Moe Momayez

Professor of Mining and Geological Engineering
Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors
Member of the Graduate Faculty

I have a longstanding interest in the development of new technologies to improve mine safety and productivity, specifically miners health and safety, geomaterials characterization, rock breakage, energy/process efficiency, and renewable energy. I am leading efforts to provide options for mitigating heat-related emergencies in hot underground mines using a combination of adaptive ventilation-on-demand, identifying factors specific to deep and hot underground mines that contribute to heat strain risk, reducing the requirement for refrigeration in deep mines through the development of extremely low thermal conductivity geo-foams employing recycled mine tailing materials, contingency cooling, rapid evacuation protocols, and shelter-in-place. My physics background provides deeper insight into low-temperature geothermal energy extraction from underground mines, electricity production from photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on tailings, reducing evaporation on supernatant water (a huge concern in semiarid environments), and improving the thermal efficiency of concentrated solar thermal power generation. I am investigating the reasons for the significant improvement in rock fragmentation – up to a factor of five – when the surface charges in geomaterials are canceled. I have extensive experience in geosensing and the development of contact, non-contact and distributed sensing systems to measure physical, mechanical and geotechnical properties of geomaterials. Collectively, my efforts constitute a unique and novel contribution.

I joined the faculty in the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering at the University of Arizona in 2007. I am also the Energy and Geosensing Team Leader at the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources. I hold 14 patents and patent applications related to thermally insulating materials, heat stress prediction for mine workers, rock slope stability prediction, comminution, material characterization, and renewable energy generation from mines. Before joining the faculty in the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering at the University of Arizona, I worked at McGill University in Montreal, Canada as Lecturer and Manager of the Subsurface Sensing Laboratory conducting research and providing services to mining and civil engineering companies, and government agencies related to nondestructive evaluation of underground and concrete structures. During the 2014-2015 period, I served as the President of the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, the premier near-surface geophysics organization devoted to promoting the science of geophysics especially as it is applied to environmental and engineering problems.

Degrees

  • PhD Mining Engineering
    • McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    • Stress memory measurement using the Kaiser effect of acoustic emission
  • MS Applied Geophysics
    • McGill University, Montreal, Canada
  • BS Applied Geophysics
    • McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Work Experience

  • The University of Arizona - Department of Mining and Geological Engineering (2021 - Ongoing)
  • The University of Arizona - Department of Mining and Geological Engineering (2011 - 2014)
  • The University of Arizona - Department of Mining and Geological Engineering (2007 - Ongoing)
  • McGill University - Department of Mining and Materials Engineering (2000 - 2006)
  • McGill University - Department of Mining and Materials Engineering (1996 - 2000)
  • McGill University - Center of Intelligent Machines (1994 - 1996)

Interests

Teaching

Geopositioning, mine ventilation, rock excavation, rock mechanics, geosensing, time series analysis, machine learning, image processing, computer programming, instrumentation, renewable energy

Research

Mine ventilation, geomechanics, rock physics, rock breakage, geosensing, rock slope stability, renewable energy, instrumentation and monitoring, signal and image processing, machine learning, nondestructive evaluation

Courses

MNE 527 (Fall 2024)
MNE 527 (Fall 2023)

Independent Study

MNE 299 (Fall 2018)
MNE 399 (Fall 2022)
MNE 499 (Spring 2023)
MNE 499 (Spring 2020)
MNE 499 (Spring 2018)
MNE 499 (Spring 2017)
MNE 599 (Fall 2024)
MNE 599 (Summer I 2024)
MNE 599 (Fall 2023)
MNE 599 (Fall 2021)
MNE 599 (Spring 2021)
MNE 599 (Fall 2020)
MNE 599 (Spring 2020)
MNE 599 (Fall 2019)
MNE 599 (Spring 2019)
MNE 599 (Fall 2018)
MNE 599 (Fall 2017)
MNE 599 (Spring 2017)
MNE 599 (Fall 2016)
MNE 599 (Spring 2016)
MNE 699 (Fall 2024)
MNE 699 (Spring 2024)
MNE 699 (Spring 2023)
MNE 699 (Spring 2020)
MNE 699 (Summer I 2018)
MNE 699 (Spring 2017)
MNE 699 (Fall 2016)
MNE 699 (Spring 2016)

Directed Research/Mn E

MNE 392 (Summer I 2023)
MNE 392 (Spring 2022)
MNE 392 (Spring 2021)
MNE 392 (Fall 2020)
MNE 392 (Spring 2020)
MNE 392 (Fall 2019)
MNE 392 (Spring 2019)
MNE 392 (Fall 2017)
MNE 392 (Summer I 2017)
MNE 392 (Fall 2016)
MNE 392 (Spring 2016)
MNE 492 (Spring 2023)
MNE 492 (Fall 2022)
MNE 492 (Fall 2021)
MNE 492 (Spring 2021)
MNE 492 (Fall 2020)
MNE 492 (Summer I 2020)
MNE 492 (Spring 2020)
MNE 492 (Fall 2019)
MNE 492 (Fall 2017)
MNE 492 (Spring 2017)
MNE 492 (Fall 2016)
MNE 492 (Spring 2016)

Honors Independent Study

MNE 399H (Spring 2023)

Data Analysis

MNE 420 (Fall 2023)
MNE 420 (Spring 2022)
MNE 420 (Fall 2021)
MNE 420 (Spring 2021)
MNE 420 (Fall 2020)
MNE 420 (Spring 2020)
MNE 420 (Fall 2019)
MNE 420 (Spring 2019)
MNE 420 (Fall 2018)
MNE 420 (Spring 2018)
MNE 420 (Fall 2017)
MNE 420 (Spring 2017)
MNE 420 (Fall 2016)
MNE 520 (Fall 2024)
MNE 520 (Spring 2024)
MNE 520 (Fall 2023)
MNE 520 (Spring 2023)
MNE 520 (Fall 2022)
MNE 520 (Spring 2022)
MNE 520 (Fall 2021)
MNE 520 (Spring 2021)
MNE 520 (Fall 2020)
MNE 520 (Spring 2020)
MNE 520 (Fall 2019)
MNE 520 (Spring 2019)
MNE 520 (Fall 2018)
MNE 520 (Spring 2018)
MNE 520 (Fall 2017)
MNE 520 (Spring 2017)
MNE 520 (Fall 2016)

Geomechanics

GEN 527 (Fall 2023)
MNE 427 (Fall 2024)
MNE 427 (Fall 2023)
MNE 427 (Fall 2022)
MNE 527 (Fall 2022)

Geopositioning

MNE 444 (Fall 2024)
MNE 444 (Fall 2023)
MNE 444 (Fall 2022)
MNE 444 (Fall 2021)
MNE 444 (Fall 2020)
MNE 444 (Fall 2019)
MNE 444 (Fall 2018)
MNE 444 (Fall 2017)
MNE 444 (Fall 2016)
MNE 544 (Fall 2023)
MNE 544 (Fall 2022)
MNE 544 (Fall 2021)
MNE 544 (Fall 2020)
MNE 544 (Fall 2019)
MNE 544 (Fall 2018)
MNE 544 (Fall 2017)

Undgr Constr Geomechanic

MNE 447 (Spring 2024)
MNE 447 (Spring 2023)
MNE 547 (Spring 2024)
MNE 547 (Spring 2023)

Mine Ventilation

MNE 476 (Spring 2024)
MNE 476 (Spring 2023)
MNE 476 (Spring 2022)
MNE 476 (Spring 2021)
MNE 476 (Spring 2020)
MNE 476 (Spring 2019)
MNE 476 (Spring 2018)
MNE 476 (Spring 2017)
MNE 476 (Spring 2016)
MNE 576 (Spring 2024)
MNE 576 (Spring 2023)
MNE 576 (Spring 2022)
MNE 576 (Spring 2021)
MNE 576 (Spring 2020)
MNE 576 (Spring 2019)
MNE 576 (Spring 2018)
MNE 576 (Spring 2017)
MNE 576 (Spring 2016)

Internship

MNE 493 (Spring 2023)
MNE 493 (Summer I 2022)
MNE 493 (Spring 2022)
MNE 493 (Fall 2018)
MNE 493 (Summer I 2018)
Honors Thesis

MNE 498H (Spring 2019)
MNE 498H (Spring 2017)
MNE 498H (Fall 2016)
MNE 498H (Spring 2016)

Mine Economics

MNE 560B (Spring 2020)

Applied Earth Sci Meas & Image

MNE 670 (Fall 2020)
MNE 670 (Fall 2017)

Research

MNE 900 (Summer I 2024)
MNE 900 (Fall 2023)
MNE 900 (Spring 2021)
MNE 900 (Fall 2020)
MNE 900 (Spring 2020)
MNE 900 (Spring 2019)
MNE 900 (Spring 2017)
MNE 900 (Fall 2016)
MNE 900 (Spring 2016)

Thesis

MNE 910 (Spring 2024)
MNE 910 (Fall 2023)
MNE 910 (Spring 2023)
MNE 910 (Fall 2022)
MNE 910 (Spring 2022)
MNE 910 (Fall 2021)
MNE 910 (Spring 2021)
MNE 910 (Fall 2020)
MNE 910 (Spring 2020)
MNE 910 (Fall 2019)
MNE 910 (Summer I 2019)
MNE 910 (Spring 2019)
MNE 910 (Fall 2018)
MNE 910 (Summer I 2018)
MNE 910 (Spring 2018)
MNE 910 (Fall 2017)

Dissertation

MNE 920 (Fall 2024)
MNE 920 (Summer I 2023)
MNE 920 (Fall 2022)
MNE 920 (Spring 2022)
MNE 920 (Fall 2021)
MNE 920 (Spring 2021)
MNE 920 (Winter 2020)
MNE 920 (Fall 2020)
MNE 920 (Spring 2020)
MNE 920 (Fall 2019)
MNE 920 (Spring 2019)
MNE 920 (Fall 2018)
MNE 920 (Fall 2017)
MNE 920 (Spring 2017)
MNE 920 (Fall 2016)
MNE 920 (Spring 2016)

Selected Publications

Journals/Publications

  • Momayez, M., & Lama, B. (2023). Review of Non-Destructive Methods for Rock Bolts Condition Evaluation. Mining, 3(1), 106-120. doi:10.3390/mining3010007
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2020). Development of a modified predicted heat strain model for hot work environments. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 30(4), 447-481. doi:doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2020.05.009
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2020). Heat Stress in Hot Underground Mines: a Brief Literature Review. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Journal, 38(4), 497–508. doi:doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00324-4
  • Momayez, M., Song, X., Wang, X., Chen, T., & Dang, F. (2020). Research on cross‐well pseudorandom electromagnetic detection method and extraction of response characteristics. Energy Science & Engineering, 8(10), 3602-3626. doi:10.1002/ese3.767
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., Runge, K., & Muralidharan, K. (2020). Recent Developments in Thermally Insulating Materials Based on Geopolymers. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 37, 995-1014. doi:doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00201-0
  • Rao, P., Muralidharan, K., Momayez, M., Runge, K., & Loy, D. A. (2020). Direct foaming driven synthesis and thermophysical characterization of silica-alumina foams: Applications for thermal insulation. Journal of Ceramics International, 46(8), 10431-10441. doi:doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.01.042
  • Song, X., Momayez, M., Wang, X., Chen, T., & Dang, F. (2020). Research on cross‐well pseudorandom electromagnetic detection method and extraction of response characteristics. Journal of Energy Science and Engineering, 1-25. doi:doi.org/10.1002/ese3.767
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2019). Validation of the Predicted Heat Strain Model in Hot Underground Mines. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 36, 1213-1219. doi:doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-0102-6
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2019). Validation of the Predicted Heat Strain Model in Hot Underground Mines. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 7. doi:doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-0102-6
  • Xu, D., Sun, R., Yeh, J., & Momayez, M. (2019). Mapping Soil Layers Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Validation: Sandbox Experiments. Journal of Hydrology, 575, 523-536. doi:doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.05.036
  • Kothari, U., & Momayez, M. (2018). Machine Learning: A Novel Approach to Predicting Slope Instabilities. International Journal of Geophysics, 2018, 9. doi:doi.org/10.1155/2018/4861254
  • Moe, M., Upasna, C. K., Momayez, M., & Kothari, U. C. (2018). New approaches to monitoring, analyzing and predicting slope instabilities. Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 10(1), 1-14. doi:10.5897/jgmr2017.0272
  • Momayez, M., & Kothari, U. C. (2018). Machine Learning: A Novel Approach to Predicting Slope Instabilities. International Journal of Geophysics, 2018, 1-9. doi:10.1155/2018/4861254
  • Gravley, S., Momayez, M., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., & Diaz, N. B. (2017). Diseño de una Estación de Refugio para Equipo Montado en Rieles – Design of a Refuge Chamber for Rail-Mounted Equipment. RUMBO MINERO, 182-185.
  • Kothari, U., & Momayez, M. (2017). New Approaches to Monitoring, Analyzing and Predicting Slope Instabilities. Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 10(1), 1-14.

Proceedings Publications

  • Alsalhi, A., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., Heath, G., Werner, J. D., & Peters, M. P. (2021, Spring). Development of a Supervisory System for Monitoring Ventilation and Rock Displacement Data at San Xavier Mine Laboratory. In 2021 SME Annual Meeting & Expo (MineXchange 2021).
  • Butani, M., & Momayez, M. (2021, March). Heat management alternatives in deep underground mines as a crucial part of mine ventilation. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Chaurasia, A., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2020, February). More Efficient Way to Increase Ventilation in Deep Underground Mine. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Cordova, V., & Momayez, M. (2020, February). Machine Learning Model for Prediction of Core Body Temperature based on Wearable Non-Invasive Monitoring Devices. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Cordova, V., & Momayez, M. (2020, February). The Effects of Cooling Technologies on Core Body Temperature Monitored During Mining Activity. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2020, February). Modification of the PHS Model to Predict Heat Stress. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Peters, P., Momayez, M., & Heath, G. (2021, March). Advanced automated monitoring of a Tailings Facility: How coupling geophysics and in-situ sensors can increase safety and provide a cost-effective inside into Tailings Dams.. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2020, February). Heat Management Alternatives in Deep Underground Mines as a Crucial Part of Mine Ventilation. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Beltran, C., Belmar, R., Risso, N., Momayez, M., & Salgado, F. (2019, February). Incorporating the use of Renewable Energy in the Mining Industry. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Griffin, S., Burgess, J., Momayez, M., Harber, P., & Staack, D. (2019, February). Assessment of the Predicted Heat Strain Model and Measures of Heat Strain in Mining. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2019, February). Determination and Comparison of Thermal Stress Indices in Mining: TWL, PHS and WBGT. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Lazaro, P., Momayez, M., & Cordova, V. (2019, April). Development of a Modified Predicted Heat Strain Model for Hot Work Environments.. In 2019 North American Mine Ventilation Symposium.
  • Pratish, R., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2019, April). Fabrication of Cost-Effective Heat Insulation as Efficient Solutions in Mine Ventilation Systems.. In 2019 North American Mine Ventilation Symposium.
  • Rao, P., & Momayez, M. (2019, February). Synthesis and Characterization of Sprayable Thermally Insulating Material as Heat Regulators in Deep Underground Mines. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Risso, N., & Momayez, M. (2019, February). Achieving Safety and Comfort with an Environment-Aware Ventilation System for Underground Mines. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.

Poster Presentations

  • Lazaro, P., Cordova, V. L., & Momayez, M. (2019, January). Detection and Prevention of Heat Stress in Mines. Mining Summit. Dan Dunlap Stadium Club, University of Arizona Football Stadium: Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources.
  • Momayez, M. (2019, January). Personalized Mine Safetyand Health Monitoring. Mining Summit. Dan Dunlap Stadium Club, University of Arizona Football Stadium: Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources.
  • Do, Y., Rao, P., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2018, December / Fall). GeoFoams: New Materials for Strength and Thermal Applications. 2018 Arizona Tech Council Meeting. San Xavier Underground Laboratory: Arizona Tech Council.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2018, December / Fall). Heat Stress Model. 2018 Arizona Tech Council Meeting. San Xavier Underground Laboratory: Arizona Tech Council.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., Muralidharan, K., & Runge, K. (2018, December / Fall). Sprayable Low-Cost Thermally Insulating Shotcrete. 2018 Arizona Tech Council Meeting. San Xavier Underground Laboratory: Arizona Tech Council.
  • Risso, N., Palomino, O. L., Momayez, M., & Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O. (2018, December / Fall). Smart Mines. 2018 SME Arizona Conference. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa: SME Tucson Section.
  • Yang, S., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., Gravley, S., & Werner, J. D. (2018, September). Study on Pressure Waves Propagation in an Underground Mine. MEI2018 Conference & Expo. Las Vegas, NV.: Mining & Exploration International.
  • Carpio, J. M., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., & Gravley, S. (2016, March). Shaft and Hoisting System Operational Analysis at San Xavier Mine Lab. 2016 Latin America-UA Winter Program. University of Arizona: OLAPI.
  • Diaz, N. B., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., & Gravley, S. (2016, March). Design of a refuge station for rail-mounted mining equipment. 2016 Latin America-UA Winter Program. University of Arizona: OLAPI.
  • Figueiredo dos Santos, J., Momayez, M., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., & Lowell, G. D. (2015, Summer). Updating the 3D model of San Xavier Mine Laboratory using Point Cloud. Latin America Summer Research Program 2015. Mining and Geological Engineering Department.
  • Gamboa, J., & Momayez, M. (2013, December). Snoring Your Way to Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Endothelial Dysfunction and Thrombogenicity. Frontiers - American Heart Association. Tucson, AZ, USA: Frontiers - American Cancer Society.

Presentations

  • Risso, N., Momayez, M., Saavedra, M., Aguilera, C., & Campos, P. (2020, February). Increasing Safety Using IoT-Based Solutions for Mine Tailings Monitoring. 2020 SME Arizona Conference.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2016, December). Application of Wearable Technologies for the Development of a Heat Strain/Stress Model in Hot Underground Mines. 2016 SME Arizona Conference. Tucson, AZ, USA.
  • Momayez, M. (2016, February). Optical Fiber Based Air Properties Measurement for Distributed Sensing in Underground Mines. Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Denver, CO, USA.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2016, February). Mechanically Robust, Thermally Insulating Alumino-silicate Coatings For Underground Mines. Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Denver, CO, USA.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., Muralidharan, K., & Runge, K. (2016, December). Sprayable Low-Cost thermal insulation. 2016 SME Arizona Conference. Tucson, AZ, USA.
  • Momayez, M. (2015, December). Distributed Sensing in Underground Mines. 2015 SME Arizona Conference. Tucson, AZ, USA.
  • Heath, G., & Momayez, M. (2013, December). Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to Map Groundwater Flow Over Time. Mine Water Seminar. Tucson, AZ, USA: Freeport McMoran.
  • Li, P., Chan, C., Hao, Q., Deymier, P. A., Lucas, P., Muralidharan, K., Gervasio, D. F., Momayez, M., Jeter, S. M., Teja, A. S., & Kannan, A. M. (2013, April). Halide and Oxy-halide Eutectic Systems for High Performance High Temperature Heat Transfer Fluids. Concentrating Solar Power Program Workshop. Phoenix, AZ: DOE.
  • Momayez, M. (2012, May). Fiber Optics Distributed Sensing: Could This Technology Change the Future of Border Security Monitoring?. 8th Border Security Conference. El Paso, TX, USA.
  • Liu, Y., & Momayez, M. (2009, March). Slope Stability Analysis Through Integration of Ground Measurement and Remote Sensing. ASPRS 2009 Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD, USA.
  • Momayez, M. (2009, April). Geomaterials Characterization. Weekly Seminar. Tucson, AZ, USA: University of Arizona - Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.
  • Momayez, M. (2009, April). Mine Stability and Earthquake Precursor Detection. GeoDaze 2009, 37th Annual Geosciences Symposium. Tucson, AZ, USA: University of Arizona - Department of Geosciences.
  • Momayez, M. (2009, October). Integration of Ground-Based and Remote Sensing Data for Geotechnical Analysis. Bouyoucos Conference for the Advancement of Geophysical Technologies Applied to Agroecosystems. Albuquerque, NM, USA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
  • Momayez, M. (2008, November). Geomaterials Characterization. Weekly Seminar. Brisbane, Australia: Queensland University - Department of Mining Engineering.
  • Momayez, M. (2007, December). Evaluation of Refractory Bricks Regression. Seminar. Brisbane, Australia: CRC Mining.

Others

  • Momayez, M. (2012, January). Preface. Proceedings of the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, SAGEEP.

Awards

  • The John Nicholl Memorial Award (formerly the Gold Award)
    • Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, Spring 2020
  • Excellence at the Student Interface Award
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2020
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2019
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2018
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2016
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2015
  • Tech Launch Arizona Startup of the Year
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2017
  • Fellow of the Arizona Center for Accelerated BioMedical Innovation (ACABI)
    • Arizona Center for Accelerated BioMedical Innovation, Spring 2017
  • 2017 SME Henry Krumb Lecturer
    • Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration, Spring 2017
  • Service Award
    • The Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, Spring 2016
  • James F. Bly MGE Outstanding Faculty Award
    • UA Foundation, Fall 2009