Rate My Professor Micah Nehring

Dr. Micah Nehring is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Mining Engineering within the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland. He joined the School in 2011 upon completing his Doctor of Philosophy at the same university, with his earlier B.Sc. thesis titled 'Stope sequencing and optimisation in underground hardrock mining' (2006). As the leader of the High Performance Surface Mining Research Group, Nehring oversees research dedicated to the planning and installation of In-Pit-Crusher-Conveyor (IPCC) systems. Throughout his early career academic program, he has established collaborations with universities in Sweden, Germany, and Kazakhstan. Additionally, he has cultivated a robust industry network that supports the implementation of his group's research outcomes in practical mining operations.

Nehring's research focuses on mine planning, production scheduling optimisation, mathematical programming, optimal ultimate pit limit (UPL) determination, and IPCC systems planning. His contributions have been published extensively in leading journals, including Minerals Engineering, Resources Policy, International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Mining, and Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, with over 89 works spanning 2006 to 2026. Key publications include the co-authored book Mine planning for resource sustainability: a solution to complex problems (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2023); 'Re-evaluating stope leaching: a critical review of metal extraction strategies for deep low-grade ore under energy transition constraints' (Minerals Engineering, 2026); 'Comparative assessment of CO2 emissions from mining haulage truck alternatives to achieve 2030 climate targets' (Resources Policy, 2026); 'A multi-objective model for economic and carbon emission optimisation in sublevel stoping operations' (Mining, 2025); 'A systems engineering approach to incorporate ESG risks and opportunities in early-stage mine design and planning' (Mining, 2024); 'Electrification alternatives for open pit mine haulage' (Mining, 2023); and 'A new mathematical programming formulation for production scheduling optimisation of sublevel stoping operations in the presence of pre-concentration systems' (Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, 2023). These works highlight his influence in advancing sustainable mining through integration of economic, environmental, social, and governance factors. Nehring has secured funding for projects such as the 'Research Services to Elaborate a Road Map for the Mine Design 4 ESG Initiative' (Anglo American, 2022-2023), 'Quantification and Qualification of the Mechanical Properties of Thin Spray-on Liners' (NewCrest Mining, 2021), and 'Predicting Roof Displacement in Underground Coal Mining Operations using Machine Learning' (Innovation Connections, 2021-2022). He coordinates courses including Short Term Mine Planning and Scheduling (MINE6120) and Strategic Mine Planning and Sustainability (MINE4127).