Russia holds approximately 15% of the world's mineral wealth, with an estimated valued of US$350 trillion. Little wonder international mining companies are lining up to enter the Russian market. Ballarat-based mining technology company Gekko Systems is used to competing against the world's best and winning, so it was understandably enthusiastic about attending Australia Week in Moscow 2005, the largest Australian trade promotion ever held in Russia.

Even so, the Australian company was overwhelmed with the response, with several Russian gold and diamond mining companies immediately discussing large-scale deals for Gekko's innovative extraction and processing technologies. The company is already undertaking a full test work program with one client that could lead to the sale of a complete modular gold plant worth up to A$4 million.