Overview
Background
Associate Professor Italo Onederra serves as the Director of the Centre for Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies (FAST) at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. He leads a research group focused on improving mineral extraction methods with reduced environmental impact through advanced preconditioning and fragmentation techniques.
Recognised internationally as a specialist in explosives and blasting engineering technology, Italo holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with honours from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Engineering Science and PhD from the University of Queensland. With over 25 years of R&D experience and consulting work in Australia, South America, Africa, and Europe, Italo has demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in both research and industry. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, contributed to technical reports and books, and co-invented novel nitrogen oxide-free explosives based on hydrogen peroxide. Italo is also known for developing fragmentation modelling techniques, which have been incorporated into commercial software used globally by industry and academia, as well as pioneering the use of physics engines in blast movement modelling to improve ore control and maximise recovery.
Availability
- Associate Professor Italo Onederra is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, University of Melbourne
- Masters (Coursework) of Engineering, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Advanced preconditioning and fragmentation
Associate Prof. Italo Onederra leads a multidisciplinary research team working towards the development of novel mineral extraction techniques that will have minimal environmental impact. Central to this vision is understanding and developing innovative thinking around the fundamental mechanisms of explosive induced rock preconditioning and fragmentation. Assoc. Prof Italo Onederra is well recognised in this area and currently leads an industry funded project in collaboration with Standford Research Institute (USA) and Imperial College (London).
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Advanced fragmentation modelling
Assoc. Prof. Italo Onederra has for many years been involved in the development of advanced fragmentation modelling techniques applied by industry in process optimisation methods such as Mine to Mill. He has developed one of the only underground specific fragmentation models embedded in commercial software that is used by industry and academia in over 60 countries.
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Blasting to minimise geotechnical risks
Assoc. Prof. Italo Onederra leads research funded by the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP). The main objective is to develop industry guidelines and practical tools to minimise geotechnical risks and improve blasting outcomes.
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Alternative explosive formulations
Assoc. Prof. Italo Onederra has pioneered with his ex PhD research student (Dr Miguel Araos) the development of novel explosive formulations to eliminate nitrogen oxide emissions (fumes) after rock blasting. The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) contributed significantly to this research as it is an issue affecting surface mining operations. The idea involved replacing ammonium nitrate with hydrogen peroxide as the main oxidizer in explosives. One of the main challenges of the technology is stability over long periods. To that end we have looked at different alternatives such as manufacturing higher density prills using different types of cross-linkers, sustainable fuels and surfactants. The pioneering research has had significant impact with research centres around the world investing in further developments.
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Application of controlled energetics in novel comminution systems
Innovation in mineral extraction will require new ways to reduce energy consumption in downstream comminution processes. Controlled energetics provides a unique opportunity for future mineral extraction techniques. Assoc. Prof. Onederra is leading applied research and innovative thinking in this area
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Experimental work to study rock dynamic reponse under confinement
In collaboration with Stanford Research Institute (SRI), Assoc. Prof. Italo Onederra is commissioning a unique experimental capability at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering to study the dynamic response of rock samples under confinement. The aim is to improve our understanding of the extent of explosive induced fracturing at depth which is dierctly applicable to the work in advanced preconditioning and fragmentation.
Research impacts
- Leading international multidisciplinary collaborations that have allowed the establishment of unique experimental facilities to study blast preconditioning and fracturing under confinement, leading new research fields in the application of energetic materials to address big challenges facing the mining sector as it transitions to net zero emissions
- Developed and published a number of explosive rock breakage and fragmentation models which have been implemented by industry. Improvements in modelling capability that have been adopted in site specific Mine to Mill projects that have added significant value to industry including better management of energy consumption in the extraction process.
- Part of the team that developed tools and models in commercial blasting software (JKSimBlast) that is now used in over 60 countries. In 2017, there were 264 clients with 771 users around the world. This tool has made a significant impact in both academic and industry based training with the ability to conduct design, desktop simulations and analysis quickly and effectively
- Co-inventor and chief investigator of leading research on novel explosives that will eliminate and/or minimise hazardous nitrogen oxide fumes during blasting. The development of this technology based on hydrogen peroxide has been recognised as one of the few potentially disruptive technologies in the mining and civil construction industries with significant OHS&E benefits.
Works
Search Professor Italo Onederra’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2016
Journal Article
Modelling of preconditioning by blasting in block and panel caving
Catalan, Alex and Onederra, Italo (2016). Modelling of preconditioning by blasting in block and panel caving. Mining Technology: Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy: Section A, 126 (2), 59-76. doi: 10.1080/14749009.2016.1252556
Featured
2016
Journal Article
Empirical approach to estimate rock mass damage from long-hole winze (LHW) blasting
Fullelove, Iain, Onederra, Italo and Villaescusa, Ernesto (2016). Empirical approach to estimate rock mass damage from long-hole winze (LHW) blasting. Mining Technology Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Transactions. Section A, 126 (1), 34-43. doi: 10.1080/14749009.2016.1211228
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Implementation of leading practice in geotechnical and blasting performance evaluations and the Centinela sulphide mine
Catalan, A. and Onederra, I A. (2015). Implementation of leading practice in geotechnical and blasting performance evaluations and the Centinela sulphide mine. Mining Technology, 125 (3), 1-18. doi: 10.1179/1743286315Y.0000000025
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Evaluating pre-split performance through direct measurements of near field acceleration, particle velocity and gas pressure
Onederra, I. A., Catalan, A. and Quidim, J. (2015). Evaluating pre-split performance through direct measurements of near field acceleration, particle velocity and gas pressure. Mining Technology, 125 (2), 1-11. doi: 10.1179/1743286315Y.0000000023
Featured
2015
Conference Publication
Detonation and breakage performance of a hydrogen peroxide-based explosive formulation
Onederra, Italo A. and Araos, M. (2015). Detonation and breakage performance of a hydrogen peroxide-based explosive formulation. International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Sydney, Australia, 24-26 August 2015. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Featured
2014
Journal Article
Development of a novel mining explosive formulation to eliminate nitrogen oxide fumes
Araos, Miguel and Onederra, Italo (2014). Development of a novel mining explosive formulation to eliminate nitrogen oxide fumes. Mining Technology, 124 (1), 1-8. doi: 10.1179/1743286314Y.0000000074
Featured
2014
Journal Article
Measuring blast fragmentation at Esperanza mine using high-resolution 3D laser scanning
Onederra, I., Thurley, M. J. and Catalan, A. (2014). Measuring blast fragmentation at Esperanza mine using high-resolution 3D laser scanning. Mining Technology, 124 (1), 34-46. doi: 10.1179/1743286314Y.0000000076
Featured
2013
Journal Article
Modelling blast induced damage from a fully coupled explosive charge
Onederra, Italo A., Furtney, Jason K., Sellers, Ewan and Iverson, Stephen (2013). Modelling blast induced damage from a fully coupled explosive charge. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 58, 73-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2012.10.004
Featured
2013
Journal Article
Modelling fracturing, disturbed and interaction zones around fully confined detonating charges
Onederra, I., Catalan, A. and Chitombo, G. (2013). Modelling fracturing, disturbed and interaction zones around fully confined detonating charges. Mining Technology, 122 (1), 20-32. doi: 10.1179/1743286312Y.0000000021
Featured
2012
Conference Publication
Blast induced fragment conditioning to improve leaching performance
Parra, Hector, Onederra, Italo, Michaux, Simon, McFarlane, A, Kuhar, L. and Chapman, N. (2012). Blast induced fragment conditioning to improve leaching performance. MININ2012 V International Conference on Innovation in Mine Operations, Santiago, Chile, 20-22 June 2012.
2024
Conference Publication
Enhancing preconditioning strategies in block and panel caving: bridging the gap from research to operational excellence
Catalan, Alex and Onederra, Italo (2024). Enhancing preconditioning strategies in block and panel caving: bridging the gap from research to operational excellence. 9th International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining, Kiruna, Sweden, 17 - 19 September 2024. Luleå, Sweden: LKAB and Lulea University of Technology.
2024
Conference Publication
Evolution of blast induced rock mass damage prediction techniques in underground mining
Yiran Zhu and Italo Onederra (2024). Evolution of blast induced rock mass damage prediction techniques in underground mining. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ISRM ROCK MECHANICS SYMPOSIUM 2024 EUROCK 2024, Alicante, Spain, 15-19 July 2024. 4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN: CRC Press/Balkema. doi: 10.1201/9781003429234
2023
Journal Article
Assessment of capillary rise in rocks by Time Lapse Digital Imaging
López, Paulo, Mitchel, Travis, Leonardi, Christopher and Onederra, Italo (2023). Assessment of capillary rise in rocks by Time Lapse Digital Imaging. Minerals Engineering, 204 108434, 108434. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108434
2023
Conference Publication
Understanding the impact of floor disruption blasting on low wall slope stability
Zhu, Y., Chen, Z., Onederra, I. and Chacon, F. (2023). Understanding the impact of floor disruption blasting on low wall slope stability. 12th EFEE World Conference on Explosives and Blasting, Dublin, Ireland, 10-12 September 2023. Wien, Austria: European Federation of Explosives Engineers.
2023
Conference Publication
Ignition mechanism for non-ideal explosives
Araos, M. and Onederra, I. (2023). Ignition mechanism for non-ideal explosives. 12th EFEE World Conference on Explosives and Blasting, Dublin, Ireland, 10-12 September 2023. Wien, Austria: European Federation of Explosives Engineers.
2023
Journal Article
An experimental investigation of the fluid accessibility of preconditioned sulphide copper ores
López, Paulo, Araos, Miguel, Leonardi, Christopher and Onederra, Italo (2023). An experimental investigation of the fluid accessibility of preconditioned sulphide copper ores. Minerals Engineering, 200 108142, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108142
2023
Journal Article
Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN), Part II: Semantic segmentation using a 2.5D CNN
Roslin, A., Marsh, M., Provencher, B., Mitchell, T. R., Onederra, I. A. and Leonardi, C. R. (2023). Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN), Part II: Semantic segmentation using a 2.5D CNN. Minerals Engineering, 195 108027, 108027. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108027
2023
Journal Article
Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Part III: Enhancement of Scanco micro-CT images of granodiorite rocks using a 3D convolutional neural network super-resolution algorithm
Roslin, A., Lebedev, M., Mitchell, T.R., Onederra, I.A. and Leonardi, C.R. (2023). Processing of micro-CT images of granodiorite rock samples using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Part III: Enhancement of Scanco micro-CT images of granodiorite rocks using a 3D convolutional neural network super-resolution algorithm. Minerals Engineering, 195 108028, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108028
2023
Journal Article
Geotechnical analysis of blasting sequence and resulting shapes of drawbells in block cave mines
Bustos, Nadia, Villaescusa, Ernesto and Onederra, Italo (2023). Geotechnical analysis of blasting sequence and resulting shapes of drawbells in block cave mines. Mining Technology, 132 (2), 121-131. doi: 10.1080/25726668.2023.2185383
2023
Journal Article
Quantifying the permeability enhancement from blast-induced microfractures in porphyry rocks using a cumulant lattice Boltzmann method
Mitchell, T. R., Roslin, A., Łaniewski-Wołłk, , Onederra, I. and Leonardi, C. R. (2023). Quantifying the permeability enhancement from blast-induced microfractures in porphyry rocks using a cumulant lattice Boltzmann method. Transport in Porous Media, 146 (3), 587-615. doi: 10.1007/s11242-022-01875-4
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Italo Onederra is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Stress wave attenuation and interaction in fragmented media
Description to be provided to prospective candidates
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Explosive induced fracturing under confinement
Description to be provided to prospective candidates
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Explosive induced fracturing under confinement
Description to be provided to prospective candidates
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Master Philosophy
Influence of the nitrate type on the critical diameter of emulsion explosives
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
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Doctor Philosophy
Quantifying the impact of both stress and gas loading on preconditioning by confined blasting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
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Doctor Philosophy
Design Step Changes to Achieve Safer, Faster and Lower-Cost Establishment in Block Cave Mining Under Extreme Conditions
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Integration of Pre-concentration Systems into Mining Operations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of preconditioning fracturing on fluid accessibility of chalcopyrite ores
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
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2023
Master Philosophy
ADVANCED MODELLING OF FLOOR DISRUPTION BLASTING TO IMPROVE LOW-WALL STABILITY IN COAL MINING
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Influence of void sensitisation on the detonation characteristics of low concentration hydrogen peroxide / fuel-based mixtures
Principal Advisor
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2018
Master Philosophy
Detonation performance of novel hydrogen peroxide and nitrate-based hybrid explosives
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
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2018
Master Philosophy
Characterisation of hydrogen peroxide based explosives and ventilation modelling to quantify re-entry times in underground development blasting
Principal Advisor
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2017
Master Philosophy
Investigating the application of linear shaped charges in wall control practices
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Blast induced fragment conditioning and its effect on impact breakage and leaching performance
Principal Advisor
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
A study of blast induced rock mass displacement through physical measurements and rigid body dynamics simulation.
Principal Advisor
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
A Methodology for Determining the Reliability of Energetic Components fitted to Safety Critical Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT OF INTENSIVE PRECONDITIONING FOR CAVE MINING APPLICATIONS
Associate Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Full-scale experiments and numerical modelling to improve ore recovery in sublevel cave mines
Joint Principal Advisor
Media
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