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
1999
Other Outputs
Mining drilling and blasting practices submitted to Cerro Vanguardia
Chitombo, G., Onederra, I., Trueman, R., Windsor, C., Thompson, A., Riihioja, K. and La Rosa, D. (1999). Mining drilling and blasting practices submitted to Cerro Vanguardia. Brisbane, Australia: JKMRC.
1999
Other Outputs
Geotechnical data collection, core logging and face mapping
Onederra, I.A. (1999). Geotechnical data collection, core logging and face mapping. Brisbane, Australia: JKMRC.
1999
Journal Article
Mass blast computer design, analysis and monitoring - a case study
Onederra, I. A., Player, J., Wade, P. and Chitombo, G. P. (1999). Mass blast computer design, analysis and monitoring - a case study. Fragblast, 3 (3), 213-235. doi: 10.1080/13855149909408047
1999
Conference Publication
Mass blast design, simulation, optimisation and monitoring at Big Bell gold mine
Onederra, I. A., Player, J., Wade, P. and Chitombo, G. P. (1999). Mass blast design, simulation, optimisation and monitoring at Big Bell gold mine. Fragblast 1999 - 6th International Symposium for Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Johannesburg, RSA, 8-12 August 1999. Johannesburg, RSA: SAIMM.
1996
Conference Publication
Geotechnical Parameters Affecting the Cutting Performance of the Mobile Miner (MM130)
Onederra, I. and Howarth, D. (1996). Geotechnical Parameters Affecting the Cutting Performance of the Mobile Miner (MM130). Breaking new ground : IX Australian Tunnelling Conference, Sydney, Australia, 27-29 August, 1996. Barton, ACT: Australian Underground Construction and Tunnelling Association by the Institution of Engineers.
1995
Conference Publication
Predicting Machine Cutting and Cutter Wear Rates for Mining Applications
Onederra, I. and Trueman, R. (1995). Predicting Machine Cutting and Cutter Wear Rates for Mining Applications. EXPLO 95 : exploring the role of rock breakage in mining and quarrying, Brisbane, Australia, 4-7 September 1995. Carlton, Victoria: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
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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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
Development of methodology to quantify intensive preconditioning in block and panel caving operations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Dr Christopher Leonardi
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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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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
Evolution of Geothermal Reservoir Conductivity: the Role of Rock-Fluid Interaction and Erosion
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
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Doctor Philosophy
A Strategic Mine Planning Framework for An Optimised Hybrid In-Stope Leaching System
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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