Italo Onederra

Professor Italo Onederra serves as the Director of the Centre for Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies (FAST) at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. He leads a research group focused on improving mineral extraction methods with reduced environmental impact through advanced preconditioning and fragmentation techniques. Recognised internationally as a specialist in explosives and blasting engineering technology, Italo holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with honours from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Engineering Science and PhD from the University of Queensland. With over 25 years of R&D experience and consulting work in Australia, South America, Africa, and Europe, Italo has demonstrated leadership and impact in both research and industry. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, contributed to technical reports and books, and co-invented novel nitrogen oxide-free explosives based on hydrogen peroxide. Italo is also known for developing fragmentation modelling techniques, which have been incorporated into commercial software used globally by industry and academia, as well as pioneering the use of physics engines in blast movement modelling to improve ore control and maximise recovery. Advanced preconditioning and fragmentation; Advanced fragmentation modelling; Blasting to minimise geotechnical risks; Alternative explosive formulations; Application of controlled energetics in novel comminution systems; Experimental work to study rock dynamic reponse under confinement

[2026] A maximum velocity mapping approach for damage prediction in underground tunnelling destressing blasting [2026] Advanced method for integrating weak shear layer disruption into slope stability assessment [2026] Re-evaluating stope leaching: a critical review of metal extraction strategies for deep low-grade ore under energy transition constraints [2026] Gas bubble sensitisation of a non-ideal explosive using different gases as hot spots [2025] Reconfiguring the techno-economic-environmental landscape for low-grade ore extraction: a strategic analysis of stope leaching systems [2025] Advancing drill & blast design and decision support for sustainable mine process optimisation strategies [2025] Modelling the impact of rock mass structure on confined blast preconditioning damage [2024]