Professor Ismet Canbulat

Professor Ismet Canbulat is an internationally recognised leader in mining engineering, with over 30 years of experience spanning technical roles in academia, industry, consultancy, and applied research. As Head of the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering at UNSW Sydney and Kenneth Finlay Chair of Rock Mechanics, he has shaped major strategic initiatives that have elevated the School’s global standing and enhanced its partnerships with industry and government.

Professor Canbulat’s career has been defined by his ability to lead large, complex projects and deliver high-impact outcomes. He has successfully bridged the gap between research and practice, securing significant competitive research funding while also leading technical programs that directly address operational and strategic challenges in mining. Under his leadership, UNSW’s minerals and mining engineering program has achieved a top-two global ranking in the 2024 QS World Rankings.

Prior to joining UNSW, Professor Canbulat held senior technical and leadership roles internationally, including as Group Geotechnical Engineer at Anglo American in Brisbane, where he was responsible for developing global geotechnical standards and supporting major capital projects. He previously served as a Principal Engineer in various consulting companies and as a Research Area Manager at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa, where he led national research programs in rock engineering and ground control in various commodities.

His technical expertise spans rock mechanics, mine design, ground support system optimisation, numerical modelling, ground control, and risk-based geotechnical assessment. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and produced more than 200 consultancy reports for underground and open-pit mines in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Professor Canbulat is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a member of several international professional societies. He sits on expert panels for leading mining companies and government agencies and frequently provides independent technical advice on complex geotechnical issues. A regular keynote speaker at international forums, he is widely regarded for his leadership in mining innovation and for influencing policy and practice across the sector.

His achievements have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Syd S. Peng Ground Control Award (SME, USA), the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Gold Medal, and BBUGS’ Geotechnical Practitioner of the Year.