Founded by the inventors of OREPro 3D, Puma Mining advances next-generation technologies for the global mining industry — where geology meets precision engineering.
Puma Mining is an independent mining research and development company built on a foundation of real-world expertise. Our Principals are the original inventors of OREPro 3D — the industry's leading ore body modelling and blast optimisation software — and founders of OreControl Blasting Consultants (OBC).
Following the successful sale of OBC's assets to Orica in 2021, we established Puma Mining to continue pushing the boundaries of what's achievable in mining technology.
We bring together deep technical knowledge, field-proven methodology, and a relentless drive to solve the problems that matter most to the modern mining industry.
Will is a co-founder of Puma Mining and brings extensive operational expertise to the team. With a background spanning more than 85 mine sites around the world, Will founded OreControl Blasting Consultants and was an inventor of OREPro 3D, growing OBC into an industry leader before its acquisition by Orica in 2021.
David is a co-founder of Puma Mining and one of the mining industry's most prolific innovators. In the early 2000s he invented BMMs, SmartTags, and a suite of grade control technologies that reshaped how the industry approaches ore tracking and value optimisation. He was a principal driver behind the invention of OREPro 3D.
Jeff is a co-founder of Puma Mining and leads technology development, bringing deep expertise in software engineering and data systems to the team. Jeff was the technical architect and creator of OREPro 3D. His work underpins the technical platforms that power Puma Mining's R&D initiatives and field deployments.
Tristan specialises in artificial intelligence and computer vision, applying cutting-edge machine learning techniques to real-world mining challenges. His work at Puma Mining explores how AI-driven perception can unlock new capabilities in ore characterisation and operational automation.
Sebastian focuses on AI and synthetic operations, developing simulation and modelling approaches that bridge the gap between data science and mine-site reality. His work advances Puma Mining's capability to model, predict, and optimise complex operational systems.
"To develop and deliver breakthrough technologies that make mining operations safer, more efficient, and more intelligent — guided always by science and shaped by experience."
We believe the most important advances in mining won't come from incremental improvements — they'll come from rethinking foundational assumptions. Our team operates at the intersection of grade control, blasting, operations, practical field experience, and science to develop tools and methodologies that shift what is considered possible.
Every method we develop is grounded in peer-reviewed science and validated through rigorous field testing.
We design for the reality of mining operations — solutions that work in the field, not just in the lab.
We pursue problems that are "too hard", driven by curiosity and a long-term commitment to progress.
David La Rosa invented BMMs, SmartTags, and a host of other mining innovations that started the snowball rolling towards value optimization.
The founders established OBC, building one of the most respected blasting consultancy firms in the industry. OBC combined leading industry expertise and relentless drive to answer hard problems for mines across the globe.
We invented OREPro 3D, a landmark ore body modelling and blast optimisation platform that became the standard in grade control for the global mining industry, transforming how operations plan and execute field operational activities.
Recognising the strategic value of OBC's technology and intellectual property, global mining explosives leader Orica acquired OBC's assets — a validation of the innovation and industry impact the team had achieved.
With OBC's legacy secured, the founding team established Puma Mining to pursue the next frontier of mining innovation. Working at the forefront of R&D as exclusive contractors to Orica, Puma Mining continues to push the boundaries of what modern mining technology can achieve.
Puma Mining currently operates exclusively as contractors to Orica — the world's largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems. This partnership reflects the trust and technical credibility built over decades, and positions us at the leading edge of global mining R&D.
Puma Mining is actively engaged in several R&D initiatives at the frontier of mining technology. In order to protect our intellectual property and honour our obligations to partners, we do not disclose the nature or details of our current research. We look forward to sharing outcomes when the time is right.
If you believe your work intersects with ours and you'd like to explore a conversation, we welcome enquiries through our contact form.
Whether you're interested in our work, exploring future collaboration, or simply want to connect with our team, we welcome your message. We read every email.
