Esteban Hormazábal, Managing Director and Corporate Consultant of Rock Mechanics Services at SRK Consulting (Chile) SpA and ISRM Vice-President for Latin America, is one of the confirmed speakers at LARMS 2026. His lecture, titled "Best Practices for Rock Mass Characterization and Modelling", will provide best practice guidelines for geotechnical characterisation and block model generation in mining projects.

The presentation will highlight the importance of geotechnical and structural data collection in rock mass assessment, emphasising that these models are fundamental inputs for geomechanical design and mine planning across the different engineering stages — from scoping studies through to construction and mining operations. With a focus on the application of geostatistical techniques, the lecture will offer recommendations on the necessary quantity of data and the most appropriate methods for each project phase, from conceptual study to construction.

With more than 30 years of specific experience in geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics, and geotechnical instrumentation, Hormazábal has led open pit and underground mining projects in more than 15 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, South Africa, and Indonesia. He is the author and co-author of more than 40 technical articles and a Fellow member of the AusIMM.

LARMS 2026 will be held from August 25 to 28, 2026, in Brasília, Brazil, alongside the XXII Cobramseg, under the theme "Rock Mechanics for a Sustainable Future: Innovation in Mining, Energy and Infrastructure". The event is organised by CBMR, in partnership with ABMS and the ISRM National Group of Brazil.

More information: https://larms2026.com/#home