Programme
Slope Stability X26 Conference Agenda – Day1 and Day 2
Official Media Partners
Our Proud Sponsors
Thursday, 10 September 2026
Day 1
🟦 Arrival Coffee & Networking
07:30 – 08:30
Opening Address (Host) Conference Chairperson
A look at Global slope stability priorities
Understanding Risk exposure trends
Unlocking the Suitcase Question: Why failures still happen?
08:30 – 08:45
Speaker To be announced
Opening Keynote: From Compliance to Culture: Redefining Safety Leadership in Modern Mining Operations
This session explores the critical shift from rule-based compliance to values-driven safety culture in modern mining operations. Drawing on industry leadership insights and practical experience, it highlights how true safety performance is achieved not through procedures alone, but through aligned leadership, shared accountability, and a unified “one-voice” approach across all levels of the organisation. – Details Coming Soon
08:45 – 09:15
Patronella Molutsi Principal Geotechnical Engineer Mobile Equipment, Exxaro Resources, South Africa
🔷 SESSION 1: INVESTIGATION & GEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING
Session 1 sets the foundation for this years conference focusing on the critical first phase of slope stability: understanding the ground before any design or operation begins. In mining and geotechnical engineering, reliable slope performance depends on the quality of investigation data, the accuracy of geological models, and the integration of hydrogeological and structural factors into decision-making.
This session brings together leading experts from Australia, Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa to explore how early-stage insights translate into safer, more efficient mine design and operations.
9:15 - 11:45
Multiple Speakers
🔷 SESSION 1: INVESTIGATION & GEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING
Session 1 sets the foundation for this years conference focusing on the critical first phase of slope stability: understanding the ground before any design or operation begins. In mining and geotechnical engineering, reliable slope performance depends on the quality of investigation data, the accuracy of geological models, and the integration of hydrogeological and structural factors into decision-making.
This session brings together leading experts from Australia, Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa to explore how early-stage insights translate into safer, more efficient mine design and operations.
9:15 - 11:45
Multiple Speakers
Challenges in Geotechnical Design – From Site Investigation to Construction
This presentation would explore the complexities of geotechnical material characterisation, the selection of design parameters, and the identification of critical aspects of material behaviour. It would also include insights into construction-stage expectations, lessons learned, and relevant case studies.
9:15 - 9:45
Speaker To be Announced
9:15 - 9:45
Challenges in Geotechnical Design – From Site Investigation to Construction
This presentation would explore the complexities of geotechnical material characterisation, the selection of design parameters, and the identification of critical aspects of material behaviour. It would also include insights into construction-stage expectations, lessons learned, and relevant case studies.
Speaker To be Announced
Embedding Hydrogeology at the Core of Mine Stability
Defining the critical succrss factors for managing groundwater regimes and pit dewatering to maintain safe and dry mining conditions.
09:45 – 10:15
Speaker To be Announced
MORNING TEA-BREAK AND NETWORKING
10:15 – 10:45
Exploring Structural Influence in Slope Stability Analysis
- Structural control and slope instability mechanisms.
- Integrating structural data into slope stability analysis.
- Case Study: Letšeng Diamond mine application.
- Advancing slope design through structural characterisation.
10:45 – 11:15
Lehana Bulane Geotechnical Engineer, Letšeng Diamond Mine, Lesotho
Strategic Oversight of Geotechnical Engineering in Large-Scale Mining Operations
Lessons from integrating geotechnical practices across open pits and mineral residue facilities.
11:15 – 11:45
Speaker To be Announced
🟦 DAY 1 SPONSORED SIGNATURE SESSIONS - Fireside chats + Interactive Panels and Hybrid Workshops Stream A: Failure Modes and Risk-Based Decision Making in Embankment Slope Design
Day 1 Signature Sessions are designed to be engaging, interactive and a thought-provoking component of the conference —
This topic would focus on embankment failure risks and preparedness during both design-construction and operational phases, with an emphasis on risk assessment and mitigation strategies, based on the best practices and guidelines.
11:45 - 13:00
Multiple Speakers
🟦 DAY 1 SPONSORED SIGNATURE SESSIONS - Fireside chats + Interactive Panels and Hybrid Workshops Stream A: Failure Modes and Risk-Based Decision Making in Embankment Slope Design
Day 1 Signature Sessions are designed to be engaging, interactive and a thought-provoking component of the conference —
This topic would focus on embankment failure risks and preparedness during both design-construction and operational phases, with an emphasis on risk assessment and mitigation strategies, based on the best practices and guidelines.
11:45 - 13:00
Multiple Speakers
How do we design Rockfall protection Systems that actually perform in the field?
Hazard identification and rock mass characterisation
• Rockfall trajectory modelling
• Barrier energy classification
• Certified installation practices
• Monitoring strategies for long-term slope performance.
11:45 - 12:15
Khomotso Moleke CEO, M84 Geotech Solutions Pty Ltd, South Africa
Soil Characterisation Keynote - From Field to Failure: How Soil Characterisation Quality Determines Slope Performance
Discussion points to be added soon.
12:15 - 13:00
Moses Skosana Pr.Sci.Nat, Geometallurgist and Geotechnical Engineer, Anglo American South Africa
LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING
13:00 - 14:00
🔷 SESSION 2: DESIGN, MODELLING & ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Session 2 shifts the focus from understanding the ground to engineering how it performs. It explores how geotechnical data is translated into robust, reliable designs through advanced modelling techniques, analytical methods, and integrated engineering systems.
At the core of this session is a critical industry challenge:
Are our models truly reflecting reality—or are they simplifying risk?
14:00- 15:00
Multiple Speakers
🔷 SESSION 2: DESIGN, MODELLING & ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Session 2 shifts the focus from understanding the ground to engineering how it performs. It explores how geotechnical data is translated into robust, reliable designs through advanced modelling techniques, analytical methods, and integrated engineering systems.
At the core of this session is a critical industry challenge:
Are our models truly reflecting reality—or are they simplifying risk?
14:00 - 15:00
Multiple Speakers
Slope Stability Design and Planning Presentation
Topic Title to be announced.
14:00 - 14:30
Speaker To be Announced
Bridging Design and Operational Execution
Session 3 brings the conversation to the field—where designs are tested, challenged, and often redefined. It focuses on the realities of implementation, where operational pressures, environmental conditions, and human factors intersect with engineering intent.
This session addresses the most critical question in slope stability:
What actually happens when design meets the real world?
14:30 - 15:00
Speaker to be announced
MID-AFTERNOON TEA-BREAK AND NETWORKING
15:00 - 15:30
🔷 SESSION 3: EXECUTION & OPERATIONAL REALITY
One of the most persistent challenges in slope stability is not the quality of design—but the gap between design intent and on-site execution. Even the most robust geotechnical models can fall short if they are not effectively translated into operational practices.
This session focuses on closing that gap—exploring how design assumptions, engineering specifications, and risk controls are implemented, interpreted, and adapted in real mining environments. It highlights the critical role of communication, coordination, and feedback between design engineers, site teams, and decision-makers.
15:30 - 17:00
Multiple Speakers
🔷 SESSION 3: EXECUTION & OPERATIONAL REALITY
One of the most persistent challenges in slope stability is not the quality of design—but the gap between design intent and on-site execution. Even the most robust geotechnical models can fall short if they are not effectively translated into operational practices.
This session focuses on closing that gap—exploring how design assumptions, engineering specifications, and risk controls are implemented, interpreted, and adapted in real mining environments. It highlights the critical role of communication, coordination, and feedback between design engineers, site teams, and decision-makers.
15:30 - 17:00
Multiple Speakers
Optimising Highwall Stability: From Modelling to Controls
Applying DFN modelling, slope monitoring and rock engineering principles to improve pit slope performance.
15:30 - 16:00
Speaker To be Announced
🟦 Post-Construction Regulations and Enforcement
Regulators + Operators + Engineers – High-impact end-of-day tension release session
- What governing regulations apply to post-construction mining operations, specifically regarding supporting infrastructure rather than the mining activities themselves?
- Are there any regulations requiring the ongoing monitoring of infrastructure? (Include reference to an American case study.)
- Which authorities or entities are responsible for enforcing these regulations, and to what extent is enforcement currently taking place?
- What gaps exist in the current regulatory framework, and what changes are necessary to improve oversight and compliance?
16:00 - 17:00
Panel Host: Johan Du Plessis Technical Consultant, Structural Engineer, Prokon SA (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Presentations by Multiple Speakers
🟦 Post-Construction Regulations and Enforcement
Regulators + Operators + Engineers – High-impact end-of-day tension release session
- What governing regulations apply to post-construction mining operations, specifically regarding supporting infrastructure rather than the mining activities themselves?
- Are there any regulations requiring the ongoing monitoring of infrastructure? (Include reference to an American case study.)
- Which authorities or entities are responsible for enforcing these regulations, and to what extent is enforcement currently taking place?
- What gaps exist in the current regulatory framework, and what changes are necessary to improve oversight and compliance?
16:00 - 17:00
Panel Host: Johan Du Plessis Technical Consultant, Structural Engineer, Prokon SA (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Presentations by Multiple Speakers
Welcome Cocktail & Strategic Networking
🟦 17:00 - 19:00
Friday, 11 september 2026
Day 2
🟦 Arrival Coffee & Networking
07:30 – 08:30
Opening Address (Host) Conference Chairperson
** The Future of Slope Stability in Africa
08:30 – 08:45
Speaker To be announced
🟦 Opening Keynote: Addressing how slope-related risks are integrated into ESG strategy, Reporting, and Board-level decision-making
Elevating Slope Stability to ESG and Board-Level Risk: From Compliance to Strategic Accountability
- How slope risk fits into ESG reporting & disclosures
- Role of leadership in preventing catastrophic failures
- Moving from operational risk → enterprise risk visibility
08:45 – 09:15
Sponsored Presentation Partner to be announced
🔷 SESSION 4: MONITORING SYSTEMS & DATA INTEGRATION
Exploring how integrated monitoring systems and real-time data enhance confidence in slope performance, this session highlights adaptive engineering practices that enable proactive decision-making, early risk detection, and continuous design refinement—bridging uncertainty with actionable insight for safer, more resilient operations.
09:15 - 11:45
Multiple Speakers
🔷 SESSION 4: MONITORING SYSTEMS & DATA INTEGRATION
Exploring how integrated monitoring systems and real-time data enhance confidence in slope performance, this session highlights adaptive engineering practices that enable proactive decision-making, early risk detection, and continuous design refinement—bridging uncertainty with actionable insight for safer, more resilient operations.
09:15 - 11:45
Multiple Speakers
Monitoring and Assessing Pit Wall Stability: Integrating Radar, Prisms, InSAR, and Field Investigations
This presentation draws on Christine’s experience coordinating final wall assessments, bench failure analysis, and high wall approach training.
09:15 – 09:45
Christine Thikusho Senior Geotechnical Geologist | Swakop Uranium Namibia
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE SLOPE PERFORMANCE MONITORING: A CASE STUDY
Defining objectives, selecting technology, and integrating monitoring systems into operations.
Abstract:
Slope instability continues to cause significant challenges in surface mining and slope failures
constitute risks to personnel and the long-term stability of mining operations. An effective
monitoring system enables early detection of possible problems, supports early
intervention, and advances informed, risk-based decisions.
09:45 – 10:15
Nyeleti Masole Chief Rock Engineer, Foskor, South Africa
MORNING TEA-BREAK AND NETWORKING
10:15 – 10:45
🟦 DAY 2 SIGNATURE SESSIONS - Fireside chats + Interactive Panels and Hybrid Workshops STREAM B: “Digital Twins, AI & the Future of Slope Stability”
Day 2 Signature Sessions are designed to be an industry collaboration and solution-finding component of the conference —bringing together industry leaders, technical experts, and solution providers to confront a critical question posed by you:
Why do slopes still fail, even when designs meet technical standards?
These sessions move beyond traditional presentations into real dialogue, live problem-solving, and practical collaboration over live-recording. Through a mix of fireside chats, expert panels, and hands-on hybrid workshops, delegates will connect, engage and explore new and emerging solutions aligned to their operational realities
10:45 - 11:45
Multiple Speakers
🟦 DAY 2 SIGNATURE SESSIONS - Fireside chats + Interactive Panels and Hybrid Workshops STREAM B: “Digital Twins, AI & the Future of Slope Stability”
Day 2 Signature Sessions are designed to be an industry collaboration and solution-finding component of the conference —bringing together industry leaders, technical experts, and solution providers to confront a critical question posed by you:
Why do slopes still fail, even when designs meet technical standards?
These sessions move beyond traditional presentations into real dialogue, live problem-solving, and practical collaboration over live-recording. Through a mix of fireside chats, expert panels, and hands-on hybrid workshops, delegates will connect, engage and explore new and emerging solutions aligned to their operational realities
10:45 - 11:45
Multiple Speakers
Monitoring Systems Hybrid Panel
Immersive Panel Discussion on Slope Stability Monitoring Systems
This hands-on interactive panel explores how radar, InSAR, and drone technologies are transforming slope monitoring through integrated, real-time data workflows. Designed for practical application, the panel aims to harness expert insights to demonstrate how combining multiple systems enhance visibility, accuracy, and response time to address slope failures.
The session bridges innovation with operational implementation and uncovers the integrated implementation link to sourcing, selection and deploying fit-for-purpose monitoring technologies.
10:45 - 11:15
Featuring local OEM’s and Mining Technology Sponsors
Sponsored Technical Session
Interactive Technical Presentation on adapting and integrating emerging technologies with Slope Stability Monitoring & Operations
The presentation will explore how machine learning, AI, and big data—enabled by IoT sensor networks, cloud and multi-cloud architectures—are transforming real-time slope monitoring into predictive, adaptive systems.
It will highlight how secure, scalable platforms (including cybersecurity considerations) accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, enabling faster insights, flexible operations, and more responsive, data-driven interventions to enhance slope performance in complex mining and infrastructure environments.
11:15 - 11:45
Sponsors to be announced
🔷 SESSION 5: PERFORMANCE & GEOLOGICAL RISK
Exploring how integrated monitoring systems and real-time data enhance confidence in slope performance, this session highlights adaptive engineering practices that enable proactive decision-making, early risk detection, and continuous design refinement—bridging uncertainty with actionable insight for safer, more resilient operations.
11:45 - 13:00
Multiple Speakers
🔷 SESSION 5: PERFORMANCE & GEOLOGICAL RISK
Exploring how integrated monitoring systems and real-time data enhance confidence in slope performance, this session highlights adaptive engineering practices that enable proactive decision-making, early risk detection, and continuous design refinement—bridging uncertainty with actionable insight for safer, more resilient operations.
11:45 - 13:00
Multiple Speakers
🟦 Geological Drivers of Slope Instability in Platinum Mining: From Structural Complexity to Operational Risk (A Platinum Case)
As the industry evolves, so must our design philosophy. This presentation revisits the fundamentals of open pit mine design through the lens of simplicity, reliability and risk. It considers how acceptance criteria and geotechnical models can be re-imagined through probabilistic thinking, shifting from deterministic certainty to informed confidence.
- Geological Drivers of Slope Instability in Platinum Mining: From Structural Complexity to Operational Risk
- Understanding Geological Complexity in the Bushveld
- From Geological Model to Engineering Risk.
- Improving Prediction Through Geological Intelligence.
11:45 - 12:15
Speaker to be advised
🟦 Technology & Innovation in Ground Support What’s Changing—and What Actually Works
Innovation in ground support is accelerating—but not all of it translates into real-world performance. This session takes a closer, more practical look at how new technologies, materials, and systems are actually behaving in mining conditions.
-
Unpacking a few advances in materials and reinforcement systems, including hybrid support solutions
-
Defining the growing role of digital tools, simulation, and predictive modelling
-
How to evaluate new technologies against real operational performance
-
Deciding what to avoid over-engineering while still improving safety and efficiency
Adopting Innovation to strengthen performance—not complicate it
12:15 - 13:00
Speaker To be Announced
12:15 - 13:00
🟦 Technology & Innovation in Ground Support What’s Changing—and What Actually Works
Innovation in ground support is accelerating—but not all of it translates into real-world performance. This session takes a closer, more practical look at how new technologies, materials, and systems are actually behaving in mining conditions.
-
Unpacking a few advances in materials and reinforcement systems, including hybrid support solutions
-
Defining the growing role of digital tools, simulation, and predictive modelling
-
How to evaluate new technologies against real operational performance
-
Deciding what to avoid over-engineering while still improving safety and efficiency
Adopting Innovation to strengthen performance—not complicate it
Speaker To be Announced
LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING
13:00 - 14:00
🟦SPONSORED SESSION Closing the Loop: Integrating Design, Monitoring, and Operations for Real-Time Risk Control
Theme: Combining Geotechnical Reality and The Econpmics of Execution
-
Integrating Systems Across the Lifecycle
Connecting investigation, design, monitoring, and operations into one continuous workflow -
From Data to Real-Time Decisions
Turning monitoring insights into immediate, practical interventions on site -
Breaking Down Organisational Silos
Aligning geotechnical, operational, and leadership teams around shared risk visibility -
Building Closed-Loop Engineering Systems
Using feedback and performance data to continuously refine design and execution
14:00 - 14:30
Technical Partners To be announced
14:00 - 14:30
🟦 SPONSORED SESSION: Closing the Loop: Integrating Design, Monitoring, and Operations for Real-Time Risk Control
Theme: Combining Geotechnical Reality and The Econpmics of Execution
-
Integrating Systems Across the Lifecycle
Connecting investigation, design, monitoring, and operations into one continuous workflow -
From Data to Real-Time Decisions
Turning monitoring insights into immediate, practical interventions on site -
Breaking Down Organisational Silos
Aligning geotechnical, operational, and leadership teams around shared risk visibility -
Building Closed-Loop Engineering Systems
Using feedback and performance data to continuously refine design and execution
Technical Partners To be announced
🟦 From Monitoring to Action: Operationalising Data for Real-Time Geological Risk Control
-
Closing the Gap Between Data and Action
How organisations move from dashboards to real-time intervention and response -
Integrated Risk Workflows Across Teams
Aligning geotechnical, operational, and management layers for coordinated decision-making -
Protecting Operations Through Predictive Insight
Leveraging monitoring and analytics to anticipate failure and prevent disruption
14:30 – 15:00
Technical Partners To be announced
14:30 – 15:30
🟦 From Monitoring to Action: Operationalising Data for Real-Time Geological Risk Control
-
Closing the Gap Between Data and Action
How organisations move from dashboards to real-time intervention and response -
Integrated Risk Workflows Across Teams
Aligning geotechnical, operational, and management layers for coordinated decision-making -
Protecting Operations Through Predictive Insight
Leveraging monitoring and analytics to anticipate failure and prevent disruption
Technical Partners To be announced
MID-AFTERNOON TEA-BREAK AND NETWORKING
15:00 - 15:30
🟦 Closing Panel: Performance & Geological Risk in Practice Industry + Government + Technology | Interactive Hybrid Panel
Aligned Theme:
Exploring Integrated Models, Systems & Real-Time Data for Performance Confidence, Adaptive Engineering, and Safer, Resilient Infrastructure
Session Overview
Positioned within Session 5: Performance and Geological Risks, this closing panel brings the conference full circle—focusing on how integrated systems, real-time data, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are reshaping how we understand and manage slope performance.
Through an interactive, audience-driven format, this session explores how geological uncertainty, monitoring technologies, and engineering models can be better connected to enable proactive decision-making, early risk detection, and continuous refinement of design and operational practices.
This is where theory, technology, and governance converge—translating insight into actionable confidence in slope performance.
15:30 - 16:30
Technical Partners To be announced
15:30 - 16:30
🟦 Closing Panel: Performance & Geological Risk in Practice Industry + Government + Technology | Interactive Hybrid Panel
Aligned Theme:
Exploring Integrated Models, Systems & Real-Time Data for Performance Confidence, Adaptive Engineering, and Safer, Resilient Infrastructure
Session Overview
Positioned within Session 5: Performance and Geological Risks, this closing panel brings the conference full circle—focusing on how integrated systems, real-time data, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are reshaping how we understand and manage slope performance.
Through an interactive, audience-driven format, this session explores how geological uncertainty, monitoring technologies, and engineering models can be better connected to enable proactive decision-making, early risk detection, and continuous refinement of design and operational practices.
This is where theory, technology, and governance converge—translating insight into actionable confidence in slope performance.
Technical Partners To be announced
🟦 END OF DAY 2 AND CLOSE OF THE SLOPE STABILITY X26 CONFERENCE
16:30 - 16:40
🟦 Sponsored Farewell Cocktail & Strategic Networking
17:00 - 19:00
Sponsors and Partners To be announced
17:30 - 19:00
🟦 Sponsored FarewelL Cocktail & Strategic Networking
Sponsors and Partners To be announced
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