Ausenco
| File:Logo-ausenco.gif | |
| Company type | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Zimi Meka |
| Headquarters | , Australia |
Key people | George Lloyd (Chairman) Zimi Meka (Chief Executive Officer) |
| Services | Mining consulting services, project delivery |
Number of employees | 3,000 (2024) |
| Website | www |
Ausenco is a consulting firm from Australia specializing in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), offering project management and operational services primarily to the resources industry. Its headquarters are situated in South Brisbane, Australia, with operations spanning multiple countries.
History
Established in 1991 in Brisbane by Albanian Australian entrepreneur Zimi Meka, who remains CEO and Managing Director, alongside Bob Thorpe, now a Board member, Ausenco opened a second branch in Perth by 1995.
In 2002, institutional investors joined the company, appointing former Queensland Premier Wayne Goss as chairman. The following year, Ausenco introduced its Ascentis division dedicated to minerals processing services. International expansion followed with new offices launched in China (2004), as well as North and South America (2005).
Ausenco became publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange on 15 June 2006. The Vancouver office commenced operations in 2007, resulting in a workforce increase of 31%, surpassing 1,000 employees worldwide. That same year, the Ausenco Foundation was created to support communities where the company is active.
Beginning in 2008, Ausenco accelerated growth via acquisitions such as Vector Engineering, Pipeline Systems Incorporated (PSI), and Sandwell Engineering. These additions expanded the workforce by 150% and broadened capabilities into pipeline systems, ports and marine infrastructure, environmental and sustainability services, and transportation systems. The Ausenco Taggart joint venture was also formed to specialize in coal handling processing plant design and execution.
In 2009, acquiring a 50% interest in the Kramer Group led to the formation of Kramer Ausenco, extending operations into Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific region. The purchase of Reaction Consulting in 2012 enhanced consulting expertise while the Ausenco Rylson joint venture strengthened asset optimization offerings.
George Lloyd assumed the role of Chairman in 2013; during that year Ausenco acquired PROJEX Technologies Ltd to expand its footprint within North America's oil and gas sector.
A Strategic Alliance was established in 2015 with Spanish multinational Duro Felguera S.A., targeting collaborative global EPC project opportunities.
Ausenco transitioned to private ownership in September 2016 through a Scheme of Arrangement involving RCF V.I. LP and major shareholders, leading to its removal from the ASX listing.
In 2017, Ausenco launched a dedicated consulting division encompassing Mining Consulting, Environment & Sustainability, Pipelines, Transportation & Logistics, Integrated Technology Solutions, and Asset Management & Optimization. Later that year it acquired Hemmera, a prominent Canadian environmental consultancy now integrated into its Environment & Sustainability practice.
Operations
As of 2024, Ausenco maintains a global presence in more than 80 countries, employing close to 3,000 professionals. The company operates through 26 offices spread across 15 nations.
Major projects
Significant undertakings by Ausenco include:
- Chatree Gold Project in Thailand (2000)
- North Mara Gold Project located in Tanzania (2001)
- Sepon Copper and Gold Project in Laos (2002)
- Phu Kham Copper and Gold Project in Laos (2006)
- Hidden Valley Gold and Silver Project in Papua New Guinea (2006)
- Lumwana Copper Project situated in Zambia (2008)
- Isaac Plains Coal Mine in Australia (2008)
- Martabe Gold and Silver Project in Indonesia (2009)
- Los Bronces Copper Project in Chile
- Kwale Mineral Sands Project located in Kenya (2012)
- Constancia Copper Project in Peru (2012)
- Tonkolili Iron Ore Phase 2 Expansion in Sierra Leone (2014)
- Springsure Creek Coal Project in Australia
- Minas-Rio Project based in Brazil (2014)
- Mount Owen Coal Recovery Enhancement via Flotation
These projects highlight Ausenco’s capability to deliver comprehensive mining and mineral processing solutions across a wide range of commodities and international locations.