Mint is an innovative biomining technology company founded in 2016 in New Zealand.
In response to the unsustainability of virgin mining, Mint has developed a proprietary clean technology that recovers metals from urban waste, where the waste is produced, and returns them to the local economy. Old phones can become jewellery; ash municipal incinerators can be turned into bronze propellers.
With the company established in Auckland, Mint’s first commercial plant has been constructed in Sydney, Australia, and will be operational by early 2023. The construction of the Sydney plant has been an extensive project, which will result in a different financial landscape once operational.
Mint partnered with Vital Addition (VA) due to their years of experience supporting Australian start-ups, as well as their success assisting other New Zealand companies in establishing themselves here.
Working Together
VA started working with Mint when they were setting up their Australian subsidiary.
As Will Barker, Founder and CEO of Mint, says, “When we were setting up, we required a local director to ensure that we could hit the ground running. VA was our feet on the ground; to set up bank accounts, process payments and deal with local compliance. They work very closely with other NZ companies and understand the logistics and challenges that come with expansion. They were the right choice.
“They have been playing an integral role in our expansion, and are a critical part of our outsourced accounting and financial operations team. They not only manage our compliance, they are managing our payroll and payment systems for stakeholders and staff in Australia, so we can focus on the core business operations and grow to the next level.”
Will admits that VA has definitely made the move smoother.
“As part of the start-up journey, we didn’t always have the most efficient processes to do what we do while things were moving fast. Things were being neglected due to limited in-house resources. The team at VA stepped in and dealt with the tedious processes and urgent requests, so we were free to keep the ball rolling. That is why we are in this position today.”
What about the remote partnership?
“The VA team is responsive and timely, and there’s been no negative impact at all to our business relationship. Ongoing and open conversations means there’s been no road bumps or challenges. They are as dedicated as us for the success of the expansion.”
Next Moves
Mint’s plans are to get the Sydney commercial plant up and running, and then move to expand into the EU and US. Mint’s vision is to have a Mint plant in every major city around the world, and work with companies such as Apple and Samsung for rigorous sustainability initiatives.
Will adds, “Mint is more than happy to recommend VA to any SMEs as a working partner. They take away the hard stuff, and support business owners with advice and resources where it’s important to ensure the business grows.”
Message from Lachlan Grant, Vital Addition
VA is proud to be working with Mint as they innovatively tackle some of the biggest challenges arising from the climate emergency.
- Minimising waste to put an end to the environmental and humanitarian catastrophe caused by the export of hazardous waste streams.
- Producing pure, low-carbon metals recycled directly back into a local circular economy.
This is why I love what we do. Sure, we can definitely add value and make a difference to their business, but we get the opportunity to be part of these amazing innovations for the health of the planet.