Overview
Background
Prof Peter Knights’ research interests are in: engineering asset management, mine maintenace and systems engineering applied to mine safety and mine planning.
Professor Knights is Discipline Lead for Mining within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering..
From 2006-2015 he held the BMA Chair in Mining Enginereing with the University of Queensland. From 1996 to 2004 he was employed as an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Engineering of the Catholic University of Chile, based in Santiago, Chile. He was subsequently named as Associate Professor and Canadian Chair in Mining. Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering for the University of Melbourne, Australia, a Masters degree in Systems Engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering from McGill University, Canada.
His recent work has focussed on incorporating ESG concerns into early stage mine planning and electrification systems for decarbonising mine haulage. He has a number of publications in prestigious international journals such as the Journal for Quality in Maintenance Engineering and the Journal of Reliability Engineering and System Safety.
Capability areas
- Asset management and mine maintenance
- Incorporating ESG into eary styage mine design
- Systems safety.
Availability
- Professor Peter Knights is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, University of Melbourne
- Masters (Coursework) of Engineering, University of Melbourne
- Doctor of Philosophy, McGill University
Research impacts
Prof. Knights has an extensive history of research collaboration with industry. In Chile, Prof Knights produced a series of pioneering papers that applied statistical cost modelling to quantify unscheduled/scheduled maintenance ratios for mobile mining equipment. He developed the Jack-knife approach for classifying chronic unplanned maintenance downtime events, now incorporated into GE Wabtec’s APS software which is in regular use by a number of large mining companies. Whilst Program Leader for the Smart Mining Systems group for CRCMining (2005-2014) Prof. Knights led the development of ValueTree software that was later adopted for use by Rio Tinto Iron Ore and is now available as a software product from Concerto Analytics. Prof. Knights also led a team evaluating the use of fully mobile in-pit crushing conveyor systems (FMIPCC) in large surface mines. This includes the development of an integrated Time Usage Model and a novel algorithm for determining ultimate pit limits for metalliferous mines employing FMIPCC systems. More recently, his work has focused on how to incoporate ESG concerns into easrly stage mine planning and safety improvements related to wheel and tyre handling for mining haul trucks, a leading cause of fatalities and accidents in surface mining.
Works
Search Professor Peter Knights’s works on UQ eSpace
2013
Conference Publication
Management of trailing cables on electrically powered load-haul-dump units
Paterson, W. and Knights, P. (2013). Management of trailing cables on electrically powered load-haul-dump units. Mining Education Australia (MEA) Student Conference, Kalgoorlie, WA, Australia, 12 October 2012. Carlton, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
2013
Conference Publication
Are safe mines reliable mines?
Knights, Peter (2013). Are safe mines reliable mines?. MANTEMIN 2013: 8º Encuentro Internacional de Mantenedores de Equipos Mina, Santiago, Chile, 4-6 September, 2013. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2013
Conference Publication
Are safe mines reliable mines?
Knights, Peter (2013). Are safe mines reliable mines?. MAPLA 2013: 10º Encuentro Internacional de Mantenedores de Plantas, Santiago, Chile, 4-6 September, 2013. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2012
Journal Article
Integrated short- and medium-term underground mine production scheduling
Nehring, M., Topal, E., Kizil, Mehmet S. and Knights, P. (2012). Integrated short- and medium-term underground mine production scheduling. Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 112 (5), 365-378.
2012
Conference Publication
Cultural challenges in Chinese/Australian mining mergers and acquisitions - a CEO's perspective
Liang, W., Zhu, Y. and Knights, P. (2012). Cultural challenges in Chinese/Australian mining mergers and acquisitions - a CEO's perspective. International Mine Management Conference 2012, Melbourne, Australia, 20-21 November 2012. Melbourne, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2012
Conference Publication
Review of In-pit Crusher Conveyor (IPCC) application
Londono, Juan G., Knights, Peter and Kizil, Mehmet (2012). Review of In-pit Crusher Conveyor (IPCC) application. 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, Australia, 8-10 October 2012. Kenmore East, QLD, Australia: CRCMining Australia.
2012
Book Chapter
An analysis of the SAFEMine Global Positioning System Collision Avoidance System
Knights, B and Kizil, M.S (2012). An analysis of the SAFEMine Global Positioning System Collision Avoidance System. Mining education Australia: research projects review 2011. (pp. 23-29) edited by Paul Hagan. Carton, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2012
Conference Publication
Speed, coordination and individualistic behaviors: an NK modeling approach to investigate the moderating effects of organizational structure on performance in individual firms
Pinto, Pablo Ernesto, Montecinos, Jorge, Pedrero, Filipe Valdebenito, Hine, Damian and Knights, Peter (2012). Speed, coordination and individualistic behaviors: an NK modeling approach to investigate the moderating effects of organizational structure on performance in individual firms. XLVII CLADEA Annual Assembly 2012, Lima, Peru, 22 - 24 October 2012. Lima, Peru: Universidad Esan.
2011
Conference Publication
Critical spare parts ordering decisions using conditional reliability and stochastic lead time
Godoy, David, Pascual, Rodrigo and Knights, Peter (2011). Critical spare parts ordering decisions using conditional reliability and stochastic lead time. 8th International Mining Plant Maintenance Meeting (MAPLA 2011), Antofagasta, Chile, 7-9 September 2011. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2011
Book Chapter
Mine infrastructure maintenance
Kumar, Uday, Knights, Peter and Kuruppu, Mahinda (2011). Mine infrastructure maintenance. SME mining engineering handbook. (pp. 825-838) edited by Peter Darling. Colorado, USA: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.
2011
Conference Publication
Types and traps: R&D consortia and developmental pitfalls
Pinto, Pablo E., Hine, Damian and Knights, Peter (2011). Types and traps: R&D consortia and developmental pitfalls. DRUID Society Conference 2011 on Innovation, Strategy and Structure - Organizations, Institutions, Systems and Regions, Copenhagen, Denmark, 15-17 June 2011. Copenhagen, Denmark: DRUID Society.
2011
Conference Publication
Improving truck-shovel matching
Nel, S., Kizil, M. S. and Knights, P. (2011). Improving truck-shovel matching. 35th APCOM Symposium, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 24-30 September 2011. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2011
Conference Publication
Doing more with less: How to improve maintainance labour utilisation
Knights, Peter (2011). Doing more with less: How to improve maintainance labour utilisation. 8th International Mining Plant Maintenance Meeting (MAPLA 2011), Antofagasta, Chile, 7-9 September 2011. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2011
Conference Publication
Mine data analytics - New skills required for tomorrow's mines
Knights, P. and Liang, L. (2011). Mine data analytics - New skills required for tomorrow's mines. Second International Future Mining Conference, Sydney, Australia, 22 - 23 November 2011. Carlton, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy.
2011
Journal Article
Simultaneous optimisation of stope layouts and long term production schedules
Little, J., Topal, E. and Knights, P. (2011). Simultaneous optimisation of stope layouts and long term production schedules. Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy, Section A: Mining Technology, 120 (3), 129-136. doi: 10.1179/1743286311Y.0000000011
2010
Journal Article
Coal and the Commonwealth: The greatness of an Australian resource
Knights, Peter and Hood, Michael (2010). Coal and the Commonwealth: The greatness of an Australian resource. AusIMM Bulletin (1), 48-50.
2010
Conference Publication
Autonomous surface mining equipment: is bigger better?
Knights, Peter and Franklin, Dennis (2010). Autonomous surface mining equipment: is bigger better?. 2010 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, Western Australian, 13-15 September 2010. Pinjarra Hills, Qld, Australia: CRC Mining.
2010
Journal Article
Dynamic Short term production scheduling and machine allocation in underground mining using mathematical programming
Nehring, M., Topal, E. and Knights, P. (2010). Dynamic Short term production scheduling and machine allocation in underground mining using mathematical programming. Transactions of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Section A: Mining Technology, 119 (4), 212-220. doi: 10.1179/1743286310Y.0000000001
2010
Conference Publication
Creating competitive advantage in mining: An illustrative comparison with the oil industry
Garcia, Jose, Juan Camus and Knights, Peter (2010). Creating competitive advantage in mining: An illustrative comparison with the oil industry. The Fourth International Conference on Mining Innovation, Santiago, Chile, 23-25 June 2010. Santiage, Chile: Gecamin.
2010
Conference Publication
Incorporating econometric price models in real options valuation of mining projects
Shafiee, Shahriar and Knights, Peter (2010). Incorporating econometric price models in real options valuation of mining projects. 2010 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, W.A., Australia, 13-15 September 2010. Pinjarra Hills, Qld., Australia: CRC Mining.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Peter Knights is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a smart spreader system
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring, Dr Tyson Phillips, Professor Ross McAree
-
Doctor Philosophy
AI analysis of component wear in mining equipment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil
-
Doctor Philosophy
Innovative Cave Mine Design for enhanced Safety, Productivity and Value
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Analysis of the effect of information flow and the application of theory of constraints to the mining value chain.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
Doctor Philosophy
Rock mass preconditioning methodology for block caving based on Petroleum state of the art methods
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ray Johnson, Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
-
Doctor Philosophy
Large Scale Asset Procurement and Management
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Heitzmann
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a smart spreader system
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring, Dr Tyson Phillips, Professor Ross McAree
-
Doctor Philosophy
A study of finance structure and financial performance of gold mining projects
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improvement of overall asset performance through the adjustment of business processes using multidisciplinary dynamic performance indicators.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mohsen Yahyaei
-
Doctor Philosophy
Intelligent Systems for Evaluating the Energy Efficiency of IPCC Systems in Open Pit Mines
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
Doctor Philosophy
Revised Cave Mine Design for New and Emerging Technologies
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Design of a framework to optimise the process of Post-Mined Land-Use planning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Claire Cote, Dr Eleonore Lebre
-
Doctor Philosophy
A Novel Hydro-Economic Modelling for Sustainable Mine Water Management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Claire Cote, Dr Micah Nehring
-
Doctor Philosophy
A New Mathematical Optimisation Model for Fully Mobile In-pit Crushing and Conveying (FMIPCC) Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Forbes, Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
Doctor Philosophy
Production Scheduling Optimisation in Underground Mining Operations Using a Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
Doctor Philosophy
Design of a framework to optimise the process of Post-Mined Land-Use planning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Claire Cote, Dr Eleonore Lebre
Completed supervision
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
A study of the selection and rigour of forensic analysis methodology affecting the accuracy and expediency of the decision-making process.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeff Gates
-
2021
Master Philosophy
Analysis of bench excavation strategies and use case scenarios for shovel/hopper interaction in autonomous fully mobile in-pit crushing conveying systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring, Dr Tyson Phillips
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Time Utilisation Modelling of Fully Mobile In-Pit Crushing and Conveying Systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati, Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
A Methodology for Determining the Reliability of Energetic Components fitted to Safety Critical Systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Italo Onederra
-
2016
Master Philosophy
Enhancing Mining Education through the use of a Scenario-based Virtual Reality Simulation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Integrated Models for Critical Spare Parts Management in Asset Intensive Industries.
Principal Advisor
-
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Analytical Methods for Improving Earthmover Tyre Performance
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Master Philosophy
Systems modelling of parallel conveyors in IPCC systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating Econometrics Models in Real Option Valuation of Coal Mining Projects
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
A Novel Strategic Planning and Sequencing Optimisation Model for Fully Mobile In-pit Crushing and Conveying (FMIPCC) Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michael Forbes, Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Production Scheduling Optimisation in Sublevel Stoping Mines Using Mathematical Programming in the Presence of Pre-Concentration Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Achieving a Representation of Asset Data Conducive to Machine Learning driven Predictive Maintenance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Hyland-Wood, Professor Ross McAree
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Technical and Economic Potential of Energy Recovery and Re-use on board Surface Mining Haul Trucks
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Ultimate Pit Limit Determination for Fully Mobile In-Pit Crushing and Conveying Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a Strategic Mine Planning Method for Optimising a Grade Engineered Operation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
The Selection and Planning of Fully Mobile In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (FMIPCC) Mining Systems for Deep Open-Pit Metalliferous Application
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Development of an Advanced Data Analytics Model to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Haul Trucks in Surface Mines
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati
-
2014
Master Philosophy
The Mining Rate in Open Pit Mine Planning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Micah Nehring
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Designing complex organizations for success and survival: A dual-method approach for studying relationships between organizational structure, innovation and performance from an evolutionary perspective.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damian Hine
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-
2011
Master Philosophy
Simulation of rock types in sedimentary deposits using the multiple-points method constrained by oriented paths
Associate Advisor
-
2011
Master Philosophy
Value Creation in Mining: An analysis of the business value chain
Associate Advisor
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
Integrated Production Schedule Optimisation for Sublevel Stoping Mines
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Mining of Shallow Water Coastal Mineral Sand Deposits: Dredge Mine Reconciliation.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil
Media
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