He holds a degree in Mining Engineering from the Department of Mining Engineering (1994), a master's degree from the Postgraduate Course in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (1998) and a PhD in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2002). He is currently an associate professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. He has experience in the area of ​​Probability and Statistics, with an emphasis on Stochastic Analysis, working mainly on the following topics: mining selectivity, open pit mining planning, geostatistics, grade modeling, computational tools for mining, mining roads.

Dr. Zhihe Wang is currently a research fellow at The University of Adelaide. He has 10 years of experience working in the field of assessing fluid flow, mass transport, and heat transfer in fractured and porous rock media for energy and mineral extraction. His recent research focuses on examining fluid flow behaviors in inter-fragment and intra-fragment voids for in-place recovery of copper. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers.

Prof. Rodrigo Peroni is a Mining Engineer, graduated in 1994 at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Masters degree obtained in 1998 at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Dr. Eng. obtained in 2002 on Resources Assessment and Mine Planning. Worked as Chief Mine Planning Engineer from 2003 to 2006 at Rio Paracatu Mineração gold mine (Large Open Pit Mine, initially part of Rio Tinto Group and then acquired by the Kinross Gold Corp.). Currently is a Full Professor at the Mining Engineering Department at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) working since 2006 to the present. Post Doctorate in Remote Sensing using UAVs in 2016. The expertise and research areas are related to Open Pit Mine Planning and Design, Resources/Reserves Assessment, Computing Aided Methods and Mining Software, Mining Haul Road Design, Virtual Reality and new techniques for topographic data acquisition, mapping and modelling. Currently coordinates the post-graduate Program on Mining, Metallurgy and Materials (PPGE3M) from UFRGS.

David is a seasoned product management professional with over a decade of experience in mining technology and optimization. Currently, he serves as the Product Manager for Optimization and Caving at Deswik, where he drives product development and enhances solutions for complex mining processes. His previous roles at Deswik include Key Account Manager and Product Manager for Caving, where he worked closely with Nevada Gold Mines to support strategic initiatives. David has also held product management and technical leadership positions with FLSmidth and Knelson Milling Solutions, specializing in fine grinding and milling technologies.

Dr. Alireza Kamrani is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Engineering - Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept at the University of Alberta.