Founder & Principal Advisor
Dr. Alex Vyazmensky
Alex has more than 25 years of engineering experience across mine operations, studies, corporate technical roles, independent advisory work, applied research and earlier civil geotechnical work. His mining experience covers open-pit and underground geomechanics, mining methods transition, owner’s-side study review, life-of-mine optimisation, monitoring and advanced numerical modelling. Much of his work has involved difficult technical decisions with incomplete information and significant consequences.
Alex also has a strong interest in technical assurance and emerging mining technology. His approach is practical: understand what the available evidence can support, where its limitations lie, and what that means for engineering decisions.
Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics (SFU)
M.A.Sc. in Soil Mechanics (UBC)
Diploma in Computer Programming
Diploma in Civil Engineering (Geotech)
Selected experience
Rio Tinto (Copper):
Oyu Tolgoi Underground
Block caving geomechanics
Technical Due Diligence
Hindustan Zinc:
Large Underground Operations
Pit-to-UG transition
Group geotechnical lead
KAZ Minerals:
Open pit and underground Operations
Built Geotechnical Capability from the Ground Up
Group geotechnical lead
Research & Publications
Technical Focus
- Open-pit slope stability
- Underground hard-rock geomechanics
- Pit-to-underground interaction and transition
- Numerical model credibility and technical assurance
- Monitoring integration and emerging decision systems
When Independent Review Adds Value
Independent technical judgement adds most value when uncertainty remains material, commitments are becoming difficult to reverse, or the consequences of being wrong are significant.
Before a major study or design commitment
Stress-testing designs, feasibility assumptions, or consultant outputs before capital is committed.
When the planning window is compressed
Delivering rapid technical direction when interpretations are uncertain but the mine must act.
During pit-to-underground transition
Integrating complex interactions between open pits, underground workings, crown pillars, and infrastructure.
Stress-test assumptions
When the accepted model appears coherent, but critical assumptions have not been challenged across plausible scenarios.
When new evidence contradicts expectations
Evaluating ground behavior, monitoring data, or geology that no longer fits the accepted interpretation.
When technical uncertainty must be communicated upward
When senior management needs a clear independent view of the technical basis, uncertainty and implications for the mine plan.
Each engagement is tailored to the technical question and the information available. The steps below show how we move from an initial discussion to practical recommendations and, where needed, ongoing support.
Confidential discussion
We examine the asset, the technical question, and the decision timeframe with key decision-makers.
Focused review
We review relevant models and data remotely, working directly with site teams to test assumptions while they retain full ownership of daily operations.
Independent technical view
You receive a concise assessment highlighting key technical risks, model limitations, and actionable next steps.
Targeted follow-on support
Where ground conditions or designs evolve, support continues through periodic review or event-driven advisory.
Example Engagement
Challenge
Independent review of the geotechnical basis for a major open pit expansion.
Outcome
Critical weaknesses in data interpretation and slope stability assessment were identified before commitment, leading to a revised design basis and a more defensible life-of-mine strategy.
CONTACT
When a mining decision requires an independent geotechnical perspective, discuss it with VSKY.GEO.
Remote advisory. Based in UAE. Working globally.