Mining geomechanics
The behaviour of rock, soil, discontinuities, and rock masses under natural and mining-induced conditions.
Open learningMining practice
Mining Geomechanics
Learning Centre
Practical knowledge connecting ground behaviour, mine design and mine optimization.
The Mining Geomechanics Learning Centre provides free, practical, engineering-based learning resources developed from more than four decades of experience in mining education, consulting, and operations.
01 Purpose
Bridging engineering theory and mining practice.
The Centre is intended for mining engineering students, early-career professionals, educators, and practitioners.
Its purpose is to develop an understanding of how mining geomechanics, mine design, drilling and blasting, mine planning, and optimization are integrated in the analysis and development of real mining operations.
Mining geomechanics does not exist independently of mine design. Rock and soil behaviour, geological structures, excavation geometry, slope configuration, mine sequencing, operational constraints, economics, and optimization must be considered together when developing practical and defensible mining solutions.
02 Who it is for
Built for learning at different stages of a mining career.
Each resource will identify its intended audience and the knowledge expected before beginning.
01
Mining engineering students
02
Mining engineering technology students
03
Early-career mining and geotechnical professionals
04
Educators seeking practical instructional resources
05
Mine operators and technical personnel
06
Experienced professionals reviewing related disciplines
03 Learning areas
Connected disciplines.
One mining context.
Geomechanics remains the foundation, linked directly to design, operational performance, and optimization.
Rock and soil mechanics
Stress, strain, strength, deformation, failure criteria, groundwater effects, and engineering classification.
Laboratory and field testing
Test procedures, calculations, interpretation, applications, and the limitations of measured results.
Mine design and slope stability
Applying geological and geomechanical information to slopes, excavations, benches, berms, roads, and mining structures.
Drilling, blasting and fragmentation
Blast geometry, explosives, energy distribution, rock breakage, fragmentation, and downstream performance.
Mine planning and optimization
Integrating geological models, geotechnical constraints, economics, pit optimization, design, and scheduling.
Engineering calculations and digital tools
Worked examples, reference resources, interactive calculations, and selected mining-engineering tools.
Professional practice and judgment
Responsible use of data, assumptions, models, standards, uncertainty, review, and technical communication.
04 Educational approach
Clarity supported by technical rigour.
The Centre will emphasize not only how engineering principles and calculations are applied, but why they matter, what assumptions they involve, and how their limitations affect professional decisions.
- 01Explain concepts clearly without sacrificing technical accuracy.
- 02Connect theory, calculations, and field applications.
- 03Use diagrams, worked examples, and practical observations.
- 04Identify assumptions, units, limitations, and uncertainty.
- 05Distinguish learning examples from project-specific analysis.
- 06Encourage critical thinking and professional judgment.
06 Resources coming soon
A learning resource built carefully, one topic at a time.
Initial resources will focus on carefully selected foundational topics, practical testing procedures, worked engineering examples, and the relationships between geomechanics, mine design, and mine optimization. Additional lessons, illustrations, reference materials, and interactive tools will be introduced as they are developed and reviewed.
Educational and professional disclaimer
The resources provided through this Learning Centre are intended for educational purposes. They do not replace project-specific geological or geotechnical investigations, engineering analysis, regulatory requirements, applicable standards, or the judgment of a qualified professional. Mining conditions and engineering requirements vary considerably between projects. Users are responsible for evaluating the suitability and limitations of any information before applying it to a particular situation.