
The Role of Geotechnical Engineering in Mining
What is geotechnical engineering in mining?
Geotechnical engineering is the discipline concerned with the engineering behaviours of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil and rock mechanics to form a solution for engineering problems. Principally, geotechnical engineers are involved in the investigation, design, and monitoring of open pit and underground mines. Geotechnical engineers are also involved in the design of waste dumps, tailings storage facilities and stockpile design, as well as backfill placement in underground operations.