South Gobi Underground Mass Mining InstituteGeotechnical, Cave Monitoring & Mine Seismology
SGUMMI COURSECourse Summary
This course provides a foundational and practical overview of geotechnical, cave, and seismic monitoring in underground mines. The focus extends beyond seismic systems to include essential geotechnical instrumentation, data acquisition hardware, and the interpretation of ground response for cave engineering. Participants will learn how to evaluate, design, and operate comprehensive monitoring systems to detect instability, manage risk, and support safe mine operations. The course is particularly valuable for those involved in seismic hazard management, ground control design, and performance monitoring in caving mines.
Mine seismic monitoring systems are used to analyse the rock mass response to mining, and to provide inputs and validation for modelling and planning. However, the key role of mine seismic monitoring in underground mines is in safety of personnel. The course therefore includes discussions on short-term hazard management (e.g., TARPs for exclusions after large events or blasts, real-time rock mass stability assessment, etc.) and the development of seismic hazard management plans (SHMPs), important components of geotechnical risk management plans.
However, it is critical to understand the nature of the data to be acquired and how it is processed to provide useful information. To this end, a significant part of the course focusses on this important but often neglected aspect. The aim is to also provide geotechnical engineering / ground control professionals with a foundation to provide design outlines for a seismic monitoring system, evaluate the resultant detailed design, and implement and operate the chosen option.
COURSE OVERVIEWCourse Objectives
01
Providing basic tools for designing and operating seismic monitoring systems.
02
Providing a summary of mine seismic data and information (source parameters, source mechanisms).
03
Providing the basics of seismic data analysis.
04
Providing a summary of seismic monitoring system outputs required for seismic hazard management.
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 ground characterisation 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:
- The ability to outline a mine seismic system design and evaluate subsequent detailed designs.
- An understanding of seismic data acquisition and processing as well as the technical and human resources required.
- A basic understanding of seismic source parameters and mechanisms.
- A basic understanding of seismic data analysis.
- An understanding of the role of seismic data analysis in geotechnical hazard management plans, and what information is required.
COURSECourse Topics Covered
01
Introduction to seismic monitoring
02
Seismic system design considerations
03
Data acquisition – hardware
04
Data acquisition - communications and timing
05
Seismic source parameters and mechanisms
06
Seismic data analysis
07
Stability analysis
08
Advanced data analysis
09
Seismic hazard management plans
FORMATDelivery Format
Duration:
5 days
Location:
Oyu Tolgoi Mine, Mongolia
Format:
In-person, expert-led instruction
Structure:
Approximately 70% theoretical content (including case studies), 30% hands-on practical activities
Language:
English
COURSE INSTRUCTORDr Willem de Beer
Dr Willem de Beer is an experienced professional in the fields of geophysics and geomechanics, currently serving as the Manager for Asia Pacific at ESG Solutions since August 2016, focusing on the development of the ESG Australasia business and client support. Prior experience includes a role as Principal at Golder Associates from 2004 to July 2016, providing senior technical direction in the Geomechanics group and leading a team of geophysicists. De Beer has also held directorship at iGeo Ltd, managed seismic data processing at ISSI, and instructed at the University of the Witwatersrand, where a PhD in Theoretical Physics and a Master of Science in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics were attained.
COURSE FAQFrequently Asked Questions
01/
Who is this course designed for?
This course is ideal for early to mid-career geotechnical, geological, and mining engineers, as well as mine planning and design professionals. It also benefits technical teams supporting underground operations and anyone working with geo-data and models in mine design.
02/
What practical skills will I gain from this course?
You will learn to log drill core and map rock exposures, measure and evaluate rock properties, and apply rock mass classification systems such as RMR, Q, and GSI. The course also covers building geotechnical block models and integrating geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological data for mine design.
03/
Where and how is the course delivered?
The course is delivered in-person at the Oyu Tolgoi Mine in Mongolia. It runs over five days and balances approximately 50% classroom-based theory and case studies with 50% hands-on field activities.
04/
Do I need prior experience or specific prerequisites?
No advanced experience is required, but participants should have a basic understanding of geology or geotechnical concepts. All necessary equipment, PPE, and fieldwork logistics will be provided during the course.
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:
August/September 2026
Exact dates will be confirmed closer to delivery.