRF provided significant benefits during the exploration of a 
new Polymetallic discovery in the Central Andes region of Chile.

2564  samples  were  tested  using  the  XRF  and  geologists  recognized  the 
advantage of the on-site geochemical analysis it provided.

[ operational overview ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTAMC and REFLEX at PDAC 2016 

REFLEX IQ-LOGGER  
‘The Most Exciting Thing at PDAC’

REFLEX and AMC showcased their technologies at the annual Prospectors 
& Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference in Toronto from 
6 – 9 March. Despite ongoing challenging market conditions, attendees felt 
there was greater, although still very cautious, optimism about the future.

REFLEX  unveiled  its  IQ-LOGGER  and  Sample  Press  at  the  Conference 

and was overwhelmed by the interest and positive response to these new 
technologies  –  particularly  the  IQ-LOGGER,  which  was  described  by  a 
geologist as ‘the most exciting thing he had seen at PDAC 2016’. 

These new technologies will be commercialized during FY17. 

AMC’s Predictive 
Maintenance 
Monitoring 
System

44

AMC  has  been  developing  a  Predictive  Maintenance  Monitoring 
System  (PMMS)  for  its  Solids  Removal  Units  (SRUs)  to  enhance 
safety and operational efficiency for clients.

The  PMMS  can  be  fitted  to  the  SRUs  to  monitor  and  log  a  range 
of data for clients, technicians or safety representatives. It currently 
provides the following features:

 Š Daily pre-start checklist

 Š Pump, centrifuge, agitator and motor control

 Š Bearing temperature and vibration monitoring

 Š Mud usage, stock on hand and muds received

 Š Drill monitor – for example current hole depth, end of hole 

depth and meters drilled

 Š Interlocks – for example the centrifuge shuts down when bearing 

 Š Remote log-in for monitoring and control via PC software, 

temperature is too high

 Š Monitoring of opening and closing of lids

 Š Total running hours

 Š Countdown timer indicating next unit service

Android and iPhone apps.

All of these features can be logged internally or remotely and data can 
also be distributed via email. Remote connections are made possible 
by a dual sim LTE/3G router with failover. For locations without cell / 
mobile phone reception, a satellite link option is available.

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITEDGame Changing 
Technologies 
are Gaining 
Momentum 

Imdex’s  work  with  the  Deep  Exploration  Technologies  Cooperative 
Research Centre was featured in the August edition of the Mining Journal. 
The  South  Australian  Mineral  Resources  Minister,  Tom  Koutsantonis, 
commented  on  the  impact  of  real  time  exploration  on  the  resources 
sector:

“Real time analysis allows people in the field to make decisions then and 
there,” he said.

“People in boardrooms can be analysing this data, making decisions about 
where  the  next  hole  will  be  and  how  to  invest  those  vital  exploration 
dollars.

“This is a game changer for mining and is being developed right here in 
South Australia.”

45

AMC BORE 
HOLE 
STABILISER For 
Drill & Blast

After  identifying  a  new  market  in  the  Drill  &  Blast  industry,  
AMC  has  developed  an  industry  specific  product,  known  as 
AMC BORE HOLE STABILISER, which will combat a wide range 
of down hole problems including: poor collaring; hole decay; and 
sidewall  instability.   The  product  also  provides  lubrication  to 
the  hole  and  significantly  increases  lifting  capacity  for  cuttings 
transportation.

Scott  Sholer  (AMC  Fluids  Specialist  –  R&D  and  Technical 
Support)  said  the  new  product  is “set  to  change  the  way  the 
Drill & Blast industry operates.”

“It has the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with 
re-drills,  applying  casings  and  drilling  consumables  such  as  fuel 
and labour.”

ARANZ 
Geo Lyceum 
Innovation and 
Ideas Forum

On 7 April, Mr Dave Lawie (REFLEX Chief 

Geoscientist)  was  invited  to  speak  at  the 

ARANZ Geo Lyceum Innovation and Ideas 

Forum held at the Quarry Amphitheatre in 

City Beach, Perth, Western Australia.

In  ancient  Greece,  the  Lyceum  was  the  meeting  place  for 
discussing  and  debating  mathematics,  science  and  philosophy; 
today, ARANZ  Geo  has  created  a  forum  for  sharing  innovative 
thinking  and  showcasing  innovations  in  technology  and  mining. 
The  forum  is  a  unique  opportunity  to  hear  how  innovators  in 
other fields have embraced fresh thinking to solve problems and 
create real business value.

The keynote speaker at the event was Glenn Martin, a developer 
of personal jetpacks and the founder of Martin Jetpack. Glen’s 
success motivated him to find innovative ways to ‘solve problems 
many  technologists  had  believed  were  insurmountable.’  He 
spoke  about  the  importance  of  vision  and  tenacity  to  drive 
innovation, ‘making the impossible possible.’

In  his  presentation,  Mr  Lawie  discussed  REFLEX’s  focus 
on  innovation.  He  highlighted  the  impact  of  game  changing 
technologies  –  including  our  ioGAS,  REFLEX  EZ-GYRO 
and  REFLEX  EZ-GAMMA  –  on  creating  significant  shifts  in 
the  mining  industry’s  workflows.  He  also  emphasised  the 
importance  of  continuing  innovation  to  achieve  the  ultimate 
vision of real-time 3D geology.

[ operational overview ]2016 ANNUAL REPORTFY17 key 
areas of 
focus

Exceeding industry QHSE benchmarks 

Divest remaining oil and gas assets

Achieve or exceed financial targets for FY17

Achieve or exceed sales targets for FY17

Prioritize new product development 

projects and capabilities and commercialize 

new products

Improve Imdex’s systems and processes to 

enable business to achieve its strategy

Leveraging our specialist expertise and 

product development capabilities

46

Increasing market share in previously 

underpenetrated regions

[ operational overview ]IMDEX LIMITED[ 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 

47

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 

1 January 2012 

1 November 2012 

Acquisition of Australian based company  
Australian Drilling Specialties Pty Ltd 
Acquisition of Brazilian based company  
System Mud Indústria e ComércioLtda 
Acquisition of Vaughn Energy Services (VES) by  
Imdex’s DHS Services joint venture 
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

2016 

Closure of AMC Oil & Gas (Asia Pacific and Middle East)

2016 ANNUAL REPORTT

R

O

P

E

R

L

A

U

N

N

A

6

1

0

2

D

E

T

I

M

I

L

X

E

D

M

I

m
o
c
.

d
e
t
i

m

i

l

x
e
d
m

i

.

w
w
w

I M D E X   L I M I T E D 

2016 annual report

m

o

c

.

d

e

t

i

m

i

l

x

e

d

m

i

.

w

w

w

Imdex’s vision is to be the market leader in 
real-time subsurface intelligence solutions.  
The Company delivers leading technologies 
to the global minerals industry and target 
non-mining markets.  Its purpose is to create 
long-term value for Imdex’s shareholders, 
solutions that enhance its clients operations 
and rewards for its employees. 

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