By Dr Melissa Salt, Senior Principal Scientist and Chair of the Technical Innovation Committee
We are now more than halfway through the year, and the 2026 Technical Innovation Projects are beginning to deliver exciting outcomes.
The first of the seven projects to be completed was the ATCW HSE&W Field App, as previously covered in The Groundwork. Amit Hans and team successfully delivered this project in May.
ATC Williams 2026 Technical & Innovation Contest – Progress Update
Our AI-Supported Innovation Projects
Luis Bandeira Neto and team have almost completed the Automated Optimisation Framework for GeoStudio Analysis Using Python Integration. The tool combines a simple optimisation algorithm with GeoStudio to automate a recurring analysis workflow commonly undertaken across ATCW.
Enzo Aguilera Pettinelli and team are finalising a Climate Change Tool, which automates the extraction of monthly climate projections and generates outputs ready for direct use in GoldSim water balance models.
The same team has also developed a Remote Sensing Tool for satellite imagery extraction and analysis, featuring shapefile uploads for areas of interest and water analysis zones, multiple cloud and quality filters, and extraction of a range of environmental indices.
Our Laboratory Innovation Projects
Our final three laboratory-based projects are ambitious in nature and will require most of the year to complete.
Mahdi Naeni and team are leading the development of Critical State Testing for Transitional Tailings. Fabrication has been completed, following several design modifications to accommodate larger sample volumes. Commissioning is commencing, with support from both laboratories and significant contributions from Laxmi Suwal.
Joel Eadie and team continue to drive progress on the Laboratory Erosion Testing for Mine Closure Cover System Design. The design has been completed, fabrication is underway, and the team is aiming for a strong finish to the year. Once operational, the flume apparatus will enable ATCW to undertake specialised testing in-house to support closure landform design.
Nathan Podlich and team are progressing the Mini-CPT for Soft Soil Testing. The team is preparing for field testing and is actively exploring deployment options.
Behnam Pirouz and Hooman Baghban’s development of the Erosion Function Apparatus began strongly and generated significant momentum, with delivery now expected in 2027.
Making Innovation Meaningful
As Committee Chair, it is exciting to see innovative ideas being transformed into practical tools, capabilities and services that will benefit ATCW and our clients in meaningful ways.
Applications for the 2027 Technical Innovation Projects will open soon.
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