Program | UGOPS 2023

Underground Operators Conference Program 2023

The conference program is subject to change at any time, at the discretion of the organising committee.

All times are listed in AEST (Queensland, Australia).

Sunday, March 26, 2023


	Please note all timings will be shown in your local time zone.
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM	Day 0 \| Workshop and Conference Registration
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Workshop \| Mining Contract Management
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Workshop \| Morning Tea
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM	Workshop \| Lunch
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Workshop \| Afternoon Tea
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Pre-Conference Networking Function sponsored by Epiroc Australia Pty Ltd


	Please note all timings will be shown in your local time zone.
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM	Day 0 \| Workshop and Conference Registration
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Workshop \| Mining Contract Management
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Workshop \| Morning Tea
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM	Workshop \| Lunch
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Workshop \| Afternoon Tea
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Pre-Conference Networking Function sponsored by Epiroc Australia Pty Ltd


	Please note all timings will be shown in your local time zone.
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM	Day 0 \| Workshop and Conference Registration
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Workshop \| Mining Contract Management
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Workshop \| Morning Tea
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM	Workshop \| Lunch
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM	Workshop \| Afternoon Tea
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Pre-Conference Networking Function sponsored by Epiroc Australia Pty Ltd

Monday, March 27, 2023


7:30 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 1 \| Registration
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Session 1 Welcome to Country Jahmarley Dawson, Turrbal People Welcome from Conference Co-Chair Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Welcome from AusIMM Stephen Durkin, AusIMM AusIMM Mining Society Presentation Marco Orunesu Preiata, IGO Ltd Keynote \| The successful deployment of a fatal risk system, designed for the front-line Corrie Pitzer, Safemap International
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM	Day 1 \| Morning Tea
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM	Session 2 Operational readiness – What is it and how to get it done? Adrian Pratt, Adrian Pratt Mining Consultancy Managing high volume water inflows of 300 l/s in the planning and development of a large scale underground Gold Mine - the Didipio story Joe Evert, Mineright The application of critical chain project management to sub-level open stoping at Olympic Dam Jack Light, BHP Design of raise caving operations in LKAB mines Tobias Ladinig, LKAB / Montanuniversität Leoben Session 2 \| Q&A Emma Chaplin, Olympic Dam
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM	Day 1 \| Lunch
1:10 PM - 2:50 PM	Session 3 Project and execution of the excavation for a haulage shaft with raise boring techniques Marco Orunesu Preiata, IGO Ltd Impact testing of raisebore protection mesh Meggie Doran, BHP Challenges and solutions for deformation management of Cannington's hoisting shaft Andrew Clarkson, South32 No entry mechanised presink of the Wira Hoisting Shaft David Kilkenny, Raising Australia Session 3 \| Q&A Katrina Crook, Glencore Zinc
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM	Day 1 \| Afternoon Tea
3:20 PM - 5:05 PM	Session 4 Improvement strategies for accurate underground drilling and blasting effectiveness at the Barrick Kibali Gold Mine Felly Senda, Barrick (Kibali Gold Mine) Reverse stoping using wireless initiation at CSA Mine Ben Small, CSA Mine - Glencore Mechanised, wireless development charging - Orica’s and Epiroc’s Avatel™ Charging Solution Ben Taylor, Orica A review of the most common underground slot, winze, rise or raise designs Edward Wargem, Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Session 4 \| Q&A Rod Hermann, Epiroc Day 1 Close Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Welcome Reception and AusIMM’s 130 Years Celebration


7:30 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 1 \| Registration
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Session 1 Welcome to Country Jahmarley Dawson, Turrbal People Welcome from Conference Co-Chair Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Welcome from AusIMM Stephen Durkin, AusIMM AusIMM Mining Society Presentation Marco Orunesu Preiata, IGO Ltd Keynote \| The successful deployment of a fatal risk system, designed for the front-line Corrie Pitzer, Safemap International
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM	Day 1 \| Morning Tea
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM	Session 2 Operational readiness – What is it and how to get it done? Adrian Pratt, Adrian Pratt Mining Consultancy Managing high volume water inflows of 300 l/s in the planning and development of a large scale underground Gold Mine - the Didipio story Joe Evert, Mineright The application of critical chain project management to sub-level open stoping at Olympic Dam Jack Light, BHP Design of raise caving operations in LKAB mines Tobias Ladinig, LKAB / Montanuniversität Leoben Session 2 \| Q&A Emma Chaplin, Olympic Dam
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM	Day 1 \| Lunch
1:10 PM - 2:50 PM	Session 3 Project and execution of the excavation for a haulage shaft with raise boring techniques Marco Orunesu Preiata, IGO Ltd Impact testing of raisebore protection mesh Meggie Doran, BHP Challenges and solutions for deformation management of Cannington's hoisting shaft Andrew Clarkson, South32 No entry mechanised presink of the Wira Hoisting Shaft David Kilkenny, Raising Australia Session 3 \| Q&A Katrina Crook, Glencore Zinc
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM	Day 1 \| Afternoon Tea
3:20 PM - 5:05 PM	Session 4 Improvement strategies for accurate underground drilling and blasting effectiveness at the Barrick Kibali Gold Mine Felly Senda, Barrick (Kibali Gold Mine) Reverse stoping using wireless initiation at CSA Mine Ben Small, CSA Mine - Glencore Mechanised, wireless development charging - Orica’s and Epiroc’s Avatel™ Charging Solution Ben Taylor, Orica A review of the most common underground slot, winze, rise or raise designs Edward Wargem, Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Session 4 \| Q&A Rod Hermann, Epiroc Day 1 Close Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Welcome Reception and AusIMM’s 130 Years Celebration


7:30 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 1 \| Registration
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Session 1 Welcome to Country Jahmarley Dawson, Turrbal People Welcome from Conference Co-Chair Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Welcome from AusIMM Stephen Durkin, AusIMM AusIMM Mining Society Presentation Marco Orunesu Preiata, IGO Ltd Keynote \| The successful deployment of a fatal risk system, designed for the front-line Corrie Pitzer, Safemap International
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM	Day 1 \| Morning Tea
10:30 AM - 12:10 PM	Session 2 Operational readiness – What is it and how to get it done? Adrian Pratt, Adrian Pratt Mining Consultancy Managing high volume water inflows of 300 l/s in the planning and development of a large scale underground Gold Mine - the Didipio story Joe Evert, Mineright The application of critical chain project management to sub-level open stoping at Olympic Dam Jack Light, BHP Design of raise caving operations in LKAB mines Tobias Ladinig, LKAB / Montanuniversität Leoben Session 2 \| Q&A Emma Chaplin, Olympic Dam
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM	Day 1 \| Lunch
1:10 PM - 2:50 PM	Session 3 Project and execution of the excavation for a haulage shaft with raise boring techniques Marco Orunesu Preiata, IGO Ltd Impact testing of raisebore protection mesh Meggie Doran, BHP Challenges and solutions for deformation management of Cannington's hoisting shaft Andrew Clarkson, South32 No entry mechanised presink of the Wira Hoisting Shaft David Kilkenny, Raising Australia Session 3 \| Q&A Katrina Crook, Glencore Zinc
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM	Day 1 \| Afternoon Tea
3:20 PM - 5:05 PM	Session 4 Improvement strategies for accurate underground drilling and blasting effectiveness at the Barrick Kibali Gold Mine Felly Senda, Barrick (Kibali Gold Mine) Reverse stoping using wireless initiation at CSA Mine Ben Small, CSA Mine - Glencore Mechanised, wireless development charging - Orica’s and Epiroc’s Avatel™ Charging Solution Ben Taylor, Orica A review of the most common underground slot, winze, rise or raise designs Edward Wargem, Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Session 4 \| Q&A Rod Hermann, Epiroc Day 1 Close Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Welcome Reception and AusIMM’s 130 Years Celebration

Tuesday, March 28, 2023


8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 \| Registration
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM	Session 5 Day 2 Welcome and Opening Remarks Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals Keynote \| Concept to Delivery: Reflections on mine planning at Oyu Tolgoi over 18 years Jo-Anne Dudley, Turquoise Hill Resources Integrated multi-disciplinary auditing and benchmarking of catastrophic hazards for underground mining operations Adrian Penney, Glencore Dashboards, data sources and a modern data platform Daniel Bruce, OZ Minerals Session 5 \| Q&A Steven Donaldson, Polymathian
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM	Day 2 \| Morning Tea
10:40 AM - 12:20 PM	Session 6 A global review of productivity and operational performance in sublevel caving mines Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Planning for underground mining at Savage River Iron Ore Mine Paul Harper, Enthalpy Pty Ltd Black Rock Cave (BRC): Overcoming challenging ground conditions and mitigating the impacts to production Huw Wright, Mount Isa Mines E26 Lift 1 North Block cave development and construction Rob Cunningham, Northparkes Mines Session 6 \| Q&A Ben Taylor, Orica
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM	Day 2 \| Lunch
1:20 PM - 3:00 PM	Session 7 Friction rock stabiliser QAQC and a process to investigate high pull test failure rates Rhett Hassell, Mining and Civil Integrity Testing Ground support rationalisation at Golden Grove Emma Jones, MineGeoTech Intersection reinforcement with self-drilling anchors for improved productivity at Kanmantoo Jolyon Jardine, Hillgrove Resources Performance of fully mechanized rock reinforcement using self-drilling anchors with pumpable resin technology Precious Jere, Master Builders Solutions Session 7 \| Q&A Mark Pigott, Mining Plus
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Day 2 \| Afternoon Tea
3:30 PM - 5:10 PM	Session 8 The future is electrifying - Introduction of a battery electric loader to CSA Mine Matthew Ireland, Newcrest Challenges and opportunities in accelerating electrification of underground heavy haulage equipment Jayde Webb, South32 Session 8 \| Q&A Belinda Oakes, Sandvik Panel Facilitator \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Adrian Pratt, Adrian Pratt Mining Consultancy Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Daniel Burger, Rio Tinto Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Chris Carr, IGO Limited Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Jayde Webb, South32 Day 2 Close Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM	Networking Function sponsored by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM	Conference Dinner sponsored by Byrnecut Australia Pty Ltd


8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 \| Registration
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM	Session 5 Day 2 Welcome and Opening Remarks Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals Keynote \| Concept to Delivery: Reflections on mine planning at Oyu Tolgoi over 18 years Jo-Anne Dudley, Turquoise Hill Resources Integrated multi-disciplinary auditing and benchmarking of catastrophic hazards for underground mining operations Adrian Penney, Glencore Dashboards, data sources and a modern data platform Daniel Bruce, OZ Minerals Session 5 \| Q&A Steven Donaldson, Polymathian
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM	Day 2 \| Morning Tea
10:40 AM - 12:20 PM	Session 6 A global review of productivity and operational performance in sublevel caving mines Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Planning for underground mining at Savage River Iron Ore Mine Paul Harper, Enthalpy Pty Ltd Black Rock Cave (BRC): Overcoming challenging ground conditions and mitigating the impacts to production Huw Wright, Mount Isa Mines E26 Lift 1 North Block cave development and construction Rob Cunningham, Northparkes Mines Session 6 \| Q&A Ben Taylor, Orica
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM	Day 2 \| Lunch
1:20 PM - 3:00 PM	Session 7 Friction rock stabiliser QAQC and a process to investigate high pull test failure rates Rhett Hassell, Mining and Civil Integrity Testing Ground support rationalisation at Golden Grove Emma Jones, MineGeoTech Intersection reinforcement with self-drilling anchors for improved productivity at Kanmantoo Jolyon Jardine, Hillgrove Resources Performance of fully mechanized rock reinforcement using self-drilling anchors with pumpable resin technology Precious Jere, Master Builders Solutions Session 7 \| Q&A Mark Pigott, Mining Plus
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Day 2 \| Afternoon Tea
3:30 PM - 5:10 PM	Session 8 The future is electrifying - Introduction of a battery electric loader to CSA Mine Matthew Ireland, Newcrest Challenges and opportunities in accelerating electrification of underground heavy haulage equipment Jayde Webb, South32 Session 8 \| Q&A Belinda Oakes, Sandvik Panel Facilitator \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Adrian Pratt, Adrian Pratt Mining Consultancy Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Daniel Burger, Rio Tinto Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Chris Carr, IGO Limited Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Jayde Webb, South32 Day 2 Close Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM	Networking Function sponsored by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM	Conference Dinner sponsored by Byrnecut Australia Pty Ltd


8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 \| Registration
8:30 AM - 10:10 AM	Session 5 Day 2 Welcome and Opening Remarks Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals Keynote \| Concept to Delivery: Reflections on mine planning at Oyu Tolgoi over 18 years Jo-Anne Dudley, Turquoise Hill Resources Integrated multi-disciplinary auditing and benchmarking of catastrophic hazards for underground mining operations Adrian Penney, Glencore Dashboards, data sources and a modern data platform Daniel Bruce, OZ Minerals Session 5 \| Q&A Steven Donaldson, Polymathian
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM	Day 2 \| Morning Tea
10:40 AM - 12:20 PM	Session 6 A global review of productivity and operational performance in sublevel caving mines Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Planning for underground mining at Savage River Iron Ore Mine Paul Harper, Enthalpy Pty Ltd Black Rock Cave (BRC): Overcoming challenging ground conditions and mitigating the impacts to production Huw Wright, Mount Isa Mines E26 Lift 1 North Block cave development and construction Rob Cunningham, Northparkes Mines Session 6 \| Q&A Ben Taylor, Orica
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM	Day 2 \| Lunch
1:20 PM - 3:00 PM	Session 7 Friction rock stabiliser QAQC and a process to investigate high pull test failure rates Rhett Hassell, Mining and Civil Integrity Testing Ground support rationalisation at Golden Grove Emma Jones, MineGeoTech Intersection reinforcement with self-drilling anchors for improved productivity at Kanmantoo Jolyon Jardine, Hillgrove Resources Performance of fully mechanized rock reinforcement using self-drilling anchors with pumpable resin technology Precious Jere, Master Builders Solutions Session 7 \| Q&A Mark Pigott, Mining Plus
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM	Day 2 \| Afternoon Tea
3:30 PM - 5:10 PM	Session 8 The future is electrifying - Introduction of a battery electric loader to CSA Mine Matthew Ireland, Newcrest Challenges and opportunities in accelerating electrification of underground heavy haulage equipment Jayde Webb, South32 Session 8 \| Q&A Belinda Oakes, Sandvik Panel Facilitator \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Adrian Pratt, Adrian Pratt Mining Consultancy Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Daniel Burger, Rio Tinto Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Chris Carr, IGO Limited Panellist \| How far away is the electrification of underground mobile fleet? Jayde Webb, South32 Day 2 Close Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM	Networking Function sponsored by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM	Conference Dinner sponsored by Byrnecut Australia Pty Ltd

Wednesday, March 29, 2023


8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Day 3 \| Registration
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM	Session 9 Day 3 Welcome and Opening Remarks Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals Keynote \| Reflections of a lifetime in the mining industry Joe Luxford, Luxford Mine Management Services Innovative digital tools shaping the future of sustainable sprayed concrete operations and operator training Panu Oikkonen, Normet Group Thin spray liners for face support at Kanmantoo Ben Roache, Neboro Session 9 \| Q&A Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM	Day 3 \| Morning Tea
11:10 AM - 12:35 PM	Session 10 AusIMM Health and Safety Society Presentation Nikky LaBranche, UQ MISHC Degrussa Copper Mine - Mine closure experience Matthew Bellamy, Liontown Resources An initial review of conceptual alternative layouts for production areas in Kiirunavaara mine Firdevs Kubra Altuntov, Luleå University of Technology The design and implementation of the Kibali Gold Mine off-shaft development Tim Peters, Piran Mining Pty Ltd Session 10 \| Q&A David Tozer, Dyno Nobel
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Day 3 \| Lunch
1:35 PM - 3:30 PM	Session 11 AusIMM Geomechanical Society Presentation Peter Hills, pitt&sherry Dilution optimization in sublevel open stoping operations Abouzar Vakili, CAVROC Chamfered backs to improve open stope stability in poor ground conditions Nick Mitkas, BHP Construction and monitoring development access into highly stressed rock masses Roo Talebi, Northern Star Resources Management of dilution and mining recovery to maximise value Robert Urie, SRK Consulting Session 11 \| Q&A Gordon Wilkin, Caterpillar Conference Close Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Conference Close Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM	AusIMM's New Professional Network presents Leaders in Underground Speaker Series


8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Day 3 \| Registration
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM	Session 9 Day 3 Welcome and Opening Remarks Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals Keynote \| Reflections of a lifetime in the mining industry Joe Luxford, Luxford Mine Management Services Innovative digital tools shaping the future of sustainable sprayed concrete operations and operator training Panu Oikkonen, Normet Group Thin spray liners for face support at Kanmantoo Ben Roache, Neboro Session 9 \| Q&A Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM	Day 3 \| Morning Tea
11:10 AM - 12:35 PM	Session 10 AusIMM Health and Safety Society Presentation Nikky LaBranche, UQ MISHC Degrussa Copper Mine - Mine closure experience Matthew Bellamy, Liontown Resources An initial review of conceptual alternative layouts for production areas in Kiirunavaara mine Firdevs Kubra Altuntov, Luleå University of Technology The design and implementation of the Kibali Gold Mine off-shaft development Tim Peters, Piran Mining Pty Ltd Session 10 \| Q&A David Tozer, Dyno Nobel
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Day 3 \| Lunch
1:35 PM - 3:30 PM	Session 11 AusIMM Geomechanical Society Presentation Peter Hills, pitt&sherry Dilution optimization in sublevel open stoping operations Abouzar Vakili, CAVROC Chamfered backs to improve open stope stability in poor ground conditions Nick Mitkas, BHP Construction and monitoring development access into highly stressed rock masses Roo Talebi, Northern Star Resources Management of dilution and mining recovery to maximise value Robert Urie, SRK Consulting Session 11 \| Q&A Gordon Wilkin, Caterpillar Conference Close Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Conference Close Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM	AusIMM's New Professional Network presents Leaders in Underground Speaker Series


8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Day 3 \| Registration
9:00 AM - 10:40 AM	Session 9 Day 3 Welcome and Opening Remarks Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals Keynote \| Reflections of a lifetime in the mining industry Joe Luxford, Luxford Mine Management Services Innovative digital tools shaping the future of sustainable sprayed concrete operations and operator training Panu Oikkonen, Normet Group Thin spray liners for face support at Kanmantoo Ben Roache, Neboro Session 9 \| Q&A Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM	Day 3 \| Morning Tea
11:10 AM - 12:35 PM	Session 10 AusIMM Health and Safety Society Presentation Nikky LaBranche, UQ MISHC Degrussa Copper Mine - Mine closure experience Matthew Bellamy, Liontown Resources An initial review of conceptual alternative layouts for production areas in Kiirunavaara mine Firdevs Kubra Altuntov, Luleå University of Technology The design and implementation of the Kibali Gold Mine off-shaft development Tim Peters, Piran Mining Pty Ltd Session 10 \| Q&A David Tozer, Dyno Nobel
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Day 3 \| Lunch
1:35 PM - 3:30 PM	Session 11 AusIMM Geomechanical Society Presentation Peter Hills, pitt&sherry Dilution optimization in sublevel open stoping operations Abouzar Vakili, CAVROC Chamfered backs to improve open stope stability in poor ground conditions Nick Mitkas, BHP Construction and monitoring development access into highly stressed rock masses Roo Talebi, Northern Star Resources Management of dilution and mining recovery to maximise value Robert Urie, SRK Consulting Session 11 \| Q&A Gordon Wilkin, Caterpillar Conference Close Alex Campbell, Rio Tinto Conference Close Anne-Marie Ebbels, OZ Minerals
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM	AusIMM's New Professional Network presents Leaders in Underground Speaker Series

Thursday, March 30, 2023


9:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Brisbane Tunnel Tour - Cross River Rail Project


9:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Brisbane Tunnel Tour - Cross River Rail Project


9:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Brisbane Tunnel Tour - Cross River Rail Project

You need to enable JavaScript to access this site.

Follow these instructions on how to enable JavaScript.

Internet Explorer

Select Tools from the top menu
Choose Internet Options
Click on the Security tab
Click on Custom Level
Scroll down until you see the section labelled Scripting
Under Active Scripting, select Enable and click OK

Google Chrome

Select the menu icon on the browser toolbar
Select Settings
Click the Show advanced settings... link then Content Settings in the Privacy section
Select Allow all sites to run JavaScript (recommended) and click Done

Safari (Mac)

Select Safari from the top menu
Choose Preferences
Choose Security
Select the checkbox next to Enable JavaScript