Luis Alberto Torres Cruz

Luis Alberto Torres Cruz serves as Assistant Professor and Teck Professor in Tailings Management and Innovation at the University of British Columbia's Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering within the Faculty of Applied Science. His appointment commenced in 2024 following significant contributions to geotechnical engineering research and education.

Educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia)
• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Wits University (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Dr. Torres-Cruz's research critically addresses tailings dam safety through geotechnical stability analysis, remote sensing applications, and advanced laboratory/in situ testing. His work integrates satellite imagery analysis with traditional geotechnical methods to prevent catastrophic failures, focusing on particle characterization, slope stability, and liquefaction potential in mine waste facilities. This interdisciplinary approach bridges civil engineering with environmental risk management.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in tailings dam failure prevention, remote sensing validation, and material behavior characterization. Key thematic clusters include satellite-based deformation monitoring, particle morphology effects on stability, and critical state soil mechanics applications to non-plastic tailings. His research consistently emphasizes practical implementation for industry safety improvements.

Scientific recognition includes:

• RM Quigley Award Honourable Mention (Canadian Geotechnical Journal)
• Two-time Jennings Award winner (South African Institution of Civil Engineering)

Dr. Torres-Cruz actively collaborates with mining companies, consulting firms, and academic institutions globally. He teaches graduate courses including MINE 380 (Mine Waste Management), MINE 486 (Mining and The Environment), and MINE 581 (Safety of Tailings Storage Facilities), while maintaining research partnerships focused on tailings innovation. His work with the Teck Resources partnership drives industry-relevant solutions for tailings management.

As a chartered UK engineer and member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, he contributes to the Norman B. Keevil Institute's mission through the Tailings Management Research Group, where his team develops advanced monitoring techniques and stability assessment protocols for mine waste facilities worldwide.