Mechanical engineer Dr John Russell founded RME in 1985 with a vision to make mineral processing safer and more efficient. Through relentless innovation, he shaped RME into the world’s leading OEM of grinding mill relining technologies.

Under more than 40 years of John’s leadership, RME pioneered game-changing inventions, including the world-renowned RUSSELL Mill Relining Machine. This breakthrough transformed liner changeouts—shortening shutdowns, improving safety for reline crews, and enabling larger liner designs that propelled the evolution of today’s 40ft+ SAG mills.

Most recently, John’s long-held vision became reality: relining from outside the mill. By roboticising RME’s proven technologies, the system eliminates confined space hazards and human-machine interaction while enabling faster liner exchange in a personnel-free mill—boosting availability and production capacity.

RME’s success is built on extraordinary engineering and a highly skilled workforce. Today, it employs around 450 people, operates 11 sales and support centres worldwide, and supports 440 mine sites across 64 countries.

John has authored, published and delivered numerous engineering papers and received the Centenary Medal for service to industry, the Canadian Mineral Processors Art McPherson Medal for contributions to comminution, and the Warren Centre Innovation Hero Medal.