Meet the team - MINEXXT

Natalie Kowaliuk is the Financial Administrator at MINEXXT, Inc., where she plays a key role in supporting the company’s financial operations and strategic planning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate, as well as a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Colorado Boulder, bringing a strong academic foundation and a well-rounded perspective to her role.

Natalie’s expertise spans forecasting, financial reporting, transactional accounting, and intercompany and banking reconciliations. She ensures the accuracy and efficiency of financial processes while supporting the company’s overall financial health. In addition to her core financial responsibilities, she works closely with project managers to identify and implement operational improvements, streamline workflows, and enhance project cost tracking.

Natalie also contributes to business development initiatives and supports the sales and marketing team, making her a versatile and integral part of the MINEXXT organization. Her analytical skills, attention to detail, and collaborative approach contribute to the company’s ability to deliver both technical excellence and strong business performance.

Santiago Iriarte is a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer at MINEXXT, Inc., specializing in dewatering systems and tailings management. He holds both a Bachelor of Science (2021) and a Master of Science (2023) in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, where he built a strong foundation in mineral processing and applied engineering design.

Santiago has experience in designing dewatering plants, pit dewatering systems, and integrated tailings management solutions for a variety of mining operations. His technical responsibilities have included equipment sizing and specification, development of process flow diagrams (PFDs), and creation of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). He also brings hands-on laboratory experience with static cylinder tests and dynamic thickening test work, providing critical data for process optimization and engineering decisions.

Driven by a systems-thinking approach and attention to detail, Santiago supports projects from concept to implementation, ensuring practical, efficient, and sustainable outcomes for clients. His blend of academic research and real-world engineering makes him a key asset to the MINEXXT technical team.

Jody Casdorph is a Senior Designer at MINEXXT with more than three decades of experience in CAD design, fabrication support, and 3D modeling for industrial systems. At MINEXXT, Jody plays a key role in translating conceptual and process engineering designs into precise fabrication packages for equipment upgrades across thickening, flotation, and grinding circuits. His work directly supports MINEXXT’s mission of delivering practical, test-backed solutions to mining and industrial clients.

Jody’s background includes long-term roles in both manufacturing and consulting environments, where he developed expertise in Autodesk Inventor (2015–2025), AutoCAD (through 2022), and SolidWorks (2009, 2022). Prior to joining MINEXXT, Jody served as a Senior Designer at Topper Industries and previously operated his own CAD consulting business for nearly 20 years, supporting industries ranging from mining equipment to sugar processing and structural steel.

His ability to bridge engineering intent with shop-floor realities has made him a trusted contributor to design execution. Whether producing cut lists, fabrication drawings, or full 3D design packages, Jody ensures that every deliverable is optimized for constructability and project efficiency.

Dan Smith is the Design Manager of MINEXXT, Inc. Dan has been designing mining equipment with a focus on thickening, flotation & grinding since 2000.

With a comprehensive background and thorough understanding of solid modelling & drafting, Dan enables the provision of full-service CAD and visualization support throughout all stages of an engineering project.

Dan is an asset to the MINEXXT sales & project departments. He provides equipment layout, material take off, estimating, risk analysis, conceptual design, workshop & site inspections, and complete fabrication design packages during the different phases of a project.

Mike Cook is the President of MINEXXT, Inc. Mike has been involved in thickening, separation, and dewatering technologies since 1990. He is a proven global business leader and keen marketing strategist with more than thirty five years of experience in business, product development, and process equipment services with special knowledge of mining operations.

Mike exhibits a strong technical understanding with demonstrated expertise of instrumentation, hydraulics, and mechanical equipment. Mike has extensive knowledge of equipment optimization and modernization, mechanical and process commissioning, site audits, dynamic test work and upgrades & retrofits.

Key Thickener Specialists Team

With more than 125 years combined experience in the mining and minerals processing industry. Our experts are available to support you and your operations by optimizing the performance to increase recoveries and by also reducing your operational costs.

Mike Cook

Lars Martinson

Dan Smith

Geoff Seale

Jody Casdorph

David Flores

Santiago Iriarte

Natalie Kowaliuk

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