SOFTWARE company Dingo is set to unearth growth opportunities in South America as it capitalises on a growing investor appetite for projects in the mining and resources industry.
The region has taken Australia's top spot for investment in the sector ahead of Canada, with 26 per cent of capital directed towards South America according to researcher SNL. There are 293 mining projects underway in the region worth between $290 billion and $316 billion.
Dingo managing director Paul Higgins (pictured) says a number of South American and Mexican companies have pitched partnership deals.
He says Dingo already exports 40 per cent of its products and services overseas and expects to grow this number in coming years.
"These current conditions have challenged us to look beyond our normal markets," Higgins says.
"Latin America has been bumped to the top of the capital investment tree, driven by the demand for copper out of China and we see that as a huge opportunity.
"Australia is seen by this part of the world as a market leader in mining and resources technology, which opens the door for us.
"These markets are undeserved and we are excited about the value we can deliver there."
Dingo develops technology to manage the health and maintenance of heavy equipment, attracting clients in the mining, energy and rail sectors.
Higgins established the Brisbane-based business in 1991, and now manages more than $6 billion worth of assets across the company's offices in the US and Canada.
Following strong interest at Asia Pacific's International Mining Exhibition in Sydney earlier this year, Higgins says the company is exploring opportunities in Africa, Indonesia, China and Europe.
"Despite the current downturn in the Australian industry, we felt the AIMEX conference was well worth attending," he says.
"The numbers were down, but that was a plus for us because it allowed us to stand out. And the companies that were there were there for the long run, so it was quality over quantity.
"This aspect of the changing international market does not create a big challenge for Dingo, because we provide highly specialist products."
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