Special Issue on Deep Mining Geomechanics and Engineering

This special issue explores the dynamics of underground excavation, focusing on critical areas that impact safety, efficiency, and sustainability in deep mining operations. It is organized by the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM) Commission on Deep Mining.

With many of the world’s known shallow mineral resources projected to be nearly exhausted within the next decade, mining activities must extend beyond a depth of 2,000 meters to sustain the mineral industry's contribution to the global economy. However, mining at these depths presents a myriad of challenges, such as sudden rock failure and damage, dynamic behaviors of rock masses, and the measurement and simulation of in-situ stress. These phenomena are exacerbated in rock burst-prone areas, necessitating innovative rock support methods and technologies to ensure the stability of underground excavations.

Advancements in underground excavation simulation methods and novel technologies for high-stress environments are crucial for mitigating risks and optimizing mining operations. Integrating mine instrumentation and monitoring methods enables real-time data acquisition and analysis, which enhances decision-making and hazard management. Deep underground mining case studies offer valuable insights into practical applications and challenges encountered at significant depths, while new extraction and excavation methods are essential for overcoming technical limitations and achieving sustainable mineral exploitation in deep mines.

This special issue aims to promote our understanding of deep mining geomechanics and engineering, and serve as a platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange knowledge, explore potential solutions, and address the evolving challenges in deep mining operations. We invite submissions on the following topics, including but not limited to:

• Rock failure and damage characteristics
• Rock mass characterization in underground excavations  
• Measurement and simulation of in-situ stress
• Physical modeling to understanding deep underground conditions
• Novel methods to simulate underground excavations
• Rock support methods in high-stress mines
• Novel instrumentation and monitoring methods
• New extraction and excavation methods in deep mines
• Novel techniques for preconditioning of rock mass
• Deep underground mining case studies

Important Deadlines:

• Submission close: 30 January 2025
• Final decision: 30 April 2025

Submission Instructions：

Please read the Guide for Authors before submitting. All articles should be submitted online; please select the special issue “Deep Mining Geomechanics”.

Guest Editors:

A/Prof. Abbas Taheri, Queen’s University, Canada.

Email: abbas.taheri@queensu.ca

Prof. Ranjith Pathegama Gamage, Monash University, Australia.

Email: ranjith.pg@monash.edu

Dr. Amin Hekmatnejad, Pontifical Catholic University, Chile.

Email: ahekmatnejad@uc.cl