Coffey International Limited has acquired RSG Global Consulting.

RSG Global"s 132 employees will be integrated with Coffey Mining Pty creating the largest Australian-owned mining consultancy group. RSG Global"s head office is in Perth Australia, with regional offices in South Africa and Ghana.

Coffey managing director Roger Olds says: "This acquisition is an important step forward to build early project entry capability in the exploration and feasibility phase of mining projects. It also presents significant international expansion of Coffey's mining business.

"It will enable us to expand into the large African markets through a company with an impressive track record, strong client base and significant existing contracts.

The acquisition complements Coffey Mining's current operations and provides new opportunities in a number of areas.

Coffey Mining chief operations officer Dan O'Toole says: "Our traditional areas of expertise are mining geotechnical engineering, tailings management, hydrogeology, environmental science and a strong position in the operating phase of mine projects.

"RSG Global provides Coffey with additional skills in exploration and resource geology, mine project audits, mining engineering and project management. Together we will be able to service projects through the stages of exploration, development, operations and closure.

"RSG Global's strong record of experience in Africa and the Americas also complements our strong experience in Asia and the Pacific," Dan O'Toole says.

RSG Global will become part of Coffey Mining Pty Ltd immediately and all staff will continue working in the organisation.

RSG founder and principal Rick Yeates says: "This is an exciting phase in our evolution and will afford numerous opportunities for both parties. Aside from the complementary disciplines that each entity brings to the arrangement, Coffey's long-term strategic objectives are highly compatible with our own, particularly in terms of geographic distribution."