The Rockmate Story: A Legacy of Innovation in Mining Technology

From its pioneering work in 3D visualization to its crucial role in international arbitration, Rockmate has consistently been at the forefront of mining and quarrying software for over three decades.

The Early Years (1985 – 1997): Pioneering 3D Software

Our story begins in 1985 with the creation of Bulkmeas, a groundbreaking surveying and bulk measurement system for opencast coal mines, which was quickly adopted by major clients like Wimpey Mining.

Building on this success, Rockmate was developed on BBC Basic for PCs. It was a revolutionary step forward, becoming what was most likely the industry's first mining-related software to feature 3D views and the definitive first 3D rockface blast profiling system. The software's practical power was proven with its first installation in a Cornish Granite Quarry in 1988, followed by our first international sale to Canada in 1989.

Growth and Expansion (1997 – 2010): Going Global

In 1997, the company was formally established as Rockmate Technical Services, founded by Mike McLoughlin. A significant technological leap occurred in 1998 when the entire Rockmate suite was rewritten in the 'C' programming language, ensuring greater power and flexibility.

The new millennium marked a period of rapid global expansion and product diversification.

2000: First sale in Ireland.
2003: The ContourMate software was developed and sold.
2004: First sale in China.
2007: The company incorporated as Rockmate Technical Services Limited, began expanding across Europe, and launched its dXmCubed software.

The Modern Era (2011 – Present): New Frontiers and Expert Recognition

The company streamlined its name to Rockmate Limited in 2011 and continued to innovate, launching dXmQuattro that same year and loadLogger in 2012. A major milestone was achieved in 2015 when we integrated photogrammetry to model rock faces, keeping our technology on the cutting edge.

In 2020, Rockmate's expertise was recognized on the world stage. Mike McLoughlin was retained as a Blasting Engineer expert witness for Behre Dolbear Group Inc. and the LALIVE team in the "Gabriel Resources Ltd. vs. Romania" international arbitration case.

Our commitment to continuous improvement continued with the release of Rockmate Version 7 in 2021, ensuring our partners have the most advanced tools available.