Browse through publications by some of our engineers

Evans, P., Sweby, G., Player, J., 2021
Getting Underground: Design and construction  of a portal in a pit with moving walls
AusIMM Underground Operators Conference, Perth, March 2021


Hassell, R., de Vries, R., Player, J., Carswell, J. F., 2017
Improving the prediction of stope hanging wall dilution – a critical factor to the success of Dugald River
Proceedings 13th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2017, pp 71–78


Saw, H., de Vries, R., Player, J., Hassell, R, Villaescusa, E., 2017
Optimisation of cemented rock fill strength for open stope support
Proceedings 13th AusIMM Underground Operators’ Conference 2017, pp 85–90


Villaescusa, E., De Zoysa, A., Player, J. R., Thompson, A. G., 2016,
Dynamic Testing of Combined Rock Bolt and Mesh Schemes
Seventh International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining


Varden, R. P., Player, J. R., Player, N. M., Jones, E, 2016
Justifying Slope Design Risks and Costs
Proceedings Ninth AusIMM Open Pit Operators’ Conference 2016, pp 185–201


de Vries, R., Hassell, R., Player, J., 2015
Geotechnical design considerations for Dugald River from slot to sequence
International Seminar on Design Methods in Underground Mining, November 2015, Perth, Western Australia, pp 167-185


Hassell, R., de Vries, R., Player, J., Rajapakse, A., 2015
Dugald River trial stoping, overall hanging wall behaviour
International Seminar on Design Methods in Underground Mining, November 2015, Perth, Western Australia, pp 185-198


Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., Player, J. R., 2015
Dynamic Testing of Ground Support Systems
Report No. 312, MRIWA (Minerals Research Institute of WA) Project M417


Hassell, R., Villaescusa, E., de Vries, R., Player, J., 2015
Stope blast vibration analysis at the Dugald River underground mine
Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting (Fragblast 11), The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne, pp 221-231


Carswell, J.F., Player, J., de Vries, R., Hassell, R., 2015
Sublevel open stoping hanging wall instrumentation program at the Dugald River underground mine
Ninth International Symposium on Field Measurements in Geomechanics, September 2015, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, pp 551-564


Villaescusa, E., Player, J. R., Thompson, A. G., Oct 2014
A Reinforcement Design Methodology for Highly Stressed Rock Masses
8th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium (ARMS8), Sapporo, Japan, 14-16 October 2014


Villaescusa, E., Player, J. R., Thompson, A. G., Morton, E. C., 2013
Static and Dynamic Testing of Welded and Woven Mesh for Rock support
7th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, May 2013, Perth, Australia, pp 187-196


Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., Player, J. R., 2013
Dynamic Testing of Large Scale Fibrecrete Panels
7th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, May 2013, Perth, Australia, pp 197-206


Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., Player, J. R., 2013
A decade of ground support research at the WA School of Mines
Proceedings of the Seventh International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp 233-245


Player, J. R., Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., 2013
Dynamic Testing of Fully Encapsulated Threaded Bar – Resin and Cement Grouted
7th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, May 2013, Perth, Australia, pp 247-264


Thompson, A., Villaescusa, E., Player, J., Morton, E., 2013
Rock support mesh responses to static and dynamic loadings
Rock Dynamics and Applications – State of the Art: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Rock Dynamics and Applications, RocDyn-1 2013, pp 537-542


Beck, D. A., Windsor, C. R., Reusch, F., Player, J. R., 2012
Stress heterogeneity and complexity: implications for mining
46th U.S. Rockmechanics and Geomechanics Symposium, Chicago, Illinois, 24-27 June 2012. ARMA


Villaescusa, E., Azua, J., Player, J. R., Thompson, A. G., Morton, E. C., 2012
A database of static and dynamic energy absorption of mesh for rock support (WASMMeshStrengthDataBase2012)
Proceedings 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, pp 27–34


Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., Player, J. R., Morton, E., 2010
Dynamic Testing of Ground Support Systems, Phase 2 – Final Report
MERIWA (Minerals and Energy Research Institute of WA) Project M349A


Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., Morton, E. C., Player, J. R., 2009
The performance of mesh, shotcrete and membranes for surface ground support
Proc. Western Australian Mining and Petroleum Bulletin, Australian Publishing Resource Service, pp 106-111


Player, J., Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., 2009
Dynamic Testing of Friction Rock Stabilisers
Paper 4027 – Rock Engineering in Difficult Conditions, 3rd Canada-US Rock Mechanics Symposium & 20th Canadian Rock Mechanics Symposium, Toronto, May 2009
Dynamic Testing of Friction Stabilisers-version in conference.pdf


Player, J., Thompson, A. G., Villaescusa, E., 2009
Dynamic Testing of Threadbar used for Rock Reinforcement
Paper 4030 – Rock Engineering in Difficult Conditions, 3rd Canada-US Rock Mechanics Symposium & 20th Canadian Rock Mechanics Symposium, Toronto, May 2009
Dynamic Testing of Rebar-full paper3.pdf


Player, J., Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., 2008,
An Examination of Dynamic Test Facilities
Australian Mining Technology Conference, September 2008, CRC Mining,
AusIMM, pp 349-379

Examination of Dynamic Test Facilities CRC2008 v3.pdf


Player, J., Perara, V., 2008,
A Back Analysis of Dilution and Recovery in Longitudinal Sublevel Caving
Proceedings of MassMin2008, Lulea, Sweden, June 2008, Lulea University Press, pp 133-146
Dilution_MassMin2008_perera_player3.pdf


Player, J., Thompson, A., Villaescusa, E., 2008,
Dynamic Testing of Reinforcement Systems
6th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Civil Engineering Construction, April 2008, Cape Town, South Africa, SaIMM, pp 597-622
Player etal Cape Town v4 public paper.pdf


Player, J., Morton, E., Thompson, A., 2008,
Static and Dynamic Testing of Steel Wire Mesh for Mining Applications of Rock Surface Support
6th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Civil Engineering Construction, April 2008, Cape Town, South Africa, SaIMM, pp 693-706
Player et al Mesh Testing Ground Support 2008 South Africa.pdf


Varden, R., Lachenicht, R., Player, J., Thompson, A. G., Villaescusa, E, 2008,
Development and Implementation of the Garford Dynamic Bolt at the Kanowna Belle Mine
10th Underground Operators Conference, Launceston, Tasmania, April 2008, AusIMM, pp 95-102


Player, J., Thompson, A., Villaescusa, E., 2008,
Improvements to Reinforcement Systems through Dynamic Testing
10th Underground Operators Conference, Launceston, Tasmania, April 2008, AusIMM, pp 79-88


Player, J., Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A., 2005,
An Examination of Dynamic Test Facilities
Advanced Geomechanics in Underground Mines. Section 9. Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, WA, August 2005


Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A. G., Player, J. R., 2005
Dynamic Testing of Ground Support Systems, Phase 1
Report No. 249, MERIWA (Minerals and Energy Research Institute of WA) Project M349


Player, J. R., 2004,
Field Performance of Cone Bolts at Big Bell Mine
Fifth International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, pp 289-298. Australian Centre for Geomechanics and Western Australian School of Mines, Perth, September 2004


Player, J. R., Villaescusa, E., Thompson, A., 2004,
Dynamic Testing of Rock Reinforcement using the Momentum Transfer Concept
Fifth International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, pp 327-340. Australian Centre for Geomechanics and Western Australian School of Mines, Perth, September 2004


Thompson, A., Player, J. R., Villaescusa, E., 2004,
Simulation and Analysis of Dynamically Loaded Reinforcement Systems
Fifth International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction pp 341-358. Australian Centre for Geomechanics and Western Australian School of Mines, Perth, September 2004


Player, J. R., 2004,
Strain Energy Control for the Big Bell Longitudinal Sublevel Cave
Proceedings of Massmin2004, Santiago, Chile. pp 570-576.
massmin2004 big bell paper.pdf


Barrett, D., Player, J. R., 2002,
Big Bell, High Stress at Shallow Depth
International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre of Geomechanics, Perth, November 2002


Player, J. R., 2001,
Implementation of Bulk Emulsion Explosives at Big Bell Gold Mine
Proceedings of Blasting Explosive and Non-Explosive for Underground and Surface Operations, South Africa, September 2001 (This paper and presentation was at invitation from the organising committee)


Player, J., 2001,
Longitudinal Sublevel Caving, Big Bell Mine
Underground Mining Methods: Engineering Fundamentals and International Case Studies, Editor. Hustrild. SME – AIME
(This paper was awarded the Robert Peel Award by the AIME)


Turner, M. H., Player J. R., 2000,
Seismicity at Big Bell Mine
Proceedings of MassMin 2000, Brisbane, Australia, pp 791-797


Onederra, I., Player, J. R., Wade, P., Chitombo, G., 1999,
Mass Blast Design, Simulation, Optimisation and Monitoring at Big Bell Gold Mine
Proceedings of Fragblast 6, Balkema, South Africa


Sandy, M. S., Player J. R., 1999,
Reinforcement Design Investigations at Big Bell
Proceedings of the International Symposium of Ground Support – Balkema. Kalgoorlie, Australia. pp 301-316


Yeung, C., Player, J. R., Braddon, K., 1999,
The Implementation of Bulk Emulsion Explosives at Big Bell Mine
Proceedings of Explo 99, Kalgoorlie, AusIMM, pp 71-78


Player, J. R., 1998,
Big Bell Mine Coming Back for Seconds, Thirds and Fourths
Proceedings of Seventh Underground Operators Conference, AusIMM, pp 103-114


Player, J., 1995,
Operational Review Mt Leyshon Gold Mine
Student Conference AusIMM, 1995


Evans, P., Sweby, G., Player, J., 2021
Getting Underground: Design and construction  of a portal in a pit with moving walls
AusIMM Underground Operators Conference, Perth, March 2021


Sweby, G., Dight, P., Potvin, Y., Gamble, N., 2016
An instrumentation project to investigate the response of a ground support system to stoping induced formation
Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, Lulea, Sweden, 12-14 September 2016


Sweby, G., Dight, P., Potvin, Y, 2016
A numerical modelling case study – correlation of ground support instrumentation data with a three dimensional inelastic model
Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Ground Support in Mining and Underground Construction, Lulea, Sweden, 12-14 September 2016


Sweby, G., Trifu, C., Goodchild, D., Morris, L., 2006
High Resolution Seismic Monitoring at Mt Keith Open Pit Mine
ARMA/USGS 41st US Symposium on Rock Mechanics


Sweby, G., 2004
Seismic Monitoring in Open Pit Mines
ACG Open Pit Workshop


Sweby, G., Blythe, M., 2003
Raleigh Mine – A fresh approach to mining in high-stress, seismically active conditions
Ground Control Group (WA) Workshop


Sweby, G., 2002
Integration of geotechnical engineering into the mining process: the Kambalda experience
ACG Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining, Perth


Sweby, G., 2002
Kambalda nickel operations: mining in high-stress, seismically active conditions
ACG Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining, Perth


Mollison, L., Potvin, Y., Sweby, G.
Changes in Mine Seismicity following a Mine Shutdown
Unpublished Research Report.  Australian Centre for Geomechanics


Sweby, G., 2001
Seismic monitoring at Kambalda Nickel Operations
Ground Control Group (WA) Workshop


Sweby, G., McNee, D., Wiles, T., 1996
MAP3D – A three-dimensional numerical modelling code for use in rock engineering and mine planning in massive mining
SAIMM Colloquium on Massive Mining, Johannesburg, South Africa


Sweby, G., Klokow, J., 1996
Rock engineering investigation into aspects of current mining practice, and proposed new mining method for a Namibian base metal mine
ISRM Symposium on prediction and performance in rock engineering, Torino, Italy


Sweby, G., Smith, G., 1993
Realistic rock mass strength properties for use in inelastic numerical modelling
SANGORM Symposium on Numerical Modelling Techniques in Rock Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa


Evans, P., Sweby, G., Player, J., 2021
Getting Underground: Design and construction  of a portal in a pit with moving walls
AusIMM Underground Operators Conference, Perth, March 2021


Fernandez, F., Evans, P., Gelson, R., 2010
Design and Implementation of a Practical Damage Assessment in Argyle Diamonds Block Cave Project
Second International Symposium on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics,
Perth, pp 65-81


Evans, P., Weir, A., 2008
A review of fibrecrete management at the Argyle Diamonds Underground Project
5th International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå, Sweden, 9-11 June 2008


Varden, R., 2021
Jaguar Raisebore design using LiDAR for back analysis
2021 AusIMM Underground Operators Conference, Perth, March 2021


Varden, R., Woods, M. J., 2015
Design approach for squeezing ground
International Seminar on Design Methods in Underground Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics,
Perth, pp 489-504


Varden, R., Esterhuizen, H. Z., 2012
Kanowna Belle – evolution of seismicity with increasing depth in an ageing mine
Sixth International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp 211-227


Cepuritis, P. M., Villaescusa, E., Beck, D. A., Varden, R., 2010
Back analysis of Over-break in a Longhole Open Stope Operation using Non-linear Elasto-Plastic Numerical Modelling
44th US Rock Mechanics Symposium and 5th U.S.-Canada Rock Mechanics Symposium, Salt Lake City, Utah, 27-30 June, 2010


Varden, R., Jones, E., 2010
Analysing and Rehabilitating Rock Mass Failure in Critical Mine Infrastructure
Second Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference, November 2010, The University of New South Wales, Sydney


Varden, R., 2009
Implementation of the Garford Dynamic Bolt at Kanowna Belle mine
The 7th International Symposium on Rockburst and Seismicity in Mines (RaSiM7), Dalian, China, 21-23 August 2009


Varden, R., 2009
Seismic management and seismic hazard quantification at Kanowna Belle mine
The 7th International Symposium on Rockburst and Seismicity in Mines (RaSiM7), Dalian, China, 21-23 August 2009


Varden, R., Lachenicht, R., Player, J., Thompson, A. G., Villaescusa, E, 2008
Development and Implementation of the Garford Dynamic Bolt at the Kanowna Belle Mine
10th Underground Operators Conference, Launceston, Tasmania, April 2008, AusIMM, pp 95-102


Villaescusa, E., Varden, R., Hassell, R., 2008
Quantifying the performance of resin anchored rock bolts in the Australian underground hard rock mining industry
International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences, vol. 45, no. 1, pp 94-102


Varden, R., Villaescusa, E., Jun 2006
A methodology for selection of fully encapsulated resin grouted bolts
Golden Rocks 2006, The 41st U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), June 17 – 21, 2006, Golden, Colorado, USA


Varden, R., 2001,
Case study support at Sons of Gwalia
Advanced Rock Mechanics Practice for Underground Mines, Perth, Western Australia


Varden, R.P., Player, J.R., Player, N.M., Jones, E., 2016
Justifying Slope Design Risk and Costs
Ninth AusIMM Open Pit Operators’ Conference 2016


Jones, E., Andrews, P., 2012
Experience in soft rock – case studies from Barrick Australia
ACG Slope Stability in Weak and Soft Rock and Saprolites Seminar


Jones, E., 2011
Development of the Wallaby Pit Instabilities.
Australian Centre for Geomechanics Mining in Saprolites Workshop


Jones, E., Andrews, P., Holley, S., 2011
The Wallaby Mine: Maintaining Pit Wall Stability for Continued Underground Mining.
The International Symposium on Rock Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering


Jones, E., Barich, C., Andrews, P., 2011
Cable Bolt Testing at Darlot Gold Mine,
Barrick Geomechanics-Hydrogeology Conference


Jones, E., Varden, R., 2010
Analysing and Rehabilitating Rock Mass Failure in Critical Mine Infrastructure
2nd Australasian Ground Control in Mining Conference 2010


Mikula, P., Lee, M., Sharrock, G., Kinnersly, E., 2004
Seismicity Management using Tight Slot Blasting for Stress Control at Mt Charlotte Mine from Controlling Seismic Risk
6th International Symposium on Rockburst and Seismicity in Mines Proceedings, page 401