South Gobi Underground Mass Mining InstituteFundamentals of Geotechnical Data Collection & Rockmass Characterisation
SGUMMI COURSECourse Summary
This foundational five-day course covers the fundamental principles of rock mass data collection and rock mass characterisation, with a focus on applications in underground mining. It is designed for geotechnical, geological, and mining engineers and demonstrates how to collect and apply high-quality geotechnical data to develop reliable, representative rock mass models. These models facilitate accurate predictions of the rock mass response and form the basis for sound mine design. Delivered on-site at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, the program balances classroom theory with hands-on field practice, ensuring participants can directly apply what they learn.
COURSE OVERVIEWCourse Objectives
01
Understand required data:
Know what geological, structural, and geotechnical data must be collected for thorough rock mass characterisation and geotechnical domaining.
02
Reliable data collection:
Learn to collect reliable geo-data from core logging, mapping, and scanning of rock exposures.
03
Geotechnical domaining:
Define geotechnical domains effectively for different rock mass conditions.
04
Rock property measurement:
Understand which mechanical rock properties to collect and how to accurately measure them.
05
Characterisation process:
Grasp the overall process of rock mass characterisation from start to finish.
06
Rock mass strength:
Learn methods to derive rock mass strength from intact rock properties and field data.
07
Classification systems:
Quantify rock mass quality using various classification systems.
08
Design limits:
Recognise the limits of classification-based and empirical design methods in mining.
09
Model building:
Learn how to build representative rock mass and structural models.
10
Interdisciplinary communication:
Improve communication between geology, geotechnical, mining, and metallurgy teams for better project integration.
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:
- Collect and log geotechnical data:Efficiently log drill core and map rock exposures, identifying and describing key rock mass parameters.
- Field data integration: Evaluate data quality, sufficiency, and reliability in geotechnical datasets.
- Understand rock properties: Identify, collect, and verify lithological, structural, and alteration data in the field, and explain how these factors influence rock mass strength and impact mine design and operations.
- Use classification systems: Define geotechnical domains and articulate their significance for mine design and stability analysis.
- Assess cave mechanics: Explain the mechanical properties of intact rock and utilise various rock strength testing methods, understanding their applications and significance in geomechanics.
- Ensure data quality: Account for the degradation of intact rock strength to rock mass strength, and apply appropriate methods to estimate rock mass strength for engineering purposes.
- Apply geotechnical domaining: Apply rock mass classification systems (e.g., RMR, Q, GSI) to characterise ground conditions, while recognising the limitations and potential misuses of these systems.
- Estimate rock mass strength: Contribute to building a geotechnical block model by integrating geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological data, and understand how to develop a reliable rock mass model for mine design.
- Develop geotechnical models: Evaluate how rock mass conditions influence cave propagation, subsidence, fragmentation, and flow in block caving operations.
- Communicate across disciplines: Clearly communicate geotechnical assumptions, findings, and recommendations with other disciplines (geology, mining, metallurgy) to ensure a shared understanding in project teams.
COURSECourse Topics Covered
01
Introduction to Rock Mass Characterisation
02
Data Quality & Data Sufficiency
03
Geotechnical Domaining
04
Geological Data Collation for Rock Mass Characterisation
05
Structural Data Collection
06
Geotechnical Logging
07
Geotechnical Mapping
08
Mechanical Properties of Intact Rock
09
Rock Mass Strength
10
Rock Mass Classifications
11
Geotechnical Block Modelling
12
Structural Modelling
FORMATDelivery Format
Duration:
5 days
Location:
Oyu Tolgoi Mine, Mongolia
Format:
In-person, expert-led instruction
Structure:
Approximately 50% theoretical content (including case studies), 50% hands-on practical activities
Language:
English
COURSE INSTRUCTORProfessor Andre van As
Andre is an underground mine geotechnical engineer with over 30 years of experience, specialising in caving operations and projects. His expertise includes caving geomechanics, cave management, and innovative mining technologies. Andre worked for Rio Tinto for 22 years and has been involved in 10+ major caving operations, from exploration through to closure, and serves on several geotechnical review boards.
In 1997, Andre collaborated with Dr. Rob Jeffrey to introduce hydraulic fracturing to the cave mining industry, earning the CSIRO medal for research excellence. This innovation transformed cave induction and rock mass preconditioning practices globally. From 2005 to 2018, Andre was instrumental in trialling and advising on Cave Tracking technology, now widely used in caving operations worldwide.
Since 2015, Andre has taught Caving Geomechanics and Caving Engineering, leading professional development courses on cave mining fundamentals. Andre currently works at the University of Queensland’s Bryan Research Centre as Professor and group lead for ‘Deep Mining Geoscience’ research and he manages the South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute, sponsored by Rio Tinto Copper. Andre has authored/co-authored 40+ technical papers, advancing knowledge in his field.
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:
Feb/March 2026
Exact dates will be confirmed closer to delivery.