Tag Archives: RCF Jolimont

PitcrewAI

Pitcrew AI real-time tyre damage detection plans win RCF Jolimont backing

Australia-based Pitcrew AI’s goal of providing real-time, automated inspection and condition monitoring solutions to the the heavy vehicle fleet sector has been given a boost with an investment from the leading growth capital provider for mining innovation, RCF Jolimont Mining Innovation Fund II-A L.P. (RCF Jolimont).

This significant Series A funding marks a pivotal step for Pitcrew AI, empowering its product development, team expansion and overall growth, the company said.

Pitcrew AI’s technology is, the company says, now widely embraced across diverse heavy vehicle fleets. As the industry shifts towards autonomous and remote vehicle operation, eliminating the possibility of traditional driver-based issue detection, the technology’s importance becomes increasingly critical. This trend of automation is rapidly expanding beyond the mining industry, with significant potential applications in highway haulage, rail, construction machinery, and even passenger transportation sectors.

The company’s solution combines computer vision, thermal imaging technology and advanced AI techniques to enable real-time detection of tyre damage and vehicle problems. This cutting-edge approach enhances safety, minimises operational disruptions, and aligns with eco-friendly mining practices by reducing premature tyre scrapping and its associated environmental impact.

RCF Jolimont’s VP Australasia, Andrew Jessett, has been appointed as a director on the Pitcrew AI Board. He said: “RCF Jolimont seeks to support and build innovative businesses that are transforming mining. Pitcrew AI’s automated inspection solutions perfectly align with our mission. We’re excited to contribute to their expansion globally and witness their positive environmental and economic impact in the mining sector and beyond.

“Pitcrew AI team’s deep technical expertise in AI and mine operations, coupled with their commitment to forward-thinking and innovative solutions, makes them an exceptional business who are poised for rapid growth. Equally important, by maximising tyre life, Pitcrew AI’s technology has potential to deliver meaningful reductions in emissions in Australia and globally.”

Pitcrew AI Founder and CEO, Tim Snell, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the investment and partnership with RCF Jolimont, and we are thrilled to have Andrew join our Board of Directors.

“When we created our solution, we solved many tyre management issues encountered by mine sites. We have received fantastic support from all our customers and our partners in Australia and North America over the past few years. “This funding allows us to accelerate our mission to enable safer and more sustainable transport and better support our customers and partners during our expansion.”

The Series A financing round was led by RCF Jolimont and rounded out by follow-on investment from the active early-stage fund, Startmate, who were the first investors in the company 12 months ago.

Commit Works appoints new CEO as it looks forward to another year of growth

Frontline work management software company, Commit Works, has, this week, handed over the reins to newly appointed CEO, James Aleman.

Aleman comes to Commit Works equipped with 25 years of Software-as-a-Service knowledge and experience offering solutions to a variety of asset-intensive industries including mining and construction.

Andrew Jessett, Acting CEO at Commit Works and Australasian VP at RCF Jolimont, said Aleman had been chosen from an extremely competitive field.

“James combines business acumen, software knowledge and insightful understanding of the mining industry,” Jessett said. “He also has a range of management experience and curiosity that could not be more relevant or necessary to Commit Works’ current standing and its future success.”

Commenting on his appointment, Aleman said: “Commit Works is a company with an excellent reputation, a clear ethos and a promising future. I am deeply honoured to take on the role of CEO and excited at the prospect of contributing further to the success of our longstanding clients, who have been foundational in the company’s growth.”

He added: “Commit Works’ deep relationships with its clients has underpinned the business’ success, and I’m keen to see that continue. The incredible recent growth of the company – 70% in 2021 – is testament to the endeavours of the Commit Works team. I look forward to working alongside them.”

Hexagon and RCF Jolimont donate blasting tech to Curtin Uni and WASM

Hexagon and RCF Jolimont have teamed up to provide 1,920 Blast Movement Monitors, a GP5300 Detector Kit, HxGN MineMeasure sensor software and training, valued at A$1 million ($712,570), to Curtin University and the WA School of Mines.

Recently launched by Hexagon at MINExpo in Las Vegas, MineMeasure (pictured) allows mines to safely and accurately track blasts to minimise loss and dilution with blast movement sensor software. Measuring 3D blast movement and translating ore polygons with Blast Movement Monitors and GP5300 Detector Kit to account for displacement are, meanwhile, critical steps in achieving optimal ore yield, RCF Jolimont said.

“This is great news for mining students at WASM,” Rob Daw, Chief Technology Officer, Hexagon’s Mining division, said. “MineMeasure is the only portfolio of its type and generates significant profits for customers in every blast at over 120 open-pit mines globally.”

The ability to accurately track blast movement is a huge benefit for mines striving to be smarter and more sustainable. Blasting is a highly variable process and ore loss during blasting can cost mines millions of dollars in lost revenue per year. MineMeasure provides customers with accurate blast information that is used to recover all of a mine’s resources, allowing the valuable ore to be sent to the mill, avoiding dilution and misclassification, according to Hexagon.

Sabina Shugg, Director – Curtin Kalgoorlie Campus, said: “We are delighted with this donation from Hexagon and RCF Jolimont. It enables us to provide our students with training in this best practice blast measurement solution.”

Lex McArthur, from RCF Jolimont, said: “WASM is a recognised global leader in mining engineering studies and we are delighted to have provided part of the funding to enable this donation to come together.”