The Optiro business will be merged with the Snowden business, which was acquired by Datamine in 2020, to form Snowden Optiro.

Datamine said the combined business would offer customers one of the most experienced and technically competent mine consulting and advisory groups in the world.

Customers will be able to access expert advisory services throughout the full project life cycle, as well as training in geology and mining engineering best practices from a global team of experts.

"We have been extremely encouraged by the success of Snowden," Datamine APAC chief operating officer John Bailey said.

"The creation of Snowden Optiro extends our range of advisory services. From project discovery through to mine closure, our customers can draw on a team of advisory and technical services experts complemented with industry-leading software technology. The Optiro team includes some of the most respected resource geologists in the world. We look forward to their contribution into future releases of our software."

Snowden general manager Tarrant Elkington said the businesses were a complementary fit.

"We both share an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality advisory services and professional development training to our clients," he said.

"With Datamine's global footprint, Snowden Optiro can offer advisory services around the world. The well-regarded professional development course content and industry experts provided by Snowden and Optiro will be available worldwide."

Optiro was formed in 2008 by six former Snowden employees.

"We are thrilled to be joining our colleagues at Snowden," Optiro managing director Mark Warren said.

"The Optiro business was founded on the principle of delivering optimised solutions whilst de-risking mining investment decisions.

"The assembled Snowden Optiro team has an unparalleled depth of experience backed by Datamine's proven track record for investment in innovation. This gives Snowden Optiro the capacity to address the most complex mining challenges.

"This merger is a great outcome for our people and for our mining, exploration, and investment clients."