Key Thickener Specialists Team

Mike Cook is the Director of MINEXXT, Inc. Mike has been involved in thickening, separation, and dewatering technologies since 1990. He is a proven global business leader and keen marketing strategist with more than thirty years of experience in business, product development, and process equipment services with special knowledge of mining operations.

Mike exhibits a strong technical understanding with demonstrated expertise of instrumentation, hydraulics, and mechanical equipment. Mike has extensive knowledge of equipment optimization and modernization, mechanical and process commissioning, site audits, dynamic test work and upgrades & retrofits.

Lars Martinson is the Products Manager of MINEXXT, Inc. Lars has been involved in slurry management systems over the past 15 years specifically in slurry hydraulic modelling, thickener optimization and operational problem-solving activities.

Lars expertise in hydraulics and thickening has allowed us to successfully support operations, as well as develop customized solutions and operational procedures for a variety of different mining applications.

Dan Smith is the Senior Designer of MINEXXT, Inc. Dan has 25 years of experience designing mining equipment with a focus on thickening, flotation & grinding.

With a comprehensive background and thorough understanding of solid modelling & drafting, Dan enables the provision of full-service CAD and visualization support throughout all stages of an engineering project.

Dan is an asset to the MINEXXT sales & project departments. He provides equipment layout, material take off, estimating, risk analysis, conceptual design, workshop & site inspections and, complete fabrication design packages during the different phases of a project.

Geoff Seale is the Process Manager of MINEXXT, Inc. He has been involved in thickening and separation technologies since 2007 conducting thickening test work, site audits, feed system designs, and implementing upgrades to thickeners to improve their performance.

Mauritz van der Walt is the Operations Manager of MINEXXT, Inc. He has been involved in the mining industry since 2007 beginning his career in the field of hydro metallurgy and process plant operations, control, and optimisation. This led him down the path of slurry hydraulics and solid liquid separation systems. In 2010, Mauritz joined Paterson and Cooke and has been involved in various test work on separation and centrifugal pump derating as well as the design, testing and commissioning of novel process equipment and pilot scale process plants.

Mauritz has designed, implemented and commissioned various mine backfill plants that includes thickening and filtration for front-end tailings management systems. He is experienced in the development of thickener feedwell technologies and optimizations since 2015 with a specific focus on the Vector® feedwell.

Pat Seitz-Sitek is a Project Specialist at MINEXXT, Inc., where he contributes his expertise to a broad range of mineral processing and engineering projects. With a strong foundation in thickening test work, Pat has evolved into a versatile specialist with experience spanning thickening technologies, process flowsheet development, and metallurgical studies. His current focus includes optimizing dewatering circuits, evaluating tailings handling solutions, and supporting clients with technical assessments that enhance plant efficiency and sustainability.

Before joining MINEXXT, Pat gained hands-on experience working in laboratory and pilot-scale environments, developing a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in mineral processing. He is passionate about integrating test work data with process design to deliver customized, performance-driven solutions. Pat’s collaborative approach, analytical mindset, and growing technical acumen make him a valuable contributor to complex projects across multiple commodities.

Pat holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and is committed to continuous professional growth in the field of extractive metallurgy and process engineering.

Santiago Iriarte is a Project Engineer at MINEXXT, Inc., specializing in dewatering systems and tailings management. He holds both a Bachelor of Science (2021) and a Master of Science (2023) in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, where he built a strong foundation in mineral processing and applied engineering design.

Santiago has experience in designing dewatering plants, pit dewatering systems, and integrated tailings management solutions for a variety of mining operations. His technical responsibilities have included equipment sizing and specification, development of process flow diagrams (PFDs), and creation of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). He also brings hands-on laboratory experience with static cylinder tests and dynamic thickening test work, providing critical data for process optimization and engineering decisions.

Driven by a systems-thinking approach and attention to detail, Santiago supports projects from concept to implementation, ensuring practical, efficient, and sustainable outcomes for clients. His blend of academic research and real-world engineering makes him a key asset to the MINEXXT technical team.

Natalie Kowaliuk is the Financial Administrator at MINEXXT, Inc., where she plays a key role in supporting the company’s financial operations and strategic planning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate, as well as a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Colorado Boulder, bringing a strong academic foundation and a well-rounded perspective to her role.

Natalie’s expertise spans forecasting, financial reporting, transactional accounting, and intercompany and banking reconciliations. She ensures the accuracy and efficiency of financial processes while supporting the company’s overall financial health. In addition to her core financial responsibilities, she works closely with project managers to identify and implement operational improvements, streamline workflows, and enhance project cost tracking.

Natalie also contributes to business development initiatives and supports the sales and marketing team, making her a versatile and integral part of the MINEXXT organization. Her analytical skills, attention to detail, and collaborative approach contribute to the company’s ability to deliver both technical excellence and strong business performance.

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