The Cave Mining Forum (CMF) is all about connection. Specifically, connecting the people who make this industry work. While many forums claim to be for professionals, CMF is designed by cave mining professionals for cave mining professionals, and that distinction matters.
Now that the forum is live, the most common question we’re hearing is:
Who’s actually inside the Cave Mining Forum?
The short answer: everyone from site operators to researchers. The longer answer? Let’s dig in.
The Forum is New (But the Community Isn’t)
Cave mining has always required collaboration. It’s a field where success relies on many different disciplines working in lockstep, often across companies, borders, and specializations.
The Cave Mining Forum brings that same spirit of collaboration online. Not through abstract thought leadership, but by offering a space where people can have real conversations about real issues, in real time.
You’ll find threads about seismic monitoring, dilution control, layout design, preconditioning, safety practices, and operational risk, but the real value comes from who’s sharing those insights.
Who’s Inside the Cave Mining Forum?
You don’t need to be a 30-year veteran or a cave mining consultant to participate. CMF is open to professionals across the entire cave mining lifecycle. Here’s a breakdown of the types of people joining the conversation:
Mining Engineers
Engineers are at the heart of the discussion. They’re comparing notes on design strategies, sharing lessons learned on implementation, and offering practical insight into what works underground (and what doesn’t).
Geotechnical Engineers
The Forum is quickly becoming a hub for geo discussion. Expect threads on rock mass response, ground support, cave propagation, and monitoring systems. It’s a space to troubleshoot, swap case studies, and hear from engineers across different mines and regions.
Operators and Site Personnel
If you’ve ever wanted to know how a decision made at head office actually plays out on site, you’ll appreciate hearing directly from those in the field. CMF includes operational voices who understand what it takes to make a system run safely and efficiently under real-world conditions.
Researchers and Academics
CMF welcomes the scientific and academic community with open arms. Researchers contribute in-depth perspectives on cave mining mechanics, numerical modeling, new technologies, and risk analysis — while learning directly from industry practitioners about what’s most relevant in the field.
Consultants
The forum benefits from those who’ve seen a wide variety of mines and projects. Consultants are joining to both share what they’ve seen and stay on top of industry challenges that impact future designs and decisions.
Students and Early-Career Professionals
One of the fastest-growing segments of CMF is made up of new professionals who want to learn, connect, and contribute. These are the next leaders of the industry, and the forum offers them direct access to the knowledge and network they need.
Why It Matters
There’s no shortage of mining news sites or academic journals, but we aren’t trying to be either. CMF is filling a very specific need: a moderated, topic-focused, non-promotional space where people can talk about the technical, operational, and practical aspects of cave mining.
It’s not about showcasing perfect projects, but about talking honestly about what works, what didn’t, and what could be done better.
What You Can Do Inside the Forum
Ask, answer, or listen in. There’s value to being inside this space. You can:
- Explore ongoing conversations around design, safety, operations, and closure
- Ask for input on a current challenge or technical decision
- Connect with peers and mentors across regions and specialties
- Contribute your experience to help others navigate similar challenges
- Share a recent insight, tool, or methodology from your own work
- Join topic-specific groups and stay informed on cave mining developments
While CMF can be considered a great resource, it’s main goal is connection.
Built With Intention
CMF was founded by Dr. Jarek Jakubec, one of the most respected voices in the cave mining community. With over 35 years of experience across mine design, operations, and advisory roles, Jarek saw a need for a shared space that could serve both seasoned experts and those just getting started.
CMF was built with that dual purpose in mind:
- To support education and connection for new professionals
- To give experienced professionals a place to engage, share, and stay sharp
From moderated discussions to private mentorship spaces, the Cave Mining Forum’s structure reflects a career-long view of what makes the cave mining industry stronger.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Join
It’s a common assumption that technical forums are only for senior-level professionals. CMF is deliberately different. If you’re early in your career, we encourage you to participate.
Not sure how? Lurking is okay. Start by observing. Bookmark the topics that interest you or ask a question if you’ve got one. You’ll quickly find that CMF members are open, generous, and interested in helping others succeed.
And if you are a seasoned professional, your insight is invaluable. Sharing your experience, your perspective, and even your cautionary tales can have a real impact on someone else’s learning curve.
Why Now is a Good Time to Join
As CMF grows, you’ll see more conversations, deeper content, and more structured opportunities to connect. But being part of the early community gives you a chance to shape that growth. You can help define the tone, contribute to foundational discussions, and connect with others who are here to build something lasting.
We know cave mining is niche. That’s the point.
It’s why we built CMF. And if you’re in the field (or want to be) there’s no better place to plug in.
Get Involved
Joining the Cave Mining Forum is free. The only requirement is that you bring your curiosity, experience, and willingness to engage.
👉 Join the Forum and see who’s inside.
