Geotechnical services services for mining operations
From data collection and site inspections to advanced 3D modelling, ground support strategy and hazard management plans, JM Geomechanics supports safer, better-informed mining decisions.
JM Geomechanics provides specialised support in the area of geotechnical engineering, mine planning and design to mining operations and project teams. Our services can be delivered as discrete technical studies, site-based operational support, independent reviews, secondments, training programmes or integrated support packages.
We work across underground and open pit mining environments, including deep and high-stress mines, open stoping and room and pillar, caving operations, open pit walls, and other geotechnical hazard management areas.
Core Services
Geotechnical data collection and investigation
We design and manage geotechnical data collection programmes that give mine teams reliable inputs for design, modelling, hazard management and operational decisions.
Typical deliverables: Geotechnical investigation programme design and management; Core logging, geotechnical and geological mapping; Rock mass classification using GSI, RMR/MRMR and Q-system methods; Structural geology evaluation and rock mass fabric assessment; Geotechnical domain evaluation and data interpretation.
Advanced 3D non-linear numerical modelling
JM Geomechanics develops and interprets 3D linear and non-linear numerical models to assess rock mass response, stress redistribution, deformation, yielding, energy release, extraction sequence and support performance.
Typical deliverables: 3D rock mass and geotechnical block models; Model calibration using observations, monitoring and seismic response where available; Back analysis of rock mass failure and forward analysis for future design; Stress, displacement, strain and damage assessment; Design recommendations for sequence, layout, pillars, excavations and ground support.
Mine planning and design
We support mine planning teams with geomechanical inputs that help align mine layout, extraction sequence, geotechnical controls and operational risk requirements.
Typical deliverables: Extraction sequence assessment; Mine layout and excavation design inputs; Block size, stope size and pillar dimension optimisation; Risk-informed design options; Planning and budget inputs related to ground control requirements.
Geotechnical personnel secondments
JM Geomechanics can provide experienced geotechnical professionals to support site teams during periods of leave coverage, project demand, operational change or capability uplift.
Typical deliverables: Short-term and long-term site support; Operational geotechnical reporting; Inspection and monitoring support; Integration with mining, geology, planning and safety teams; Mentoring of site personnel.
Underground and open pit inspections
We provide practical inspection support to identify ground hazards, assess support performance, review slope or excavation conditions and provide clear operational recommendations.
Typical deliverables: Underground development and stope inspections; Open pit wall, waste dump and tailings-related slope inspections; Ground condition reviews and photographic records; Priority risk findings and recommended actions; Escalation advice for access, exclusion or monitoring requirements.
Ground support design
JM Geomechanics assesses rock mass conditions, stress environment, excavation geometry and operational requirements to develop practical ground support strategies.
Typical deliverables: Static and dynamic ground support recommendations; Support performance evaluation; Damage investigation for fibrecrete, mesh, bolts and surface support systems; Ground support standards and documentation inputs; Review of installed support against design intent.
Geotechnical department and system and process reviews
We review geotechnical department structure, workflows, reporting systems and technical governance to identify practical improvements that support safer and more consistent decision-making.
Typical deliverables: Department capability review; Role and responsibility assessment; Data capture and reporting workflow review; Inspection, monitoring and escalation process review; Practical improvement roadmap.
Pillar design and stope stability assessment
We analyse stope, brow, pillar and abutment behaviour to support safer extraction strategies, stable mine designs and practical controls in changing stress environments.
Typical deliverables: Pillar dimension assessment and optimisation; Stope stability and dilution risk assessment; Back analysis of pillar performance; Confined and unconfined pillar behaviour review; Recommendations for sequence, support and access controls.
Fall of ground investigation
JM Geomechanics investigates falls of ground to understand contributing factors, identify controls and support practical actions that reduce repeat exposure.
Typical deliverables: Incident context and ground condition review; Mapping, observations and photographic records; Review of support, geology, stress, water and blasting factors; Causal analysis and corrective actions; Reporting suitable for operational review and management follow-up.
Geotechnical audits and compliance
We provide independent review support to help mines assess whether geotechnical controls, documentation and practices align with site requirements, risk controls and industry expectations.
Typical deliverables: Ground control audit support; Compliance review against site standards and management plans; Documentation gap analysis; Action register and prioritised recommendations; Management-ready summary reporting.
Compilation and review of Ground Control Management Plans
We assist with the compilation, review and improvement of Ground Control Management Plans and supporting geotechnical hazard documentation.
Typical deliverables: Ground Control Management Plan review; Geotechnical Hazard Management Plan development; Trigger/action and escalation framework inputs; Inspection, monitoring and reporting requirements; Practical implementation notes for site teams.
Paste backfill design and analysis
We assist in design analysis and testing of paste backfill system, reticulation system, paste optimization, backfill process and system design, development of backfill management plan.
Typical deliverables: Paste fill management plan, backfill stability and exposure design, support design in paste fill, paste fill process and system, paste reticulation system design
Open pit slope stability design
We support open pit slope stability and pit design from early data review through to detailed design inputs, monitoring requirements and slope management documentation.
Typical deliverables: Pit design from data collection and analysis through to detailed design report writing; Geotechnical domain development for slope optimisation; Pit wall, waste dump and tailings-related slope review; Slope Management Plan development; Dewatering and depressurisation considerations.
Slope stability monitoring and hazard management
JM Geomechanics helps sites monitor, interpret and communicate slope performance using manual and automated systems appropriate to the risk context.
Typical deliverables: Manual and automated slope monitoring review; QuikSlope and related monitoring workflow support where applicable; Monitoring data interpretation and communication; Slope hazard controls and response guidance; Review of water, depressurisation and degradation factors.
Professional geotechnical training and mentorship
JM Geomechanics provides practical training and mentorship to strengthen site capability and help technical and operational personnel understand geomechanical risks and controls.
Typical deliverables: Training for geotechnical, mining and operations personnel; Ground awareness and hazard recognition sessions; Mentoring for junior and site-based geotechnical engineers; Workshops on modelling interpretation and practical controls; Customised training aligned to site hazards.
Integrated Geotechnical Support
Site support
Inspections, mapping, data collection, operational advice, secondments and hazard controls.
Technical studies
Modelling, design analysis, ground support, slope stability, mine planning inputs and reporting.
Independent reviews
Audits, compliance checks, ground control plans, department systems and process reviews.
Training and mentorship
Professional development for geotechnical, mining and operational teams.