Who is Rob A Geotech

Rob A Geotech is a boutique geotechnical firm specializing in Geotechnical Risk Management, Geotechnical Assurance and Project reviews.

Led by Principal Rob Atkins who has had over 25 years in the global mining industry, specializing in managing geotechnical risk across a wide range of commodities and mining methods, supporting major hazard management and assurance programs.

With a strong operational focus Rob has guided technical teams through complex operational challenges, driven strategic improvements in mine planning and performance. Early work focussed on geotechnical data innovations, standardizing practices and supported major mining projects like Resolution Copper and Oyu Tolgoi.

Community Positions

Board Member - Eastern Area Ground Control Group

The EAGCG provides a forum for ground control practitioners in mining to exchange ideas and disseminate information on ground control in an informal environment. It also provides a technical support network for isolated members.

The original intention at the formation of the Group in 2002 was that its core membership would comprise predominantly hard rock, underground mining, rock mechanics engineers. It aimed to provide them with opportunities to get together, discuss practical issues and share ideas and experiences amongst themselves. Since then, the membership has expanded to include open-cut mining rock mechanics engineers, suppliers, consultants, coal and tunnelling geotechnical engineers and some members from academia and research.

The Group has a good reputation in the local rock engineering community, due primarily to its pragmatic focus on issues concerning practitioners, in contrast to a focus on academic or research issues.

Next Meeting:-

“When things go wrong” - Hazards and Risk

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns, Qld — 7-8 May 2026

Contact the EAGCG Secretary (secretary@eagcg.org) if you too would like to present and/or sponsor.

Registration is open. So get in early HERE to secure yourself a seat.

Senior Course Advisor, Geotechnical Fundamentals for Underground Mining, GCE, University of Arizona

The GCE (Geotechnical Centre of Excellence) is a member-led organization working across the University of Arizona, the mining industry, and other institutions to:

develop innovative geotechnical solutions through applied research;
deliver graduates from multiple disciplines prepared to work in the geotechnical field;
provide critical professional development training.

Dedicated to ensuring that geotech and safety advance at the same rate as technology and environmental priorities, the GCE is focused on finding innovative solutions to the most critical and complex geotechnical problems facing the mining industry today.

In addition, we lead the industry’s most robust professional development program for mining geotechnical professionals.

The GCE’s newest course, Geotechnical Fundamentals for Underground Mining, will elevate your knowledge in geotechnical practices tailored for the underground mining industry. Enhance your expertise in underground mining with this practical course on geotechnical principles. Course begins September 22, 2026.