Associated Event
Caving 2026
11–13 August 2026 | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Airblast Analysis and Hazard Management for Caving Operations Workshop
Half day event (am) | 14 August 2026 | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
This workshop will be held immediately following Caving 2026.
This workshop will provide attendees with detailed knowledge on the analysis and risk management processes associated with airblast in caving mines.
About the workshop
Airblast is a catastrophic, low likelihood risk, which is often overlooked or undervalued during planning or risk assessment. This workshop aims to provide context and understanding on what airblast is in cave mining operations and the importance of ensuring it is accounted for in various planning horizons. Building from these concepts, a framework for analysis is proposed which incorporates the operational aspects risk assessment and hazard mitigation with industry case studies of management systems. The workshop is structured to ensure a ‘ground up’ approach and covers:
- airblast event definition and examples from industry
- key considerations when analysing the hazard
- the VentSim CAST model
- model inputs, geometries and assumptions
- model outputs and data interpretation
- airblast mitigation strategies and analysis
- application to various planning horizons:
- strategic airblast assessment (study phases)
- operational airblast assessment and tracking (execution)
- risk assessment and documentation
- case studies.
Who should attend?
Mining and geotechnical engineers supporting caving studies and operational risk management during caving ramp-up. Basic VentSim skills are advantageous, but not strictly necessary as no software work will be completed as part of the workshop. No airblast management experience required.
Workshop presenters include:
Dr Tom Bruning
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Resolve Mining Solutions, Australia
Thomas is a motivated geotechnical engineer with experience in operational support, life-of-mine studies, and advanced research through a PhD in rock mechanics. Focused on caving mining methods, he has built a strong foundation in applied geotechnical engineering and mine design.
Thomas has specialist expertise in geotechnical data analysis, dynamic ground support, cave establishment planning, monitoring system design, and the management of airblast and geotechnical hazards. His work across multiple caving operations has deepened his understanding of airblast phenomena and control strategies, integrating geotechnical cave mechanics, and ventilation principles to improve safety and performance.
Claudia Vejrazka
Consulting Manager
Resolve Mining Solutions, Australia
Claudia has extensive experience across multiple caving projects and mining operations, in roles ranging from mining manager to leading complex, multi-orebody studies. She has worked in block cave, sub-level cave, and open pit environments, but her true passion lies in caving – particularly in advancing process safety management within caving operations.
Her expertise in airblast analysis and management was developed at Northparkes Mines in collaboration with the Rio Tinto Centre of Excellence. Managing airblast risk demands an integrated understanding of ventilation, geotechnical engineering, cave monitoring, and fluid dynamics – an interdisciplinary approach Claudia has mastered through both research and operational application.
A strong advocate for collaboration, she has developed industry-leading airblast models with partners across the mining sector and published several papers sharing practical advancements in this field. Her work continues to strengthen industry capability in managing one of caving’s most complex safety challenges.