For students or emerging professionals in the cave mining profession, the Cave Mining Forum (CMF) offers more than just another online platform. It’s *the* place to ask questions, build relationships, and grow your career. We’d like to share more about how to make the most of this space.
Start by Setting Up Your Profile
Your first step in the forum is to set up your profile. This is the first prompt after you register to become a member of CMF. Include a professional, clear headline, and short bio. You could include your current status as a cave mining professional, a description of your interests in cave mining, or any other relevant information. A complete profile helps others connect with you and gives potential mentors, collaborators, or recruiters a better understanding of your background and who you are.
Introduce Yourself to the Community
After you’ve saved your profile, head to the New Member Space and “Say Hello!” Use any of the prompts below as a guide to create your first post.
- What brings you to the Cave Mining Forum? Tell us about your background and what sparked your interest in cave mining.
- What are your goals? What do you hope to gain from being part of this community?
- How can you contribute? Share your expertise or areas where you can offer guidance. What’s your unique skill or knowledge that others might find valuable?
These prompts are just suggestions to help you get started. Share as much or as little as you like. This is a dedicated space for new members to share and connect with each other. Keep your post concise, but personal. This is the first impression you’ll make—use it to show you’re here to learn and contribute.
When you’re ready, click on the “New Post” button at the top of the screen and start drafting your introduction.
Join or Start Discussions That Interest or Matter to You
The forum is organized around key areas of cave mining: geotechnical design, operations, safety, technology, and more. Take time to explore ongoing threads that align with your interests. Don’t just read—ask follow-up questions or share your perspective. It’s okay if you’re still learning; thoughtful questions show initiative and curiosity.
If you don’t see a thread on something you want to learn more about, start one. Keep your post focused and clear. You might be surprised how many people are willing to engage when the topic is specific and relevant. Below is a comprehensive list of all the space and discussion topics.
New Member Hub
- Welcome: Get Started Here
- Community Guidelines
- Say Hello
- How to Engage
Community
- Announcements
- Events
- Photo Share
- Resources
General Discussions
- News Headlines
- Mentorship
- Informal Chat
Data Analysis
- Benchmarking Data Connections
- Published Data
Design, Tools & Guidelines
- Analytical Tools
- Empirical Design Tools
- Numerical Modelling
Disciplines
- Geology & Resource
- Geotechnical Characterization
- Mining Method Selection
- Caving Simulation and Production Scheduling
- Caving Mechanics
- Mining Strategy and Mine Design
- Equipment Selection and Productivities
- Monitoring and Instrumentation
- Downstream Effects on Processing
Geoscience Hazard
- Inundation – Mudrush/Dry Push
- Inundation – Airblast
- Ground and Strata Failure – Dynamic Event
- Ground and Strata Failure – Active Ground
- Ground and Strata Failure – Static Failure
- Hydrothermal
- Corrosion
- Cave Propagation & Resource Recovery
Foundational Rock Mechanics
- Data Quality
- Data Sufficiency
- Intact Strength
- Rock Mass Characterization
- In situ Stress
- Uncertainty
Take Advantage of Mentorship Opportunities
One of the biggest benefits of CMF is access to professionals who’ve spent decades in the field. Many are open to mentoring students and early-career professionals. Look for users who regularly respond to questions or contribute insights—these are often people who enjoy giving back.
You can either connect with mentors through public threads or reach out via direct message if the forum allows. Keep your messages professional and to the point: introduce yourself, mention what you appreciated in their post, and ask if they’d be open to answering a few questions or providing career advice.
Don’t rush this. Building meaningful mentorship takes time, and it starts with thoughtful interaction and mutual respect.
Participate in Webinars and Events
CMF regularly hosts webinars, panel discussions, and other events featuring experienced professionals and researchers. These are excellent opportunities to hear directly from experts, ask live questions, and stay current with emerging topics in the cave mining field.
Attending live sessions when possible will not only give you access to information in real-time but also help you become a familiar name in the community. If you can’t make a session, check the forum for recorded versions and keep the conversation going in the related discussion threads.
Share Your Work or Research
Have you completed a project, thesis, internship, or research paper? Consider sharing it with others. You don’t need to be an expert. Sharing what you’ve learned, how you approached a challenge, or what surprised you can spark valuable conversations with the community.
When posting, focus on clarity. Keep technical explanations digestible and explain your conclusions. Invite and be open to feedback and further discussion. That’s what this space is all about. Demonstrating initiative and openness to critique and discussion shows you’re serious about learning.
Ask About Careers and Job Paths
Use the forum to explore career options by asking professionals about their roles, the paths they took, and what they recommend for someone starting out. These discussions could take place in the Informal Chat thread or the Mentorship space.
You can also search for job openings, internships, or contract opportunities that may be posted or mentioned by members. While CMF isn’t a job board, being an active participant puts you in front of the right people when opportunities come up.
Engage Consistently
Don’t treat CMF as a one-time stop for answers. Make it a part of your routine. Check in weekly, respond to new threads, and keep learning from others. Over time, you’ll build a presence and reputation, even as a student.
People remember contributors who ask good questions, follow up, and offer thoughtful input. Consistency builds trust, and trust opens doors.
Learn the Etiquette
Before you dive into heavy discussions, review the Community Guidelines. These cover respectful communication, content expectations, and how to contribute productively. Following these helps keep the forum constructive and ensures your posts are well-received.
Avoid overly casual language, keep posts professional, and always cite your sources if you’re sharing outside research. If you’re unsure about a topic or how to frame a post, ask a moderator or check how others have approached it.
Benefits of Staying Involved in CMF
- Better Understanding of the Industry
- You’ll gain insight into real-world problems and how professionals approach them.
- Expanded Network
- Connect with mining professionals from across the globe, from students or new professionals like you to engineers, geologists, and consultants with decades of experience.
- Building Confidence in Your Career Path
- Engaging in CMF will help provide you with a clearer picture of what roles and opportunities are available and which ones are a good fit for you.
- Visibility
- Being an active contributor sets you apart. Employers and mentors often look for initiative, communication skills, and a genuine interest in the industry, all of which you demonstrate by showing up consistently.
Final Thoughts
Your career in cave mining doesn’t start when you get your first job—it starts the moment you engage with the community. The Cave Mining Forum is here to support that journey, and how much you get out of it depends on what you put in. Show up with curiosity, take part in discussions, and ask for help when you need it.
By starting now, you position yourself for long-term growth in an industry that values collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation.
Ready to get involved? Head to caveminingforum.com/membership and start exploring today.
