Global mining leader says Peterstow drilling technology is “game changer for [the mining] industry.” Ian Cockerill, one of the most respected figures in South African and global mining, has been appointed a non-executive director at Peterstow Aquapower. Peterstow produces a novel hard rock drilling system which significantly reduces the cost and consumption of power and water in mining – see International Mining, December 2010.

Cockerill is Executive Chairman of JSE and AIM-listed Petmin. He is a former Chief Executive of Gold Fields and has held senior positions at AnglogoldAshanti and Anglo American. “Ian knows the business of mining and its challenges. He brings 35 years of mining experience plus key contacts and industry insight to Peterstow,” said Chairman Douglas Barrows.  “His directorship at Peterstow signals to the industry that our innovative technology has a key role to play in sustainable and profitable mining.”  

Cockerill has been an advisor to Peterstow for more than ten years. He describes the company’s drilling system as “a breakthrough technology” and says there is a good financial case to implement it in South African gold and platinum mines.

“Mines are under huge pressure as significant consumers of power. But mining has the capability to put in place a game changing technology, and Peterstow has a game changing technology,” Cockerill said.