South Gobi Underground Mass Mining InstituteCave Engineering, Caving Geomechanics & Cave Management
SGUMMI COURSECourse Summary
This series of modules is designed to provide mine technical disciplines with a thorough understanding of the key aspects of caving mechanics. It covers the fundamental geomechanics that control cave initiation and growth, subsidence, fragmentation, and flow of caved material as well as the design of the undercut and extraction levels. Participants will gain practical knowledge of design principles and operational practices critical to successful cave mine performance.
COURSE OVERVIEWCourse Objectives
01
Understand the concepts of caveability, critical hydraulic radius, and cave propagation mechanisms.
02
Understand the drivers of cave subsidence growth and the social, environmental and operational implications.
03
Estimate cave fragmentation from geo-data and understand how to translate the results into meaningful design and operational considerations, such as drawpoint spacing, materials handling design and secondary breaking requirements.
04
Differentiate between undercutting methods and evaluate the impact of undercut geometry, undercut advance rate, stress management, and sequencing.
05
Understand cave flow mechanisms and how these influence draw interaction, mineral recoveries and extraction level stability.
06
Evaluate extraction level layout alternatives, their operational implications, and design considerations.
TARGET AUDIENCEThis course is ideal for
Early to mid-career geotechnical or geological engineers in underground mining
Mine planning and mine design professionals seeking stronger technical skills
Technical teams supporting mining operations
Professionals working with geo data, geo models and their application into mine design
OUTCOMESKey Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain key geomechanical drivers behind caveability and cave propagation.
- Apply knowledge of fragmentation mechanisms and prediction tools in cave design.
- Analyse cave flow mechanisms and identify risks such as point loading, isolated draw and reserve losses.
- Describe types of subsidence and deformation zones associated with cave mining.
- Compare undercutting strategies and design solutions to common undercut issues.
- Evaluate extraction level layout types and integrate design requirements for safe and productive operations.
COURSECourse Topics Covered
01
Caveability and Cave Propagation
02
Cave Subsidence Fundamentals
03
Cave Fragmentation Prediction
04
Undercut Methods and Undercut Design
05
Cave Flow
06
Extraction Level Design
FORMATDelivery Format
Duration:
5 days
Location:
Oyu Tolgoi Mine or Ulanbaatar, Mongolia
Format:
In person, expert-led instruction
Structure:
Approximately 70% theoretical content (including case studies), 30% hands-on practical activities
Language:
English
COURSE INSTRUCTORProfessor Andre van As and Mr Gert Van Hout
Gert has over twenty-five years of experience in underground geotechnical engineering, originally as numerical modelling specialist, thereafter as internal consultant within De Beers, Rio Tinto, Freeport-McMoRan, then as General Manager (at Rio Tinto) before setting up his own consultancy.
Professor Andre van As leads the Deep Mining Geoscience group at the WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre, University of Queensland. Andre worked for Rio Tinto for 22 years and has been involved in 10+ major caving operations.
Both Andre and Gert are internationally recognised for their work in geotechnical engineering, cave design and operations.
COURSE FAQFrequently Asked Questions
01/
Who should attend this course?
This course is designed for geotechnical engineers, geologists, mine planners, and technical staff involved in caving operations. It is particularly valuable for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of cave mining mechanics, design, and management.
02/
What practical skills will I gain?
Participants will learn to evaluate caving geomechanics, apply cave design principles, and manage operational risks. The course provides hands-on case studies and practical tools for assessing cave propagation, subsidence, fragmentation, flow, and risk management frameworks in mass mining.
03/
How is the course delivered?
The program is delivered face-to-face at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia. It runs over several days and balances theoretical instruction with case studies, applied exercises, and on-site practical learning in a real cave mining environment.
04/
Do I need prior experience with cave mining?
No specialist cave mining background is required, but participants should have a basic grounding in geotechnical or mining engineering. The course introduces fundamental concepts and builds progressively toward advanced cave engineering and management practices.
TESTIMONIALSWhat Our Industry Partners Are Saying
I’ve always been passionate about mining, and SGUMMI offers a unique opportunity to learn directly in the field. The program uses the Oyu Tolgoi mine itself as a training hub, which makes the learning incredibly practical and hands-on. It’s an ideal environment to build real-world skills.
Zaya Baitag
I truly enjoyed the SGUMMI course, which provided valuable insights into geotechnical principles and caving knowledge. The lessons were very practical and went beyond the math to explore the reason behind the concept. We are gaining experience-based knowledge from world-leading experts and professors. I’m very much looking forward to the remaining part of the course.
Batpurev Ganbat
The SGUMMI training is helping me gain a more systematic understanding of underground mass mining. It bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical applications, and I’m already applying what I learn directly to my daily work. This is supporting my development toward the next step in my career.
Bayar-Erdene Ganbold
SGUMMI has been an amazing chance to learn from top mining experts. The sessions are well-connected and practical, helping me understand cave mining and geomechanics better. Now I feel more confident to grow professionally in this field.
Suvdaa Erdenebayar
This training plays a vital role in strengthening the education sector at a time when near-surface resources are being depleted and the demand for deep mining is increasing. As a young university lecturer, it is a valuable opportunity for me to share with mining company engineers and students what I’ve learned from professors. I am especially grateful for the chance to learn not only from internationally renowned professors but also from world-class practitioners in the mining industry.
Orkhon Erdenebaatar
Course Delivery Months
Planned Delivery:
June 2026
Exact dates will be confirmed closer to delivery.