Mike McLoughlin is the principal of Rockmate Technical Services, where he has been developing software solutions for mining problems. Solutions have included a bulk earth measurement system for open pit mining, using non-contact surveying instruments for rockface modelling and GPS for vehicle tracking. McLoughlin is a chartered mining engineer with experience of mining and quarrying on the Zambian Copper belt and in the UK. He has been employed as a consultant and as a subcontractor assisting in projects ranging from mining feasibility studies, through ground contamination to blasting best practice reviews. He is based in Nantwich, Cheshire, although Rockmate Technical Services also have an office in Baldonnel, County Dublin.