Mining Geotechnics Field Trip

On May 16, 2026, the Mining Engineering Study Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, conducted a field trip for the Mining Geotechnics course in Timbuseng Village, Pattallassang Subdistrict, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The activity was attended by 67 students and accompanied by 9 laboratory assistants as well as the course instructors, Dr. Eng. Ir. Purwanto, S.T., M.T., and Lilis Sulistyani, S.T., M.MEng., GradCertPM, MAusIMM.

The purpose of this field trip was to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in understanding geotechnical aspects related to slope stability analysis in mining operations. Through field observations and measurements, students were expected to apply the theories they had learned in class to identify the characteristics of rock masses and slope conditions.

During the activity, the students conducted various geotechnical observations and measurements, beginning with measurements of the orientation of discontinuity planes—specifically the strike and dip of fractures found on the slope. In addition, the students classified the rock types encountered at the observation site and created sketches and documentation of the slope’s physical conditions as part of the engineering geological analysis.

The field activities also included in-situ testing of rock mechanical properties using a Schmidt Hammer to obtain a preliminary understanding of rock strength in the field. The test results will subsequently be analyzed further through laboratory practical exercises as part of the evaluation of the rock’s geotechnical characteristics.