About MaxSil™
MaxSil™ has developed and patented a unique silicon-based plant nutrient that boosts crop yields by up to 25% whilst reducing NPK fertiliser and pesticide needs. The MaxSil™ product is manufactured from pulverised recycled glass in the form of a powder or prill, i.e. part of the circular economy. It is a product for our time.
MAXSIL™ Boosts Yield
Extensive field trials have confirmed MaxSil™ boosts both crop yields & financial returns. The benchmark for silicon fertilisers is the amount of contained soluble or “Plant Available Silicon” (PAS) per weight. MaxSil™ contains 24 times more PAS than competitor products.
MaxSil™ was recognised in 2012-2013 with a Federal grant of $380,000 as well as being recognised as a finalist in the Banksia Environmental Awards and the inaugural Clean Tech Open accelerator program.
CURRENT STATUS
MaxSil Pty Ltd has been formed to focus solely on realising the potential of the silicon fertiliser product MaxSil™, and commenced production of the MaxSil™ product at a new facility in Brendale (North of Brisbane) in the last quarter of 2022.
MaxSil™ product can be purchased from our partner distributor’s stockists, Nutrien AG Solutions, and E.E. Muir & Sons. Maxsil Stockists.
HISTORY
The MaxSil™ product was discovered by David Archer in 2011 through his special cement business.
Pilot production of 250 tonnes was successfully trialled across a range of crops from 2014 to 2017.
PATENTS
Patents have been granted to MaxSil Pty Ltd in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, and Brazil.
The ownership of these patents and rights has been confirmed by independent experts in 2021. Prior to the corporate restructuring, all patents and trademarks were checked by independent patent attorneys, as selected by MaxSil’s legal advisors, GRT Lawyers in Brisbane, and were found to be all in good standing.
MaxSil™ is a unique silicon fertiliser in more ways than one
MaxSil™ is patented in 7 countries over three continents. It is made from recycled glass, so is part of the circular economy.
PARTNERS
MaxSil has committed to sponsor a preliminary research project, “The alleviation of Aluminium Toxicity” in Western Australian Soils for boosting Wheat yield. MaxSil has committed $30k for this project, which in turn may evolve into a Federal Government’s “Linkage Project”.
Board and Management
DR LAMBERTUS DE GRAAF
Chairman
B.Sc. In Tropical Agriculture (soil science)
B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology, Ph.D. Univ. of Bristol UK
Bertus started his career as an exploration geologist with Royal Dutch Shells’ Metals Division in 1972 (later known as Shell/Billiton) and completed resident assignments in seven countries over five continents, including Australia. In 1986 he founded Ross Mining NL, a gold exploration and mining Co. which later ranked in the top ten Australian gold producers and which reached the top ASX 200.
Following a friendly merger in 2000, Bertus founded Geodynamics Ltd, focussing on renewable energy from deep geothermal resources. This company reached the top ASX 300 level. This was followed by ASX listed Co. Panax Geothermal Ltd (geothermal energy in Australia, India, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan)
Following retirement in 2011, he founded Qi Power (remote solar PV/Lithium-Ion batteries, combined with diesel generation), now known as Juwi Renewable Energy. Since then he has served as a non-executive director of several mineral exploration companies.
DAVID ARCHER
Managing Director
David has a 25 year history in the design, build and operation of fine powder production plants using a variety of fine grinding equipment and various feedstocks.
He has previously built and operated two large scale powder production facilities (one in Tasmania and another in Queensland) of a similar design to the new plant to be established in Brisbane.
Product from the previous manufacturing plants was marketed as an extremely successful concrete additive that provides high early strength, particularly in sprayed mixes used as a reinforcing material for mining and civil tunnel projects.
He led the team to develop and patent the MaxSil™ product from a soda lime (waste) glass feedstock and again, will lead the team to build and operate the new facility.
PAUL FREDERIKS
Director & CFO
B. Bus. (Acc), FCPA, FGIA, FAICD
Paul has extensive experience in public company financial and secretarial management with more than 30 years’ experience in the resources sector. He held the position of Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of Ross Mining NL for over eight years until 2000, was Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of Geodynamics Limited for 10 years until 2012, and was the Company Secretary and CFO of Auzex Resources Limited, Auzex Exploration Limited and Explaurum Limited from 2005 until 2019.
He has expertise in ASX listed public company reporting, financial modelling and forecasting, treasury management and hedging, project financing and corporate governance.
Paul established his own consultancy in 2000 providing company financial and secretarial services to both listed and unlisted public companies.
Paul was also was formerly Company Secretary of Billabong International Limited from 2000 to 2004, and CFO and Company Secretary of Discovery Metals Limited from October 2012 to August 2014.
Eugene Iliescu
Director
Eugene is an Engineer Surveyor holding a Graduate Diploma in Social Science with over 45 years’ experience in the Oil & Gas and the Mining sectors.
He has held four Directorships in Government and Public listed Companies and has extensive experience across a broad industry spectrum in Australia, USA, Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and the Pacific Region.
JOHN MCKILLOP
Advisor to the Board
With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in Australian agribusiness, John has become a pivotal figure in steering agri-sector boards and executive leadership towards enhanced performance and market sustainability. His extensive service includes impactful roles on the boards of Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Hassad Australia, Elders Ltd, Harvey Industries Group, Stanbroke Pastoral Company, among others, and leadership in HR, Audit, and Risk Subcommittees.
John’s expertise lies in guiding agri-operations through complex challenges such as diversification, mergers and acquisitions, rationalisation, and new market entries, deeply understanding the intricacies and potential of the agri-industry. He has demonstrated a profound commitment to the growth and innovation of the sector, evidenced by their roles in esteemed organisations like Marcus Oldham College, which focus on improving market access, sustainability, and industry capability development.
John offers authoritative guidance on agri-business market strategies, establishment of robust governance and risk frameworks, international trade, and export market development. He is also adept in leadership mentoring, HR and talent strategy development, and fostering cross-sectoral insights and connections for identifying collective opportunities, investments, and strategic partnerships. His strategic acumen has been instrumental during major organizational changes including mergers, acquisitions, divestments, and restructures.
