SRK is an international resource consultancy with 500 professional staff employed in 25 offices on five continents. In Australia, SRK is specialised in consulting to the mining industry and has recently completed reviews of major corporate coal mergers and acquisitions in Australia and China. SRK is looking to expand its activities into coal consulting services.

Strata Engineering, the recognised Australian leader in the field of strata control, with strong operational experience in many Australian coal mines, is looking to expand into feasibility and review work projects.

Chris Langton, SRK manager for the venture, said the alliance gave SRK access to leading coal strata control expertise, and gave Strata Engineering access to broader mining services, review capabilities, and SRK's international dimension in both operational and review roles.

While Strata Engineering will continue to service its existing clients and markets, the alliance provides the vehicle for joint projects and services into mineability assessments, feasibility studies, mine developments, mine closures. The alliance will also develop export markets for Australia’s excellence in coal mining technology, allowing overseas clients to gain from the highest level of consulting expertise available in Australia, through SRK's international office networks where required.