Pioneering the Future of Integrated Forestry
24 Years of Sustainable Forestry Leadership
Company Overview
Silvalis, formerly WA Sandalwood Plantations, was established in 2001. It is the leading player in the sandalwood industry and the world’s largest manager of Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum).
Silvalis is dedicated to the long-term sustainability of the sandalwood industry, investing in innovative plantation management, ethical sourcing and responsible harvesting practices. This ensures a stable, high-quality supply of Santalum spicatum for its large global customers.
Silvalis owns and manages, on behalf of sophisticated and institutional investors, over 19 million trees grown on 15,000 hectares located in the central Wheatbelt of Western Australia where sandalwood has grown in the wild for thousands of years. The Silvalis sandalwood production system combines: 25 years of sandalwood R&D; 20 years of commercial plantation expertise; and 15 years of highly professional management of international institutional capital invested in sandalwood.
Our unwavering focus on producing a sustainable supply of quality sandalwood has resulted in the company becoming the leading supplier of plantation wood to incense manufacturers and oil distillation companies globally. With our early plantations now maturing we continue to unlock value from this precious resource for our investors and enjoy a first mover advantage.
Our Story
Silvalis’ co-founder Ron Mulder started a propagation business in 1995. This included the supply of trees to revegetation and land care projects located in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Many of these early mix species landcare projects included the Australian sandalwood tree Santalum spciatum.
Commerical farming of sandalwood was deregulated in the 1990s. Ron, who had now gained valuable experience with the wood, was ideally placed to use this knowledge to develop commercial plantations. In 2001 Ron, along with Keith Drage, founded WA Sandalwood Plantations (WASP), with the aim of developing sandalwood plantations on behalf of global investors.
Starting with an initial 15 hectares, Silvalis has gone on to establish and manage over 15,000 hectares – it’s the world’s largest grower, producer and seller of Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum).
Board of Directors
Silvalis' board and management team bring together a wealth of skills and international experience covering plantation establishment, silviculture, asset management, sales, financial management, and business advisory
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Keith graduated in Chemistry from University College, London, in 1986. He then worked in financial markets for 14 years with ICAP in UK and the US, culminating in running the global FX Options business out of New York.
Keith immigrated to Australia in late 2000 and shortly after, together with Ron Mulder, founded WA Sandalwood Plantations (WASP). Keith has steered development and management of every commercial Silvalis Australian sandalwood plantation.
Keith also oversees commercial management including investor relations, finance and sales. In addition, he focuses on marketing, distribution and sales of sustainable plantation sandalwood products to India, China and Taiwan.
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Ron Mulder began his journey in sandalwood and plantation establishment through a seedling nursery and contracting services company called New Forest WA. The company, established in 1995, specialised in the propagation and supply of Western Australian sandalwood trees. During the past 30 years, Ron has gained vast experience and knowledge in project management – from plantation establishment to downstream processing, value adding and export of sandalwood products.
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Rob has advised SME business owners locally and internationally for over 20 years, having assisted some progress from start-up to ASX listing, merger or trade sale. Rob, who began his career in Australian Army with the SAS Regiment, has studied business at Harvard University. He has also been an executive with Caltex Australia, and worked in mining and timber in the Philippines. He is also currently a director of Acuity Group.
Senior Management
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Andrew has over 20 years of experience – in financial strategy; commercial management; corporate governance; and a strong track record of driving business growth, optimizing financial performance and leading high-performance teams. He has worked across multiple industries, bringing expertise in budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling to support strategic decision-making.
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Daniel brings a diverse range of experience spanning across carbon farming, livestock in rangelands, oil and gas and the Royal Australian Air Force. He has high-level expertise in stakeholder engagement, plantation establishment and management as well as carbon project. Daniel excels in communication, attention to detail and problem-solving. Daniel’s adaptability and dedication drive excellence at Silvalis.
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Mark has a diverse background, with operational experience in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. He has managed a milk processing facility, Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils and a hay processing operation. Mark has a track record optimising production, maintaining high standards and leading effective, high-performing teams.
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After joining Silvalis in 2021, Neal has applied his diverse expertise and experience in finance, land management and environmental science to the sustainable management of Australian sandalwood plantations.
Neal holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) from the University of Western Australia, and began his career in finance in an ASX-listed company. His interest in farming inspired him to complete a Bachelor of Science, in Botany and Zoology, before joining WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Neal also worked at WA’s Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, focusing on environmental impact assessments for mining and exploration proposals.
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Since 2009, Nigel has focused on every aspect of the sandalwood life cycle – from ground preparation, planting, weed management, nut harvesting and multiple thinning programs to clear-fell harvesting. He has primarily worked on central and southern Wheatbelt plantations in WA and has spent time in the Gibson Desert assisting Traditional Owners with their wild sandalwood harvest.
In 2006, Nigel planted ten hectares of sandalwood on his hobby farm in Wooroloo, which is still flourishing today
