Professor Peter Knights
Professor

Peter Knights

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53915

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

Resources engineering and extractive metallurgy

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.

Search Professor Peter Knights’s works on UQ eSpace

153 works between 1990 and 2024
All (153) Journal Article (75) Book Chapter (8) Conference Publication (68) Book (1) Edited Outputs (1)

101 - 120 of 153 works

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.

Incorporating econometric price models in real options valuation of mining projects

2010

Conference Publication

Payload variance effects on truck bunching

Knights, P. F. and Paton, S. (2010). Payload variance effects on truck bunching. Seventh Large Open Pit Mining Conference 2010, Perth, W.A., Australia, 27-28 July 2010. Carlton, Vic., Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Payload variance effects on truck bunching

2009

Journal Article

A Cost Effective Method to Enhance Dredge Mine Reconciliation in Heavy Minerals Mining Industry

Samaradivakara, GVI, Kizil, M and Knights, P (2009). A Cost Effective Method to Enhance Dredge Mine Reconciliation in Heavy Minerals Mining Industry. Marine Resources and Geotechnology, 27 (4), 273-280. doi: 10.1080/10641190903256934

A Cost Effective Method to Enhance Dredge Mine Reconciliation in Heavy Minerals Mining Industry

2009

Journal Article

Integration of real options into short-term mine planning and production scheduling

Li, Shuxing and Knights, Peter (2009). Integration of real options into short-term mine planning and production scheduling. Mining Science and Technology, 19 (5), 674-678. doi: 10.1016/S1674-5264(09)60125-3

Integration of real options into short-term mine planning and production scheduling

2009

Journal Article

Optimal Replacement Intervals For Shovel Dipper Teeth

Knights, Peter (2009). Optimal Replacement Intervals For Shovel Dipper Teeth. International Journal of Mining Reclamation and Environment,, 23 (3), 157-167. doi: 10.1080/17480930902916221

Optimal Replacement Intervals For Shovel Dipper Teeth

2009

Journal Article

Business-oriented prioritization: A novel graphical technique

Pascual, R, Del Castillo, G, Louit, D and Knights, P (2009). Business-oriented prioritization: A novel graphical technique. RELIABILITY ENGINEERING & SYSTEM SAFETY, 94 (8), 1308-1313. doi: 10.1016/j.ress.2009.01.013

Business-oriented prioritization: A novel graphical technique

2009

Book Chapter

Australian coal driving international development

Shafiee, Shahriar and Knights, Peter (2009). Australian coal driving international development. Coal and the Commonwealth: The greatness of an Australian resource. (pp. 77-99) edited by Peter Knights and Michael Hood. [Brisbane, Qld.]: University of Queensland.

Australian coal driving international development

2009

Conference Publication

Árbol de Valor: Una nueva manera para visualizar los procesos

Knights, P., Opazo Fuenzalida, C., Otto, A. and Erazo, C. (2009). Árbol de Valor: Una nueva manera para visualizar los procesos. MANTEMIN 2009 IV Encuentro Internacional de Mantenedores Equipos Minas, Antofagasta, Chile, 4 - 6 November 2009. Santiago, Chile: GECAMIN.

Árbol de Valor: Una nueva manera para visualizar los procesos

2009

Conference Publication

Value trees: a new approach for process visualisation

Knights, Peter, Opazo Fuenzalida, Cristian, Otto, Augustine and Erazo, C. (2009). Value trees: a new approach for process visualisation. Australian mining technology conference, Brisbane, Australia, 27-28 October 2009. Carlton, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Value trees: a new approach for process visualisation

2009

Conference Publication

Applying Modular Transporters to Relocate Large Hydraulic Excavators

Bastock, M., Flynn, B. and Knights, Peter (2009). Applying Modular Transporters to Relocate Large Hydraulic Excavators. The Iron Ore 2009 Conference, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, July 2009.

Applying Modular Transporters to Relocate Large Hydraulic Excavators

2009

Conference Publication

Application of Real Options in short-term Mine Planning and Production scheduling

Li, Shuxing and Knights, Peter (2009). Application of Real Options in short-term Mine Planning and Production scheduling. Australian Mining Technology Conference, Brisbane Australia, October 27-28 2009. Carlton, Victoria Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Application of Real Options in short-term Mine Planning and Production scheduling

2009

Conference Publication

Value Generation in Mining: A New Model

Juan Camus, Knights, Peter and Silvia Tapia Bosman (2009). Value Generation in Mining: A New Model. Australian mining technology conference, Brisbane Australia, October 27-28 2009. Carlton, Victoria Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Value Generation in Mining: A New Model

2009

Book

Quantification of geological/geotechnical risk associated with coal reserves estimation

Knights, Peter and Li, Shuxing (2009). Quantification of geological/geotechnical risk associated with coal reserves estimation. Brisbane Queensland Australia: Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin.

Quantification of geological/geotechnical risk associated with coal reserves estimation

2008

Conference Publication

Applications of advanced analytics in minerals processing plants - Safer, smarter, sustainable operations

Bassan, J. and Knights, P. F. (2008). Applications of advanced analytics in minerals processing plants - Safer, smarter, sustainable operations. MetPlant 2008 - Metallurgical Plant Design and Operating Strategies, , , August 18, 2008-August 19, 2008.

Applications of advanced analytics in minerals processing plants - Safer, smarter, sustainable operations

2008

Journal Article

Geological uncertainty and risk: Implications for the viability of mining projects

Li, Shu-xing, Knights, Peter and Dunn, Doug (2008). Geological uncertainty and risk: Implications for the viability of mining projects. Journal of Coal Science and Engineering (China), 14 (2), 176-180. doi: 10.1007/s12404-008-0036-y

Geological uncertainty and risk: Implications for the viability of mining projects

2008

Conference Publication

Production drill optimisation at telfer underground - A move towards automation

Adams, H., Boniwell, P. and Knights, P. (2008). Production drill optimisation at telfer underground - A move towards automation. Tenth AusIMM Underground Operators' Conference, Tasmania, Australia, 14-16 April 2008. Carlton, Vic. Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Production drill optimisation at telfer underground - A move towards automation

2008

Conference Publication

The application of advanced analytics in mining: safer, smarter, sustainable operations

Bassan, J. and Knights, P. F. (2008). The application of advanced analytics in mining: safer, smarter, sustainable operations. Australian Mining Technology Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 16-18 September 2008. Victoria, Australia: The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

The application of advanced analytics in mining: safer, smarter, sustainable operations

2008

Conference Publication

Economic models for unscheduled downtime and loss of service

Knights, P. (2008). Economic models for unscheduled downtime and loss of service. 11th International Conference of Maintenance Societies (ICOMS 2008), Perth, Western Australia, 26-28 May 2008. Perth, Australia: Asset Management Council of Australia.

Economic models for unscheduled downtime and loss of service

2008

Conference Publication

Safe, rapid development through the application of systems engineering methods

Rafie, K., Stewart, P. and Knights, P. (2008). Safe, rapid development through the application of systems engineering methods. 2008 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 16-18 September, 2008. Victoria, Australia: The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Safe, rapid development through the application of systems engineering methods

2008

Conference Publication

Quantifying geological/geotechnical risk associated with coal reserves estimation

Li, S. and Knights, P. F. (2008). Quantifying geological/geotechnical risk associated with coal reserves estimation. 2008 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Sunshine Coast, Australia, 16-18 September, 2008. Carlton, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Quantifying geological/geotechnical risk associated with coal reserves estimation

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Development of machine health indicators RUL algorithms and intervention actions for select Cat793C components
    PT Bukit Teknologi Digital
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment (ARC ITRP administered by the University of Wollongong)
    University of Wollongong
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Research Services to Elaborate a Road Map for the Mine Design 4 ESG Initiative
    Anglo American Technical & Sustainability Services
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Loadscan White Paper
    Loadscan Australia Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting guidelines
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Design, construction and commissioning of a skid-mounted tyre handler testing rig
    Australian Coal Research Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Design optimisation of Cascade Australia's Tyre handler
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Trail of Dragline Chain Innovation, Stage 3: Hoist Chain Site Trial and Cost/Benefit Analysis
    Cast Equipment & Chain Products Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Product innovation project: cascade tyre handler
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2014
    True triaxial cell for advanced testing of porous media
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2014
    CRC Mining ongoing funding
    Cooperative Research Centre for Mining
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Peter Knights is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Peter Knights's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au