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
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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
2010
Other Outputs
Technical report 4 P843A - Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling - Theme 2 Integrated Blast Modelling
Onederra, Italo and Michaux, Simon (2010). Technical report 4 P843A - Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling - Theme 2 Integrated Blast Modelling. Hobart, TAS, Australia: AMIRA International and CODES.
2010
Other Outputs
P843A – Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling Technical Report 4 - Theme 2 Integrated Blast Modelling section 3
Italo ONederra and Simon Michaux (2010). P843A – Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling Technical Report 4 - Theme 2 Integrated Blast Modelling section 3. Tasmania: AMIRA international and UTAS.
2009
Conference Publication
Characterising dust generation from blasting.
Scott, A., Michaux, S. P. and Onederra, I. A. (2009). Characterising dust generation from blasting.. Fragblast 9, Granada, Spain, 13-17 September, 2009. London: Taylor and Francis Group.
2009
Conference Publication
A new 3D simulation framework to model blast induced rock mass displacement using physics engines
Tordoir, A., Weatherley, D., Onederra, I. and Bye, A. (2009). A new 3D simulation framework to model blast induced rock mass displacement using physics engines. 9th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting - Fragblast 9, Granada, Spain, 13-17 September 2009. Leiden, Netherlands: CRC Press/Balkema.
2009
Conference Publication
Towards a complete validation of the lattice scheme in the Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM)
Onederra, I., Chitombo, G. P., Cundall, P. A. and Furtney, J. K. (2009). Towards a complete validation of the lattice scheme in the Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM). Fragblast 9: 9th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Granada, Spain, 13-17 September 2009. Leiden, Netherlands: CRC Press/Balkema.
2008
Other Outputs
Additional blast fragmentation modelling of the Codelco-Andina open pit expansion
Onederra, Italo (2008). Additional blast fragmentation modelling of the Codelco-Andina open pit expansion. Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia: JKTECH.
2007
Journal Article
Design methodology for underground ring blasting
Onederra, I. A. and Chitombo, G. (2007). Design methodology for underground ring blasting. Mining Technology, 116 (4), 180-195. doi: 10.1179/174328607X282244
2007
Journal Article
Delay timing factor for empirical fragmentation models
Onederra, I. (2007). Delay timing factor for empirical fragmentation models. Mining Technology, 116 (4), 176-179. doi: 10.1179/174328607X282181
2007
Conference Publication
Burden Movement Experiments Using the Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM)
Onederra, I., Ruest, M. and Chitombo, G.P (2007). Burden Movement Experiments Using the Hybrid Stress Blasting Model (HSBM). Explo 2007, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 3 – 4 September, 2007. Carlton Victoria 3053 Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2007
Journal Article
Empirical charts for estimation of minimum time response (Tmin) in free face blasting
Onederra, I. (2007). Empirical charts for estimation of minimum time response (Tmin) in free face blasting. Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy Section A: Mining Technology, 116 (1), 7-15. doi: 10.1179/174328407X172987
2006
Other Outputs
The Hybrid Stress Blast Model, HSBM II Evaluation and Validation - Desktop evaluations May – October 2006
Onederra, Italo (2006). The Hybrid Stress Blast Model, HSBM II Evaluation and Validation - Desktop evaluations May – October 2006. Brisbane, Australia: JKMRC.
2006
Other Outputs
The Hybrid Stress Blast Model - Technical Report - HSBM II Validation Plan
Onederra, Italo (2006). The Hybrid Stress Blast Model - Technical Report - HSBM II Validation Plan. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland, Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC).
2006
Conference Publication
Blast control through the use of notched holes
Djordjevic, N. and Onederra, I. A. (2006). Blast control through the use of notched holes. Frgablast 8, Santiago, Chile, 7-11 May, 2006. Santiago, Chile: Editec SA.
2006
Conference Publication
Monitoring and analysis of production waste blasts at the Cadia Hill gold mine
Esen,, Onederra, I. A. and Francis, (2006). Monitoring and analysis of production waste blasts at the Cadia Hill gold mine. Fragblast 8, Santiogo, Chile, 7-11 May. Santiago, Chile: Editec SA.
2006
Conference Publication
The suitability of conventional geological and geotechnical data for blast design
Scott, A., Onederra, I. A. and Chitombo, G. P. (2006). The suitability of conventional geological and geotechnical data for blast design. Fragblast 8, Santiago, Chile, 7-11 May, 2006. Santiago, Chile: Editec SA.
2006
Conference Publication
An alternative approach to determine the uniformity index of Rosin-Rammler based fragmentation models
Onederra, I. A. and Riihioja, K. J. (2006). An alternative approach to determine the uniformity index of Rosin-Rammler based fragmentation models. Fragblast 8, Santiago, Chile, 7-11 May, 2006. Santiago, Chile: Editec SA.
2005
Other Outputs
Monitoring and analysis of waste blasting trials at the Cadia Hill Gold Mine
Esen, Sedat and Onederra, Italo (2005). Monitoring and analysis of waste blasting trials at the Cadia Hill Gold Mine. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: JKMRC.
2005
Other Outputs
A fragmentation model for underground production blasting
Oñederra, Italo Andres. (2005). A fragmentation model for underground production blasting. PhD Thesis, Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/107257
2004
Conference Publication
'Shot to shovel' - Understanding the impact of muckpile conditions and operator proficiency on instantaneous shovel productivity
Onederra, I., Brunton, I., Battista, J. and Grace, J. (2004). 'Shot to shovel' - Understanding the impact of muckpile conditions and operator proficiency on instantaneous shovel productivity. Explosives - A Time of Rapid Change, EXPLO 2004, , , July 26, 2004-July 28, 2004.
2004
Other Outputs
Single and multiple hole blasting tests at De Beers Venetia Mine
Onederra, Italo and Grobler, Hendrik (2004). Single and multiple hole blasting tests at De Beers Venetia Mine. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: JKMRC.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Italo Onederra is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Stress wave attenuation and interaction in fragmented media
Description to be provided to prospective candidates
-
Explosive induced fracturing under confinement
Description to be provided to prospective candidates
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Master Philosophy
Influence of the nitrate type on the critical diameter of emulsion explosives
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
-
Doctor Philosophy
Quantifying the impact of both stress and gas loading on preconditioning by confined blasting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
-
Doctor Philosophy
Design Step Changes to Achieve Safer, Faster and Lower-Cost Establishment in Block Cave Mining Under Extreme Conditions
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Integration of Pre-concentration Systems into Mining Operations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil, Dr Micah Nehring
Completed supervision
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Impact of preconditioning fracturing on fluid accessibility of chalcopyrite ores
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
-
2023
Master Philosophy
ADVANCED MODELLING OF FLOOR DISRUPTION BLASTING TO IMPROVE LOW-WALL STABILITY IN COAL MINING
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Influence of void sensitisation on the detonation characteristics of low concentration hydrogen peroxide / fuel-based mixtures
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Detonation performance of novel hydrogen peroxide and nitrate-based hybrid explosives
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Characterisation of hydrogen peroxide based explosives and ventilation modelling to quantify re-entry times in underground development blasting
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Master Philosophy
Investigating the application of linear shaped charges in wall control practices
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christopher Leonardi
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Blast induced fragment conditioning and its effect on impact breakage and leaching performance
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
A study of blast induced rock mass displacement through physical measurements and rigid body dynamics simulation.
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
A Methodology for Determining the Reliability of Energetic Components fitted to Safety Critical Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT OF INTENSIVE PRECONDITIONING FOR CAVE MINING APPLICATIONS
Associate Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Full-scale experiments and numerical modelling to improve ore recovery in sublevel cave mines
Joint Principal Advisor
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Associate Professor Italo Onederra's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: