Mining
Our mining engineering research advances innovative solutions for the sustainable and intelligent development of mineral resources. Our work integrates mathematical optimization, geostatistics, geomechanics, artificial intelligence, and digital mining technologies to improve decision-making under geological and operational uncertainty. Supported by major national and provincial research initiatives — including the Alberta Chamber of Resources Chair in Mining Engineering, and the Centre for Computational Geostatistics — we deliver high-impact research that enhances productivity, safety, environmental performance and the long-term resilience of the resource sector.
Elevate your engineering expertise through research that bridges the gap between traditional mining and the digital frontier. We specialize in the intelligent and sustainable development of resources, integrating AI, digital twins, and automation into next-generation mine planning. By joining our multidisciplinary research environment, you’ll tackle critical global priorities—from securing energy transition minerals to advancing ESG-driven stewardship—ensuring you graduate as a leader ready to drive productivity and responsible innovation.
Possible Careers
- Modelling resources
- Planning safe and cost-effective extraction
- Banking institutions
- Legal advisor
- Mine machinery design
Areas of Specialization
Research activities span the full mining value chain, from mineral resource characterization and uncertainty modelling to mine design, production optimization, and sustainable operations. The program emphasizes integrating geostatistics, geomechanics, mathematical optimization, and digital mining technologies to enable intelligent, risk-informed decision-making. Emerging themes such as automation, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and energy-transition minerals are increasingly embedded within research initiatives. Through strong industry collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, our research advances safe, efficient and responsible mining systems for the future.
Mineral Resource Modelling, Geostatistics, and Uncertainty Management
This research theme focuses on advanced spatial data analytics, mineral resource estimation, stochastic simulation, and uncertainty quantification. The objective is to support risk-informed decision-making from exploration through mine production. Research integrates geostatistics with data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to improve resource classification, enhance project valuation, generate mine plans that consider uncertainty, and enable robust short, medium, and long-term decision-making.
Rock Engineering, Geomechanics, and Ground Control Systems
This research addresses the behaviour of rock masses and the design of safe, stable excavation systems in surface and underground mining. Key topics include slope stability, underground support design, fragmentation mechanics, and stress-driven failure processes. Analytical, numerical, and field-based approaches are combined to improve safety performance, reduce geotechnical risk and support deeper and more complex mining operations.
Integrated Mine Planning, Optimization and Production Systems
This research sub-focus develops advanced optimization models and systems-level planning methodologies for strategic and operational mine design. Research includes production scheduling, cutoff grade optimization, stockpile management, and value-chain integration. Emphasis is placed on maximizing economic performance while accounting for uncertainty, operational constraints, and sustainability objectives throughout the life of the mine.
Digital Mining, Automation, and Intelligent Mining Systems
Research explores the transformation of mining through digital technologies such as simulation, artificial intelligence, real-time data analytics, and digital twin platforms. Topics include autonomous equipment systems, smart fleet management, virtual training environments, and predictive operational control. This theme supports the transition toward safer, more efficient, and data-driven mining operations aligned with Industry 4.0.
Sustainable Mining Systems and Energy-Transition Resource Development
This theme focuses on environmentally responsible mining practices and the efficient extraction of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. Research includes mine closure planning, waste and water management, energy efficiency, ESG performance assessment, and low-impact mining technologies. The goal is to support resilient mining systems that balance economic viability with environmental stewardship and societal expectations.