John Player Email and Phone Number

Dr John Player has 18 years experience in mining and geotechnical engineering. His specialties include:• Ground support response and design in a seismic and non-seismic environment.• Assessment of ground conditions and their expected response to mining (with instrumentation as appropriate) for the determination of the appropriate ground support schemes.• Open stope performance / sequencing and development with appropriate elastic numerical modelling as required. • Longitudinal sublevel caving design, implementation, recoveries and ground response to production.• Dynamic testing and analysis of rock reinforcement and support systems• Design and constructions of testing facility for the determination of ground support scheme capabilities.• Processing and interpretation of seismic data and using this information for the modification to the mine design, extraction rates, sequencing, support levels, and access to the working areas.7 years from 2003 undertaking my PhD (Dynamic Testing of Rock Reinforcement Systems) then continuing as a Senior Research Fellow to undertake further data analysis and continue to develop the WASM Dynamic Testing Facility and associated equipment for determining the performance of reinforcement and support systems. During this time was also undertaken consulting work to open-cut and underground mines in Western Australia.7 years from 1996 at Big Bell Mine. 2 years as Drill and Blast Engineer for the sublevel caving operations; implementation of a data tracking and control process, standardisation of blasting practices, reduction in drill and blast costs and minimisation of bridging in the cave. 5 years as Geotechnical Engineer, incorporating a 2 year period of high mine seismicity, supervision of contractors for ground support installation, designed and installed the micro-seismic system, implemented change to the mining operations to substantially reduce damaging mine seismicity.