In 2015, long before artificial intelligence became a buzzword in mining, PETRA Data Science (PETRA) was already breaking new ground.
Now, a decade later, our Brisbane-based software company is proud to mark ten years in business – a rare achievement, with only around 10% of tech startups reaching this milestone, according to the Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Founded in 2015 by mining engineer, Dr Penny Stewart FTSE, PETRA was born from an original hypothesis: that site-specific data models could outperform industry standard generic empirical models because they are built using data for each orebody. At the time, AI was far from mainstream in the sector, but Dr Stewart recognised its transformative potential. Since company inception PETRA’s transdisciplinary approach to software development has codified domain knowledge across the mine value chain from geology, mining engineering and metallurgical engineering.
“What’s most rewarding is seeing our software deliver real impact, such as 8-10% uplifts in production, and hearing our clients say, ‘that’s amazing,’” said Dr Stewart. “Those moments make the challenges and hard work worthwhile.”
Over the past decade, PETRA has helped mining customers optimise operations by applying machine learning and mathematical optimisation to find opportunity in complexity – from predicting downtime to enhancing mine-to-mill performance and leveraging geological data for better decision-making.
Unlike conventional data science consulting services, PETRA’s MAXTA enterprise grade software is highly scalable, securely maintained, and supported.
“We’re one of the only companies writing scalable AI software for mining operations – and supporting it long-term,” said Dr Stewart. “That’s where we’re different. We’re not just solving one problem. We’re building capability.”
PETRA is also backing the next generation of mining innovators. As a founding industry partner of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources, the company is helping equip PhD students from the University of Adelaide with real-world experience and access to high-quality data.
PETRA’s software engineers also regularly present at technical conferences and contribute to industry publications, sharing insights that help shape best practices in AI, orebody learning, and mining optimisation.
“It’s unique work,” said PETRA CTO, Dr Evan Jones. “It takes software expertise, industrial experience, and deep mathematical understanding. But more than anything, it takes time – we’ve
solved hundreds of problems over the years, and that experience is what allows us to scale solutions.”
“It’s been a challenging and rewarding ten years,” Dr Stewart added. “When you’re working hard every day, you don’t often pause to reflect. However, we’ve learned a lot, built lasting relationships, and created something we’re truly proud of. The most satisfying moments are when the work delivers real outcomes, and the customer realises the value. That’s what keeps us going.”
“To the clients who’ve trusted us, our team who have gone above and beyond, and the brilliant university students we’ve mentored – thank you. Your belief in our work has shaped who we are.”
Looking ahead, PETRA remains focused on advancing responsible, sustainable, data-driven mining technology and continuing to solve the next generation of complex challenges across the industry.
