Company Overview

Founded in 2025, Banks Engineering Pty Ltd is a specialist engineering consultancy operated by myself (Pat Banks), a qualified engineer with extensive experience in mining, civil, and software engineering.

I specialize in integrated, design-based scheduling, using CAD models of earthworks and tunnels to inform project schedules across all planning horizons. I also develop targeted software solutions to address complex, project-specific challenges as they arise.

As a sole practitioner, I offer direct, hands-on service and maintain full accountability across all stages of project delivery. Clients benefit from agile decision-making, consistent expertise, and the flexibility to scale through trusted partnerships when required.

Core Competencies

Mining

• Design and scheduling, with expertise in hard rock and surface mining.
• Operational and study planning across all planning horizons.

Civil

• Mass haul modelling, including model federation and quantification.
• Complex tunnel scheduling (e.g., pumped hydro energy storage - PHES).
• Creation of 4D construction models.

Software

• Development of core commands, plugins, scripts, and process automation tools within the Deswik environment.
• Rapid development of standalone applications to solve specific engineering challenges.

Differentiators

Unlike most planning consultants, I transitioned into full-time software development for several years, building sophisticated tools that go far beyond single-function scripts. My hybrid background - combining on-site engineering and professional software development - allows me to solve technical problems with both depth and relevance.

This cross-disciplinary expertise enabled me to contribute to an R&D initiative focused on adapting industry-leading mining software for civil applications. That experience sharpened my understanding of both domains and now informs my work building smarter, more adaptable solutions for complex infrastructure projects.

Track Record

• 4D construction model for a 250MW PHES project (contractor-side)
• 4D planning model for a 750MW PHES project (client-side, pre-tender)
• Tool development for optimizing structural shotcrete in blasted tunnels, applied to highway tunnel construction
• Civil mass haul process with quantification, optimization, and reforecasting features (used on wind farms, highways, railways, and airports)
• Road corridor placement tool optimizing cut, fill, and geometry constraints
• Design, scheduling, and operational analysis of underground mines globally
• Advanced training and mentoring for mine planning software
• Maintenance and deployment of 3rd party tools in Deswik
• General bugfixing and feature implementation
• Direct development of specialized tools, including (but not limited to):
  • Rockbolt spacing analysis
  • Data drivers (various)
  • 6DOF mouse support in CAD
  • Material distribution tool