Since it’s establishment in 2012 Geotechnicoal has provided a wide range of geological and geotechnical services to the underground coal mining industry. We are passionate about innovation and industry excellence. In addition to SMA and SMA-RT we are working on several research projects with emerging and established partners.
Geotechnicoal is comprised of a group of dynamic and dedicated individuals. With a drive to optimise processes and production, our highly qualified and reliable team members have become a valued part of many onsite tech services departments.
Our Principal and Senior Engineers contribute a wealth of experience from Senior and Superintendent level roles within multinational mining organisations. They provide RPEQ oversight and a high level of technical acumen for site operations and offsite project management.
Our People - TECHNICAL TEAM
Michael Melville
Principal Geotechnical Engineer - RPEQ, MAusIMM CP (Geotech)
Michael has extensive experience in underground coal mining and has been fulfilling Geotechnical Engineering roles for the past 16 years. Michael started Geotechnicoal in 2012 allowing him the opportunity to support multiple mine sites requiring RPEQ oversight.
In 2013 Michael began developing the Strata Monitoring Application giving tech services teams the ability to monitor, analyse and report on strata monitoring data with ease and efficiency. Assisting with time management, productivity, design and real time capabilities, SMA is a leader in its field and is currently utilised by mines in Australia and New Zealand.
Scott Burchmore
Manager Geotechnical Systems and Analytics - RPEQ, MAusIMM CP (Geotech)
BAppSc (Geology), MMinEng (Geomechanics)
Scott holds qualifications in Geology, Geotechnical Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ). Specialising in underground coal mining, Scott has worked full time in the industry since 2010, holding various onsite and corporate level positions across open cut and underground operations through Queensland and New South Wales.
Initially joining the Geotechnicoal team in 2016 as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, we welcomed Scott back in 2020 to take on the management of the Strata Monitoring Application. Scott’s extensive onsite experience and knowledge of what tech services teams need from strata software will see SMA continue to evolve and include new innovations and capabilities.
Daniel Kerridge
Geotechnical Engineer – Grad Dip Coal Mine Strata Control, Bachelor of Science
Dan joined Geotechnicoal in 2016 and has 11 years experience working in underground coal mines throughout the Bowen Basin. Dan works onsite permanently with one of our major clients filling a crucial tech services position as he works towards his RPEQ. He is well regarded for his reliability and mentorship of others. Dan is a valuable member of the team who shares his positive attitude, dedication to work and experience in the Bowen Basin with the Geotechnicoal team and onsite tech services departments.
Huseyin Cengaver
Geotechnical Engineer
Huseyin joined Geotechnicoal in 2023, bringing his experience from being involved in open-pit and underground hard rock operations in Turkey. He played a key role in numerical modelling, slope stability, and mining monitoring systems. Holding a MSc degree in Geotechnical Engineering, he is working towards his RPEQ. His career highlights reflect his dedication to advancing the field of geotechnical engineering through innovative contributions and continuous learning.
Francois Pool
Mine Geologist – Bachelor of Science (Earth Science)
Having joined the Geotechnicoal team to further his strong interest in & enthusiasm for underground coal geology & longwall mining. Francois is a dedicated Geologist with experience across Open Cut and Underground mining operations.
Francois is currently completing the UNSW Geotechnical Engineering post graduate qualification.
Tim Power
Mine Geologist - Master in Environmental Mgmt & Sustainability, Grad Diploma in Coal Mine Strata Control
Bachelor of Science (Geology), Bachelor of Teaching
Tim joined Geotechnicoal in October 2024, initially working with our team at Cook Colliery before transferring to Oaky North Mine. With more than two decades of experience spanning underground and open-cut coal operations, exploration, geotechnical hazard management, and mine planning, Tim brings a wealth of technical and operational expertise. Tim’s career includes senior geology and technical services roles with Anglo American, Whitehaven Coal, Centennial Coal, and Vale, where he led mapping, hazard plan development, resource modelling, and exploration programs. Known for his analytical precision, strong safety focus, and collaborative approach, Tim plays a key role in delivering high-quality geological and geotechnical insights that support safe, efficient mining operations.
Dan Moloney
Mine Geologist – Bachelor of Science (GeoScience), Bachelor of Applied Science
Dan joined Geotechnicoal in April 2025, bringing over a decade of geological, mine planning, and coal quality experience across Queensland’s underground and open-cut coal operations. He combines strong technical capability with a deep understanding of operational requirements. Dan’s career spans roles with Anglo American, Middlemount Coal, and Idemitsu, covering development and longwall mapping, hazard plan generation, exploration management, coal quality control, and geological reconciliations. In his part-time role at Cook Colliery, he applies his expertise to deliver accurate, data-driven geological insights that support safe, efficient production. Known for his thoroughness and collaborative approach, Dan is committed to enhancing geological and geotechnical outcomes through precision, planning, and teamwork.
Noel Waipape
Graduate Mine Geologist - Bachelor of Geology
Noel joined Geotechnicoal in March 2025 bringing early industry experience in both underground coal and metalliferous mining. He supports our clients with geological mapping, strata inspections, core logging, and geotechnical data analysis, applying tools such as AutoCAD, SMA, and Haztrack to deliver accurate, actionable insights. Noel’s practical skill set extends to pull testing, borecore analysis, and hazard plan drafting, ensuring high-quality inputs for safe and efficient mining operations. Recognised for his quick learning, excellent work ethic, problem-solving mindset, and strong communication skills, he is committed to developing his technical expertise while contributing to Geotechnicoal’s reputation for precision, safety, and client-focused solutions.
Ocean Masaoki Nishimura
Graduate Softwear Engineer – Bachelor of Computer Science
Ocean joined Geotechnicoal in 2023 as a Software Engineer Intern, contributing to the development of our advanced Strata Monitoring Application (SMA) and other digital solutions for underground mining operations. He graduated in 2024 with a major in Machine Learning and brings strong technical expertise across multiple programming languages and cloud platforms, holding AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect – Associate credentials. His skills in data analytics, machine learning, and software development support our mission to deliver reliable, real-time geotechnical insights. Bilingual in Japanese and English, Ocean combines technical capability with a collaborative mindset, ensuring innovative, high-quality solutions that meet the needs of our clients.
Braden Bowie
Graduate Software Engineer - Bachelor of Computer Science
Braden joined Geotechnicoal in September 2024 and is based in our Brisbane office, supporting the development and enhancement of our proprietary Strata Monitoring Application (SMA), Haztrack and other technical solutions. Braden brings skills in C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, and .NET, alongside experience in full-stack development, testing, and systems integration. His background includes software development and technical support roles, game project collaboration, and process automation for business systems. Braden’s logical problem-solving, adaptability, and attention to detail contribute to delivering reliable, user-focused software tools that help our clients make faster, safer, and data-driven decisions in the field.
