But Whittle has been arguing for the value of computerised mine planning and optimisation ever since and sees industry and broader accolades, such as his recent Australia Day Honours award, not to mention countless international software sales, as evidence that he's been right all along.
The humble, brilliant, ardent and retired-but-still-busy 85-year-old was honoured to get the Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia recognition for services to mining and the IT industry. But also quick to deflect attention.
"I see it as an award for optimisation in mining as much as anything," he said ahead of a tribute dinner to be held in Melbourne, where he's lived with wife Ruth and their family since 1961. The Harwell physicist packed up and left England with his then young fami...
