PRESS RELEASE: METS Ignited is an industry-led, government-funded growth centre for the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector in Australia. The METS Ignited Collaborative Project Funds grant will match funding being provided by Qteq partner Wallis Drilling to develop subsurface measurement while drilling (MWD) sensors for reverse circulation (RC) drilling.

Dr Tim Hopper, CTO of Qteq, said: "With our collaboration partners we aim to be the first to commercialise a slim hole, real-time formation evaluation and drilling diagnostics sensor package positioned behind the drill bit. This has the potential to dramatically reduce borehole drilling and logging costs in the mining industry.

"Qteq is incredibly appreciative of the government's support for the project, which will soon be trialled commercially outside of Perth in tandem with Wallis Drilling's automated RC drilling rig. We have a R&D technology hub in Perth that benefits from the presence of major mining companies, fellow METS businesses and local universities."

Simon Ashton, CEO of Qteq, explained that the company was established in July 2017 via a merger and acquisition, and through sheer hard work had organically grown to employ more than 110 people in technology and service jobs across Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

He noted: "Qteq is 90% owned by management and staff and is set to continue on its growth trajectory as it becomes the recognised technology bridge between the oil and gas industry and the mining and groundwater industries. We are not constrained by our ambition - we simply need a little support from government to create those major export markets that are open to Australian innovation and ingenuity. The METS grant will help us achieve this ambition."