Mining

Directors: Joaquín Fontbona and Alejandro Jofré

Researchers: Carlos Conca, Jaime Ortega, Jorge San Martín
Associate researchers: Amin Hekmatnejad, Rodrigo Lecaros
Scientists: Raúl Gormaz, Fabián Medel
Postdocs: Claire Delplancke
Engineers: Jorge Prado
PhD students: Jorge Aguayo, Javier Ramírez

This area is focused on providing scientific decision-making support for mining companies. This includes improvement of mining production, development of technologies in security and viability studies for new mineral pits. For example, mathematical modeling and development of computational tools are being used to control risks and unusual phenomena involved in certain production processes.

Some featured projects:

• Real-time mining for planning, logistics and risk analysis
• Bacterial bioleaching
• Geosis: Simulation and visualization software of seismic activity
• Prediction models of landslides and slope collapse
• Underground mine collapses modelling
• Rock masses study by seismic waves
• Shift scheduling of trains in mining
• PiensaCobre contest for theses on mining innovation
• Large scale passive seismic tomography in underground mines