Hanifi Çopur

Prof. Hanifi Çopur is a Professor of Mining Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), specializing in Excavation Mechanics. He holds a Ph.D. from the Colorado School of Mines and has been affiliated with ITU since 1988, progressing through academic ranks to Professor in 2011. His research focuses on rock mechanics, tunneling technologies, and mechanized excavation systems, with a particular emphasis on performance analysis of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and raise boring machines (RBMs).

• Roles: Professor, Head of Department (2018–2021), Member of Academic Boards, and Department Coordinator
• Education: B.Sc. (1982–1987), M.Sc. (1989–1991), Ph.D. (1994–1999) in Mining Engineering

Research Interests:
- Performance evaluation of TBMs and RBMs in diverse geological conditions
- Vibration analysis in rock cutting and tunneling
- Soil conditioning optimization
- Correlation between rock properties and excavation performance

Recent publications explore vibration patterns in rock cutting, cutter performance comparisons, and indentation-based rock property correlations. He has received awards including the Academician Award for contributions to the mining sector (2019) and scholarships from Turkish Iron and Steel Enterprises (1986) and the Vehbi Koç Foundation (1993).

Advises over 15 graduate students, including notable works on vibration analysis, RBM performance, and soil conditioning. Leads projects funded by TÜBİTAK and ITU, focusing on TBM optimization and risk assessment in mining.