The Bowen Basin Underground Geotechnical Society, or BBUGS, helps builds technical and collegiate capacity in the coal mining industry.

Organisers describe it as a society where geotechnical engineers can share experience in a friendly environment.

The group’s aims include , ‘mutual technical development, networking, expanding and sharing knowledge, special interest identification, specialist recognition, establishment of national links, expert opinion and influence in relation to the field of geotechnical engineering in the underground coal mines of the Bowen Basin.’

The June meeting attracted more than 80 participants and included an international contingent.

It featured presentations on shotcrete from Broadmeadow, DMT slim line borehole scanner and Nome’s Trolex Rockmonitor.

The next technical meeting is set down for 27 August. Organisers are hoping to include mine tours but will opt for a webinar subject to pandemic developments.