Founded by Geoff Whittaker and Gerald Ness, in 1999, the Perth-based business now has a global footprint, engineering, manufacturing and supplying refuge chambers and ancillary mining and equipment to operations in more than 40 countries. Its engineers build portable shelters that can withstand high winds, intense pressure, and even lightning strikes.
Accepting the award, MineARC director, Dion Smith, dedicated it to his colleagues working around the globe.
“Winning the Telstra Business Award is just fantastic recognition,” he said. “We’re humbled to win it. It’s great recognition of the hard work of our staff, and we’re proud that we’re an Australian manufacturer exporting our products across the globe.”

On top of producing life-saving shelters and support services, MineARC is playing a significant role in shaping global legislation in relation to safety in the mining industry, a point the Telstra Business Awards judges identified as a key element of the business’s success. The bedrock of MineARC’s growth has been its strong financials and highly skilled and motivated team who share the same vision for the business’s future.
The judges also highlighted the company’s focus on research and development, which has allowed MineARC to future-proof shelterS and diversify its range to include emergency refuges for above ground disasters including fires and cyclones. Thebusiness also took home the 2018 Telstra Western Australian Medium and Making Waves Award.
Celebrating its 26th year, the Telstra Business Awards showcase the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s best small and medium businesses.
Other winners at the 2018 Telstra Western Australia Business Awards include:
· The Perth Cat Hospital, a veterinary clinic focused on caring for cats and supporting their owners, won the Telstra Western Australian Emerging and Energised Award.
· Pachamama, an early education and childcare centre, was named as the 2018 Telstra Western Australian Small and Succeeding Award winner.
· Earbus Foundation of Western Australian, a health service focused on reducing ear health issues in remote and indigenous communities across the state, is the 2018 Telstra Western Australia Social Change Maker.