Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical expertise provides crucial insight into rock and soil mechanics for the design and construction of underground and open pit operations. Our global team upholds high operational safety standards and ensures all stability and regulatory conditions are met. We continually invest in cutting-edge technology like machine learning software and artificial intelligence techniques to deliver the most cost-effective assessment of geotechnical hazards and risks.
TAILORED DESIGN & MANAGEMENT PLANS
We recognise every project presents a unique set of circumstances. We begin with a detailed understanding of your distinctive set of geotechnical settings and conditions to ensure our plans are specific and relevant.
Our range of services includes:
-
Desktop studies of existing information
-
Geotechnical component of mining studies
-
Geotechnical investigation and data collection including mapping, core logging, and field testing.
-
Rock mass characterisation assessment for mining studies
-
Geotechnical parameter definition for utilisation in analysis and designs
-
Ground support and stabilisation design
-
Numerical analysis, limit equilibrium and probabilistic design methodology
-
Geotechnical risk analysis, hazard identification, and management plans
-
Post-failure rehabilitation and recovery plans
-
Geotechnical input to mining method selection studies
-
Blasting assessments and design advice to maintain rock mass integrity.
-
Rock mass monitoring/instrumentation
-
Waste rock dump stability assessments
-
Project management and site support
-
Development of Ground Control Management Plans (GCMP)
-
Innovative technology trade-off and selection
UNDERGROUND SPECIFIC
-
Portal, decline, orebody access development assessments
-
Shaft design and inspections
-
Stope and pillar layout, design, and sequencing
-
Caving analysis and design
-
Principal stress testing & interpretation
-
Site support, supervision, operator training
-
Modelling of stress and displacements
-
Development of seismic monitoring systems
-
Innovative technology trade-off and selection
SURFACE / OPEN PIT SPECIFIC
-
Slope design and design input
-
Rockfall hazard inspections and analysis
-
Waste rock dump design & inspections
-
Blasting inspections and advice for final wall control
-
Site support, supervision, operator training
-
Innovative technology trade-off and selection
-
Getting the systems and processes right at a mine site can add significant value through the reduction of unnecessary dilution, optimisation of ground support, and tracking and implementation of continuous improvement processes during the mining cycle.
A key component of Ground Control Management Plans is the calibration of models as mining progresses, to constantly build on the body of knowledge regarding the rock mass and make a safer and more efficient mine day after day and year after year.