Geosynthetics Mining Solutions is the first ever conference to address the topic of the use of geosynthetics in mining. InfoMine is organizing the conference which will take place in Vancouver on September 8 to 11th, 2014. For my sins I am sort of leading the team organizing the conference.
I say sort of, for there is an amazing team of energetic individuals who are doing the work and telling me what to do—a perfect example of management by selection of good staff.
Why a conference on geosynthetics in mining? Simple. A few years ago Andy Robertson who runs InfoMine asked for suggestions for future conferences. I was at the time deep into the selection of geosynthetics for a mining project. I could find nothing applicable to the use of geosynthetics in the mining context. Thus is seemed a topic worthy of exploring.
Andy had lectured me that the use of geosynthetics in mining involves the following two issues not generally encountered in the use of geosynthetics in landfill, road, and other municipal works:
- The harsh environment of mines resulting from the many chemicals, heat, and loads involved in mining structures.
- The need to build mining waste disposal facilities to last for a very long time, certainly much longer than most civil works.
So we got to work. The results have been amazing:
- SLR signed on as a cosponsor–some good old friends in SLR happily supported me thus far.
- Almost every maker, supplier, and installer of geosynthetics has signed up to exhibit. If for no other reasons come see the booths to get a detailed view of modern geosynthetics and their use in mining.
- Next, without fail, everybody I asked to present a keynote address, agreed with enthusiasm. Another good reasons to come to the conference: if only to hear the leaders in the field talk of the current state-of-the-art.
- Three groups of experts have promised one-day courses.
- Finally papers were prepared–I have read and reviewed every one and they are all great: new ideas, new uses, and grand engineering solutions. I look forward to the presentations and I am certain you will learn at least as much if not more than I have from the papers.
Registration is open and to date has been great with large numbers registering to come. This is encouraging for the more people the more the contacts, and ideas. So come join us.
Here is the link to the first page of the website. Also take a look at the conference program at this link.
September is a great time to be in Vancouver. So come prepared to cycle the seawall, climb the mountains for spectacular views, eat in the best restaurants worldwide, and participate in the first of what we trust will be an ongoing series of conference on using geosynthetics to make mining more effective, economical, and safe.
