Home / Specialist studies
Specialist technical studies with defined deliverables
Every study below comes with a named set of deliverables and a delivery target, so you know what you will receive and when.
Portal, underground and backfill studies
Select a study to see how we resource it, how we approach it and what you receive. The coloured edge shows the discipline it belongs to.
Geological mapping and site characterisationSubsurface investigation
Capability
Dedicated field crews with on-site geotechnical engineering oversight.
How we meet the requirement
Standardised logging and chain-of-custody; lithological and structural data checks on site; surface mapping integrated with subsurface data.
Deliverables and targets
- Borehole logs, camera analysis and preliminary map within 48 h of borehole completion
- Drilling progress reports
- GIS-indexed geological maps
- Sample inventory and photographs
Geotechnical mapping and laboratory testingRepresentative sampling and rock properties
Capability
Accredited partner laboratories, trained technicians, calibration and QA programme.
How we meet the requirement
Correct sample handling and split-sampling for verification; ASTM/ISO test protocols; expedited testing for critical parameters.
Deliverables and targets
- Accredited laboratory reports
- PSD and index tests in 5–10 business days
- Expedited 48–72 h option for critical tests
- Traceable chain-of-custody records
Kinematic and structural analysisGeotechnical analyses and design recommendations
Capability
Geotechnical engineers supported by specialist associates, a peer-review process and industry software.
How we meet the requirement
Integrated review of mapping, borehole and structural data; kinematic block analysis; limit-equilibrium and 3D stability models; peer-reviewed options.
Deliverables and targets
- Assessment report with kinematic diagrams
- Factor-of-safety calculations
- Rehabilitation options and design parameters
- Preliminary design memo within 5 business days
Failure mechanism assessmentInstrumentation for forensic investigation
Capability
Extensometers, inclinometers, piezometers, strain and settlement systems with remote data logging.
How we meet the requirement
Monitoring plans tailored to capture failure precursors; rapid instrument deployment; automated alerts for anomalous behaviour.
Deliverables and targets
- Failure investigation report
- Monitoring plan and installation reports
- Data access dashboard
- Triggered data summaries and alert response logs
Rehabilitation and ground support designConstruction support and QA/QC
Capability
Design engineers, ground support specialists and construction observation.
How we meet the requirement
Rock bolts, shotcrete, mesh and anchors designed from site characterisation and testing; on-site support during installation with verification testing.
Deliverables and targets
- Rehabilitation drawings and specifications
- Bill of quantities
- Installation QA and daily observation reports
- Non-conformance logs
Monitoring strategyInstrumentation and data management
Capability
Instrumentation specialists with remote logging and data portal.
How we meet the requirement
Monitoring networks of inclinometers, piezometers and load cells; trigger thresholds aligned to your risk register; routine maintenance and calibration.
Deliverables and targets
- Monitoring plan
- Installation and commissioning report
- Live data dashboard
- Monthly and triggered data summaries
Historic excavations and safe re-entryPotholes, large spans and failure investigations
Capability
Underground geotechnical engineers, remote assessment tools including cavity monitoring scans, standby stabilisation crews.
How we meet the requirement
Targeted investigations combining mapping, remote imaging, instrumentation and temporary stabilisation; pre-entry hazard assessment and safe re-entry procedures.
Deliverables and targets
- Safe re-entry plan
- Failure investigation report
- As-built record of stabilisation works
- On-site team within 24–48 h, depending on location
Backfill engineeringPaste, hydraulic, waste rock and engineered fill
Capability
Paste plant support, materials engineering and laboratory capability for PSD, UCS, rheology and binder testing.
How we meet the requirement
Material characterisation, mix-design development, plant concept reviews, binder selection, pumpability and rheology trials.
Deliverables and targets
- Mix-design reports
- PSD and UCS results, rheology curves
- Binder optimisation summary
- Paste plant concept drawings and capital estimate input
Fill technical programmePSD, UCS, binder, rheology, water demand, pumpability, sequencing
Capability
Accredited partner laboratories and specialists in fill technology, rheology and process engineering.
How we meet the requirement
Complete laboratory suite and field trials; iterative binder optimisation and pumpability trials linked to plant constraints; site slump-test protocol.
Deliverables and targets
- UCS targets and binder schedules
- Pumpability and rheology trial reports
- Fill sequencing plan
- Trial reporting within 7 days of campaign completion
Mine backfill studiesTailings suitability to plant concept and capital estimate
Capability
Multi-disciplinary team covering geotechnical and cost engineering.
How we meet the requirement
End-to-end study: tailings characterisation, geomechanical testing, plant concept development and integration with the mine plan and capital estimation.
Deliverables and targets
- Study report with suitability matrix
- PSD and geotechnical results
- Plant concept and flowsheet
- Capital and operating cost estimates and schedule
Service delivery targets
Targets we work to on every engagement. Final design timelines are agreed with you per project.
| Activity | Standard target | Priority / emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Mobilisation | Within 72 hours for routine site assessments | 24–48 hours for prioritised or near-mine emergencies |
| Preliminary borehole logs and findings | Within 48 hours of borehole completion | – |
| Laboratory turnaround | 5–10 business days | 48–72 hours for critical tests |
| Rehabilitation design memo | Preliminary options in 5 business days | Final design per agreed schedule |
| Critical incident response | On-site assessment within 24 hours | Detailed emergency report in 48–72 hours |