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 11years 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.
Selin Karagullu
Geotechnical Engineer – Bachelor of Science
Selin joined Geotechnicoal in 2019 after studying and working in Turkey and gaining qualifications as a Geotechnical Engineer. Selin works onsite in the tech services teams assisting in both underground and open cut pits and has a strong work ethic and underground presence. Selin also supports the development and testing of SMA, by utilising her site experience to develop a seamless program for tech services teams.
Jongwon Park
Geotechnical Engineer – Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Engineering
Jongwon affectionately known as Park by his peers graduated from the University of Queensland with majors in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering. Initially joining the Geotechnicoal team in 2018 as a Graduate, Park has returned to the team in 2021 as a Geotechnical Engineer. With strong mathematical abilities and a focus on safety, Park has been involved in testing and developing SMA. Park’s positive attitude and educational background brings valuable input to our learning and training systems.
Jenna Fitzgerald
Geotechnical Engineer – Bachelor of Science (Geology), MMinEng (Geomechanics)
Jenna brings 12 years of experience to the Geotechnicoal Team and has worked across both open cut and underground mines in NSW and QLD as a Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer. Jenna has extensive experience in strata management systems onsite and has a passion for monitoring systems, geological modelling in Vulcan and geotechnical design, particularly in the underground sphere. She also brings experience and knowledge in road header excavations, shot firing excavations, longwall install and recovery faces, secondary and remedial support regimes. Jenna’s extensive onsite experience, excellent work ethic, determination and eye for innovation and business improvement is an asset to the Geotechnicoal Team.
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.
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 an 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.