Welcome to the AusIMM Geomechanics Society

We’re excited to introduce the AusIMM Geomechanics Society, a new technical society formed to support and represent the growing number of geotechnical engineers working across Australia’s mining and resources sectors.

Until now, many geotechnical professionals have found themselves navigating between the Geoscience and Mining societies - both highly valuable, yet not always fully aligned with the specific needs of our discipline. The creation of this society recognises the distinct and essential role that geotechnical engineering plays in safe, sustainable resource development.

Whether your focus is open pit, underground, tailings, rock mechanics, soil mechanics, slope stability, or ground support - this is your professional community.

Why the Geomechanics Society?

Our discipline is broad, complex, and deeply embedded in every stage of mining and infrastructure development. Yet, despite this central role, geotechnical engineers have often lacked a cohesive national platform for networking, professional development, and technical exchange.

The Geomechanics Society has been established to:

• Unite geotechnical engineers across commodities, regions, and technical specialties
• Elevate the profile of geotechnical practice within the resources sector
• Support knowledge sharing across industry, academia, and consulting
• Advocate for recognition, resources, and education pathways for our profession

2025 Focus: Strengthening Our Future

A key priority for the committee in 2025 is to investigate alternative pathways into geotechnical engineering. With a significant shortfall in dedicated university programs across Australia, we're actively exploring, industry-led training initiatives, micro-credentials and postgraduate conversion pathways and structured development programs for geomechanics careers.

We welcome your ideas, contributions, and lived experiences to help shape this important work.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, the Society will work to bring together existing regional and discipline-specific geotechnical groups, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders and sectors. We’ll also be building our technical event calendar, so stay tuned for:

• Webinars and discussion panels
• Collaboration with industry conferences
• Member spotlights and project showcases