Johan Wesseloo

Johan Wesseloo is a Professor at The University of Western Australia, affiliated with the School of Engineering and the Australian Centre for Geomechanics. His academic credentials include a BE, ME, and PhD from the University of Pretoria. His research focuses on critical aspects of mining geomechanics with emphasis on safety and optimization in mining operations.

Professor Wesseloo's research interests span mining geotechnical engineering, mining-induced seismicity, rock mechanics, rock engineering, and ground support systems. His work particularly addresses mine-induced seismicity and rockburst behaviour, risk-based geotechnical design, and both open pit and underground geomechanics. His research integrates theoretical modeling with practical applications to solve complex mining challenges.

His publication portfolio demonstrates a strong focus on seismic risk assessment, rock failure mechanisms, and optimization of mining operations. Recent work shows increasing attention to probabilistic approaches in geomechanical design and the integration of numerical modeling with field observations to improve mining safety and efficiency.

• SAIMM Gold Medal (2020)
• SAIMM Gold Medal (2017)
• SAIMM Silver Medal (2015)
• SAIMM Gold Medal (2006)

Professor Wesseloo leads an extensive research program with significant industry funding, currently managing multiple active projects through 2028 with major mining companies including Gold Fields, OZ Minerals, Newmont, Agnico Eagle Mines, and Alamos Gold Inc. His research group focuses on mining-induced seismicity and rockburst risk management in hard rock mines. He has also contributed substantially to academic discourse through editorial roles for major conferences including Ground Support 2023, the Second International Conference on Underground Mining Technology, the 1st International Conference on Mining Geomechanical Risk, and the 8th International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining.

The Australian Centre for Geomechanics serves as the primary research hub for Professor Wesseloo's work, where he leads the mXrap development project, Ground Support Systems Optimisation (GSSO), probabilistic stope support design initiatives, and physical and numerical modeling of caving geomechanics. His team collaborates extensively with industry partners to translate research findings into practical mining applications.