The trend of open pit operations mining to deeper levels has seen an increased stress environment and a greater uncertainty about the mechanical behaviour of slopes, elevating mine worker safety and productivity risks. The ACG, through its open pit geomechanics research projects, events and training products, seeks to equip industry with advanced design and monitoring tools and state-of-the-art knowledge.

Some of the greatest challenges associated with underground mining is the management of geomechanics risks associated with high stress environments. The ACG provides industry with state-of-the-art mine seismicity, ground control and rock reinforcement research, training and further education courses, products and publications to advance mine safety.

Paste and thickened tailings technology (P&TT) is increasingly being adopted in operations around the world to improve the stability and safety of tailings storage facilities and to minimise the potential for environmental impact. The ACG is the leading provider of P&TT education and technology for the mining industry. This is through its series of international seminars on P&TT and resultant proceedings, state-of-the-art publications and an industry sponsored training DVD for tailings operators.

One of the greatest challenges facing the mining industry is the issue of the economic and socially acceptable closure of mine sites. Media attention shown to the legacy of abandoned mine sites has focused public interest on mine closure issues. Approval for future mining projects will more likely be obtained if industry demonstrates it is able to close existing sites in a responsible and environmentally and socially acceptable manner.