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Dr. Helen Mackenzie

Principal Geotechnical Engineer, 16 years

Riverton Group · Brisbane, QLD · 16 years experience

Not Available

About

Geotechnical specialist with deep experience in tailings storage facility design, mine closure planning, and slope stability analysis. Has led geotechnical investigations and designs for some of Queensland's largest coal and gold mining operations. Known for integrating numerical modelling (FLAC, PLAXIS) with practical site understanding to deliver pragmatic, risk-informed designs.

Expertise

Engineering

Sector Experience

Mining & ResourcesDefenceGovernment & Public Sector

Languages

English

Qualifications & Registrations

Academic Qualifications

PhD, Geotechnical Engineering

2012

University of Queensland

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Civil Engineering

2008

University of Cape Town

Professional Registrations

RPEQ

#78901

Board of Professional Engineers Queensland

CPEng

#CPE-2013-7721

Engineers Australia

Experience

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

2019–Present

Riverton Group

Leads geotechnical practice. TSF design, mine closure, slope stability.

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

2014–2019

Golder Associates

Geotechnical design and investigation for mining and infrastructure projects.

Geotechnical Engineer

2012–2014

SRK Consulting

Mine geotechnics, pit slope design, and tailings management.

Project History

Tailings Storage Facility Raise — Gold Mine

2025

Newmont · Mining & Resources

Lead Geotechnical DesignerHands-On

Designed a 12m lift raise for an operating TSF including seepage analysis, stability modelling (PLAXIS), and construction quality assurance.

Contaminated Land Assessment — Former Defence Site

2024

Department of Defence · Defence

Lead Environmental Geotechnical EngineerHands-On

Led detailed site investigation and human health risk assessment for a former military facility earmarked for residential redevelopment.

Mine Closure Geotechnical Assessment

2024

Glencore · Mining & Resources

Technical Directoroversee

Geotechnical closure assessment for an open-cut coal mine including long-term stability analysis of final voids, spoil dumps, and rehabilitated landforms.

Projects / Case Studies

Standout projects from Dr.'s career, with the challenge, approach, and outcome for each.

Independent review of a tailings storage facility raise

2023

Queensland coal operator (confidential) · Defence

Independent reviewer, TSF downstream raiseAdvisory

Third-party geotechnical review of a 15 m downstream raise against ANCOLD Guidelines.

Challenge

Operator proposing raise on a facility with limited historical piezometric data and recent seismic reclassification.

Solution

Re-ran slope-stability analyses in PLAXIS with updated cyclic-loading parameters; recommended targeted additional piezometers and a revised filter design before raise commencement.

Outcome

Review accepted by the regulator; raise proceeded under a revised observational-method monitoring plan.