Geotechnical aspects are one of the crucial factors in mining industry operations. In addition to being related to the stability of mine slopes and occupational safety, geotechnical management also affects production efficiency and the sustainability of mining companies’ business processes.
This issue was highlighted in the weekly UI Geoscience Seminar (UIGS) X Starborn Mengajar held by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI) on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Prof. Dr. G. A. Siwabessy Auditorium, FMIPA UI, Depok.
The seminar, titled “Mining Geotechnical: Key Factor of Strategic Mining Business Processes and How Newcoming Engineers Deal with It,” featured Rieza Rachmat Putra, Corporate Geotechnical & Geology Lead at PT Petrosea Tbk.
The event was attended by around 80 students from the Geology and Geophysics Study Programs of FMIPA UI. Through this activity, students gained insights into the application of geoscience knowledge in industrial practice, particularly in technical decision-making and risk management in the mining sector.
In his presentation, Rieza Rachmat Putra emphasized the importance of a strategic mindset for mining professionals who will enter the mining industry. According to him, the complexity of mining operations requires strong strategic thinking so that every decision not only resolves technical issues but also supports the sustainability of the company’s business.
“A strategic mindset helps us view problems more comprehensively, so the decisions made not only resolve current issues but also support the company’s long-term goals,” said Rieza Rachmat Putra.
He explained that the development of a strategic mindset cannot be separated from the implementation of knowledge management as a foundation for decision-making processes. According to Rieza Rachmat Putra, this approach can be applied using the golden rule principle through the 4W + 1H parameters, ensuring that every step taken has a clear purpose.
“Knowledge management is an important foundation in strategic thinking. By understanding what we know, what we need to know, and how to obtain it, the decision-making process can be carried out more effectively,” said Rieza Rachmat Putra.
On that occasion, he also explained the difference between hazard and risk, which are often encountered in the workplace, especially in the mining industry. Understanding these two concepts is considered important in developing strategies for managing risk in a systematic manner.
In addition, Rieza Rachmat Putra explained that decision-making in the mining industry is generally divided into three levels: strategic decision, tactical decision, and operational decision. These three levels are interconnected in determining the direction of company policies as well as their technical implementation in the field.
According to Rieza Rachmat Putra, forums such as this seminar are also important for students because they provide perspectives on the real challenges encountered in the field. In addition to deepening their academic understanding, students can also appreciate the importance of communication, team discussions, and risk analysis in professional practice within the mining industry.
Concluding his presentation, Rieza Rachmat Putra advised students who are about to enter the professional world to begin developing strong observational skills from the early stages of their careers.
“During the first six months of work, be a good listener. By listening and observing more, we can fully understand field conditions before providing analysis or recommending solutions,” said Rieza Rachmat Putra.
The session then continued with an interactive question-and-answer discussion. Several participants raised questions regarding the application of opportunity cost in mining production processes, occupational safety aspects, and strategies that can be applied when facing limited data in field decision-making.
