How rock mechanics can contribute to sustainable mining

Increasing demand for metals caused by global economic growth and depletion of shallow mineral deposits forces mineral extraction to go deeper. The mining industry is facing a number of important challenges in mining at great depth. A direct consequence of this transition from shallow to deep mining is an increase in rock pressure-related problems. Ping Zhang, new professor in Mining and Rock Engineering, lecture about the role of rock mechanics in the design and operation of deep mines as well as opportunities and challenges in rock mechanics to ensure future sustainable mining.