Perenti launches tech business to spark growth

The business will be based in Perth with Sarah Coleman appointed as its chief executive officer.

Coleman has a raft of experience and awards under her belt in various fields, including operations management, innovation and technology, and asset management.

Perenti managing director and chief executive officer Mark Norwell said businesses like idoba would be increasingly important moving forward.

“When looking at the future of the mining industry, it is evident that innovation and technology will play a much greater role in the way we do business and ultimately how we continue to generate value for all our stakeholders,” Norwell said.

“With this in mind, it is with great pleasure that we launch idoba, our new technology-driven service business which will enable tomorrow by allowing us to respond to our clients’ evolving needs both today and into the future.”

The idoba website states it is currently capable of management consulting, industrial mathematics, data science, product development and artificial intelligence.

The announcement came in line with one of Perenti’s five strategic growth pillars: technology driven future.

The other four pillars include operational excellence, strategic growth, organisational health, and building financial capacity.

The release of idoba also followed a number of other technological announcements from Perenti.

In July 2020, Perenti acquired Sandpit Innovation and Improvement Resources, while Optika Solutions was acquired in April 2021.

Perenti explained the reasoning behind idoba.

“idoba is the culmination of Perenti’s strategic technological growth which, in addition to supporting the Perenti business, will provide digital product and technology service officers to the mining industry, with revenue and earnings generated from these services,” Perenti stated.

According to Perenti, idoba combines the meanings of two words – eidos, Greek for essence; and ba, Japanese for knowledge mobilising space.