Key tasks

• Develop models of the major geologic structures and geotechnical features of a mine
• Provide information to mine management on the effect current mining practices are having on ground stability issues
• Recommend or undertake rock property testing and sample selection
• Interpret data from instrumentation e.g. ground movements
• Compile databases and reports on rock mass parameters
• Review, update and optimise geotechnical design guidelines for mine planning requirements

Skills and attributes

• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong background in science and mathematics
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strategic thinking related to the overall operation of the mine

A typical day

• Geotechnical engineers can expect to work on a fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in/drive-out (DIDO) roster at a remote mine site. They are usually part of and provide direction to the technical services team and have a working knowledge of all aspects of the operation.

Role types

• Geotechnical Engineer (Open Pit and Underground): Design, install, use and maintain geotechnical instrumentation to assess the response of the rock mass to mining activities, and interpret and report on that data.
• Geotechnical Engineer (Consultant): Consult on both underground and open pit projects. They will often be based in cities and fly or drive to their projects as required.
• Geotechnical Engineer (Computing/Modelling): Design and apply computer programs and models to characterise and predict rock and ground behaviour, including stress regimes and rock strength.
• Geotechnical Engineer (Academic/Research): Investigate why and how things behave the way they do or are the way they are, rather than the economic issues of how to mine.

Nature of work

• Fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in/drive-out (DIDO) roster
• Standard office hours if you join a city-based consultancy and are working in the office
• Expect to spend much of your early career at (often remote) operating sites

Travel

• High likelihood to travel both domestically and internationally, even with a city-based position