Mining Rock Mechanics Group

The Mining Rock Mechanics group at the Western Australian School of Mines undertakes applied research and testing on behalf and in conjunction with the Australian and Worldwide mining industry.

The overall technical objectives are to characterize rock masses and their response to mining activities. This is accomplished through the following research and development activities:

  • Characterization of rock mass structure, stress, strain, strength and their reconciliation.
  • Rock mass block assembly modelling, stability assessment and stabilization.
  • Back analysis of excavation performance to achieve safe and economical extraction with maximum recovery and minimal dilution.
  • Education, training and technology transfer for the mining industry.
Rock Mechanics Group

Professor Ernesto Villaescusa - Director

Ernesto Villaescusa

Professor Villaescusa has had 25 years of applied research experience working with mining houses such as: MIM Holdings, Noranda, WMC Resources, Penoles, Minera Autlan, CODELCO, BHP Billiton and Normandy. He has developed guidelines for effective underground mining leading to a safe and economical extraction of ore and undertaken applied research in all aspects of mining methods for a range of rock mass and geotechnical conditions ranging from shallow cut-and-fill mines to large and deep block caves.

Contact

Professor Ernesto Villaescusa

Telephone Number: +61 (0) 8 9088 6155
Fax: +61 (0)8 9088 6151
Email: e.villaescusa@curtin.edu.au