Our new Senior Geotechnical Engineer Paul Couto recently migrated from South Africa with his family to take up a role with CM&G. While a change of this magnitude comes with the inevitable lifestyle culture shock – the professional variations came as a surprise. In this article, Paul delves into the differences of working in Australia and South Africa in mining and geotechnics.

Working as an engineering geologist across various mine sites, Senior Engineering Geologist Adam Kerr has come to appreciate the importance of clear communication in geotechnical reports. In this article he explains how confusion can arise and how it causes delays on mine sites.

While the mining industry is great at capturing data, it commonly overlooks how it can be used to bolster productivity. In this article, Adam Kerr looks at how bringing in an interim contractor can help mine operators adopt best practices.

*This story was originally published by Mining Technology

Geotechnical failures can cost coal mines between $4m-$10m and it’s this reason why the Australian mining sector needs to vet risk levels more strongly and regularly, according to Engineer Kevin Li of Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics (CM&G).

*This story was originally published by Mining Technology

Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics (CM&G) has said that the mining industry will face challenges in meeting the new Global Industry Standard Tailings Management (GISTM) outline due to limited education modules.

*This story was originally published by Mining Technology

A senior geotechnical engineer specialising in coal extraction said Australia is currently experiencing its biggest coal boom in over a decade due in part to the pausing of trade with China.

*This story was originally published by Mining Technology

Across the world, the levels of occupational stress facing geotechnical specialists is increasing, with many mining experts desperately searching for new ways to manage staff engagement and retention.

*This story was originally published by Mining Technology
Identifying faults on a mining project can be challenging and the early identification of faults has long been a concern for mining professionals across the nation, but it simply doesn’t have to be a hard task.

*This story was originally published by Mining Monthly

BRISBANE-based mining and geotechnical specialist firm, Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics (CM&G), is pushing engineering boundaries, providing technical solutions to what could be the nation’s deepest underground coal operation in Queensland. .

The definition of ‘diversity’ refers to the existence of variations in different characteristics demonstrated across a group of people.

Tim Cartledge explains why he is amazed that geotechnical databases held for many mines are seriously under-utilised.

One of the biggest questions facing the mining industry today is, “What is the most effective monitoring method for tailings dams?” This question can only be answered by knowing the critical elements that affect or can cause distress to tailings’ dam structural integrity.

With the emergence of new technology in the mining sector almost every day, it can be difficult to keep up.
For large companies, this can be made worse by the daily workload and onsite events, bureaucracy and conservative thinking. “We’ve always done it this way,” is a phrase we are all too familiar with.
But each of us can challenge the status quo.

When commercial mining first started in Australia in 1799 (ABS), the concept of safety didn’t even extend as far as having a canary in the mine to alert those working underground of impending danger. That particular work-place health and safety measure didn’t start until 1911 (Smithsonian Magazine) before being stamped out in 1986.

It is a feature of underground coal mines in Australia that the deeper the operating depth, the greater the chance of increased horizontal stresses which can create safety and operational challenges, particularly around underground roadways (excavations).

Anyone with current or past experience in the coal mining industry knows that one of the major principal hazards is uncontrolled ground movement, particularly slope failures in open cut mines.

From excavating an egress tunnel under part of Brisbane’s CBD for the multi-million dollar Inner Northern Busway project, to innovative design and advice saving $34 million in construction costs on one project, I have built a career on getting my hands dirty and loved it.

Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics team member Keith Mandisodza has spent three months providing geotechnical support at Ernest Henry Mine, a copper and gold mining and processing operation near Cloncurry, in north-west Queensland.

Bongani Dlamini explains why the Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics team is looking outside the usual analytical tools to ensure the safety and productivity of coal mining operations past the 500m mark.

A new training arrangement between Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics and MEC Mining will help staff from both companies expand their skill levels and expertise.