Friction: Edition 15 | March 2024
FROM THE EDITOR
As geotechnical professionals, we are responsible for providing accurate advice about mine design and operations, and laboratory testing is one of the avenues that enables us to do just that.
In this month’s edition, we dig deep into the importance of geotechnical lab testing within the mining, resources and construction industries, and hear from Zhongwei Chen, Associate Professor for the School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland on the challenges and opportunities associated with geotechnical lab testing, and how they impact Australia’s mineral and energy resource sectors.
Trilab Technical Manager Colin Purvis also shares his approach to laboratory testing, what motivates him and where he sees the industry heading in the next few years.
While only three months into 2024, it is full steam ahead for our industry. With ample networking opportunities and industry events taking place all over the world, be sure to check out what’s happening near you with our events calendar.
Regards,
Tim Cartledge
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Laboratory testing of rock properties: challenges and opportunities
When it comes to geotechnical investigation and design, laboratory testing plays a fundamental role in ensuring the success of any one project. However, like any industry, when you look under the microscope there are usually some challenges that need to be addressed.
In this article, Zhongwei Chen, Associate Professor for the School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering, at The University of Queensland, investigates the challenges such as sample availability and preparation, which hinder laboratory testing and how addressing such challenges can provide long-term benefit for Australia’s mineral and resources sector well into the future.
Q&A with Colin Purvis
Like a geologist chipping away at rock, let's unearth the hidden layers of Colin Purvis, Technical Manager at Trilab, by asking all the important questions.
From how he got his start in the industry to hearing what trends he believes will become more important in coming years, Colin shares some profound insight into laboratory testing and the importance of geotechnical assessment.
NEWS, PUBLICATIONS AND UPDATES
On The Rocks Episode: Revolutionizing Mining with Stochastic Optimization
In a recent episode of On The Rocks, the team from KPI Mining Solutions discusses Stochastic Optimization.
For anyone interested in the intersection of technology, innovation, and mining, this episode offers a direct insight into the future of mining, where data and analytics play pivotal roles in decision-making processes.
Hear how the innovative approach can achieve more accurate and risk-resilient production forecasts, reduce environmental impacts, and more. Tune in below.
Geoscience towards net zero - Advancing Australia's green steel potential workshop
More than ever, sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, especially in the resources, mining and energy sector, which is why it’s increasingly important to address key industry issues such as investment hurdles, technical challenges and knowledge gaps.
Geoscience Australia hosted the Geoscience Towards Net Zero – Advancing Australia’s Green Steel potential workshop in late 2023. The event saw key players in the hydrogen, iron ore and relevant government sectors discussing their insights on the mining and resources industry and how Australia can advance its Green Steel potential.
You can learn about the excellent insights shared during the workshop, with a recording of the session now available. Have a listen.
Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources 2023
Mining and resources are no small contributors to the Australian economy. From exports to exploration, copper to cobalt, Australia continues to cement its position as one of the world’s major mining and resources powerhouses.
By assessing more than 45 years of data, Geoscience Australia has revealed trends in Australia’s resource estimates and mine production and provided indicators of potential resource life and future supply capability. Check out their findings in Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources 2023.
Do geotechnical engineers truly understand sustainability?
When it comes to discussions around ESG within the industry, the focus has continually been on carbon emissions. Despite progress geotechnical engineers have made in this field, other aspects of sustainability tend to remain overlooked.
Meggie Cassidy says when talking about ESG, the industry needs to extend its focus from carbon management and discuss biodiversity, nature-based solutions and climate adaptation.
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