From rock masses to design and operating decisions
Mining geomechanics, consulting and geothermal systems: applied experience in rock behavior and engineering decisions.
Previous experience · HEMCO · Miner S.A.–Atico · Sector Resources
Experience in exploration, extraction and geomechanics of mineral and energy resources.
Rock-mass characterization, stability and criteria for mining operations.
Geomechanical studies, numerical modeling and conceptual support design.
Rock-mechanics experience applied to the study of geothermal systems.
Angélica María Martínez Quiceno is a geologist from Universidad de Caldas with a master’s degree in Mining Geomechanics from Universidad Técnica de Oruro. She brings 20 years of experience in mineral and energy exploration and extraction, specializing in rock mechanics applied to underground mining, tunnels and open-pit operations. Her career connects geological interpretation, rock-mass behavior and design and operating decisions.
In 2026 she is engaged as a contract geologist in geothermal systems research in the Ruiz–Tolima complex at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Manizales. Her contribution focuses on geomechanics and rock-mass characteristics relevant to these renewable resources, linking mining experience with energy-resource research.
From 2023 to 2025 she was Head of Geomechanics at HEMCO Mineros Nicaragua in vein-type gold mining. Her work covered rock-mass characterization and zoning, geomechanical models, stability, numerical modeling, extraction criteria and personnel training. Previously, from 2016 to 2023, she held the geomechanics leadership role at Miner S.A.–Atico Mining, with experience in a copper VMS deposit.
Her external consulting includes HEMCO in 2019, advising on stability and support for an underground gold operation in Bonanza, Nicaragua. At Sector Resources LTD in 2022, she developed geomechanical studies and conceptual support design, including mapping, structural analysis, support quantification and reports for underground operating conditions.
Earlier roles included project geology at Mineros S.A.–Exploradora Minera, seismic drilling quality control, coal exploration and formation monitoring at the Rubiales oil field with Weatherford. These roles combined mapping, core logging, sampling, log interpretation and technical subsurface assessment.
At Universidad de Caldas she taught Coal Geology in 2013 and Geosciences and Sedimentology Laboratories in 2015. She has spoken at tunneling, geoengineering and mine-waste events in Colombia and Peru. Her practice includes interpretation using RS2/RS3, Dips, Unwedge, Slide 3 and RocData.
Her international background includes projects in Colombia and Nicaragua and work-placement experience in Mexico. She connects rock-mechanics principles with the conditions encountered by professionals designing excavations, selecting support and working alongside mining operations.
An introduction to her industry experience and perspective on applied learning.
2026 – present
Participates in research on geothermal reservoirs and systems in the Ruiz–Tolima complex, focusing on geomechanics and the contribution of rock-mass characteristics to these renewable resources. The project involves Universidad Nacional, Manizales, and Corpocaldas, for Minciencias and ANH.
2023 – 2025
Evaluated and characterized rock masses, developed stability-control strategies, zoning and geomechanical models. Applied numerical modeling and mining-method criteria in a vein-type gold deposit, alongside training and operational follow-up.
2022
Developed geomechanical studies and conceptual support design for underground gold workings: field mapping, structural assessment, support quantification, stability analysis and technical reports.
2019
Advised an underground gold operation in Bonanza, Nicaragua, on excavation stability, rock-mass classification and zoning, mapping, conceptual support, numerical modeling and training.
2016 – 2023
Characterized geomechanical conditions and developed zoning, models and stability strategies in a copper VMS deposit. Worked with underground mining methods, operational plans and personnel training.
2013 and 2015
Taught Coal Geology in 2013, covering origin, formation, coalification, characterization, laboratory and fieldwork. In 2015 taught Geosciences and Sedimentology Laboratories for Geology and Mining, Biology and Chemistry programs.
2013 – 2014
Worked at Rubiales on formation monitoring, lithological changes, hydrocarbon classification, reporting and stratigraphic columns. Received training in Houston on XRD, XRF and SRA equipment for rock-sample analysis.
2009 – 2013
Worked on vein-gold exploration, regional mapping, surface and tunnel activities, drilling design and supervision, core logging, sampling and interpretation for technical assessment of exploration targets.
2009
Monitored drilling parameters for 2D and 3D seismic programs, managed logistics, coordinated personnel and prepared progress reports.
2008 – 2009
Monitored project work and supervised contractors in drilling, coal sampling and electrical logging, with geological modeling and personnel management.
2006 – 2008
Worked on coal exploration projects in Cesar, La Guajira, Santander and Boyacá, including core and cuttings logging, log interpretation and technical reporting.
2006
Worked on exploration wells for La Francia mine, including core logging, geotechnical sample selection, coal sampling and drilling coordination.
2004 – 2005
Conducted geological mapping for hydrogeological purposes and geoelectrical prospecting in six coastal municipalities of Córdoba. The work received public recognition from Universidad de Caldas’s Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences in 2006.
Interpreting rock masses to connect geological conditions, stability and engineering decisions.
HEMCO · NicaraguaRock-mass characterization, zoning, stability and conceptual support for underground gold mining, through external consulting and later geomechanics leadership.
Sector ResourcesGeomechanical studies, structural assessment, support quantification and modeling for underground excavations.
Ruiz–Tolima · GeothermalGeomechanical contribution to rock-mass studies in geothermal systems, connecting mining experience with renewable energy resources.
Rock-mass characterization, classification and zoning.
Tunnel and mine-working stability; conceptual support.
Experience with Cut and Fill, Drift and Fill, SLC, SLOS and room-and-pillar mining.
Use and interpretation of RS2/RS3, Phase 2, Dips, Unwedge and Slide 3.
Gold, copper, coal and hydrocarbon exploration.
Geomechanical analysis of rock masses in renewable systems.
Universidad Técnica de Oruro · 2022
Universidad de Caldas · 2005
Additional training in underground support, geotechnical testing, advanced geomechanics and university teaching.
Speaking engagements in technical forums on geoengineering, tunnels and mine waste.
Bogotá · Colombia
Asociación Colombiana de Túneles y Obras Subterráneas
Lima · Perú
Sociedad Peruana de Geoingeniería · Grupo Nacional ISRM
Lima · Perú
Sociedad Peruana de Geoingeniería · Grupo Nacional ISRM
Geomechanical experience connects observation, modeling and operations: a basis for examining technical decisions in context.
A perspective developed across mining, consulting, research and teaching.
What rock-mass information is needed to represent its behavior?
How can discontinuities and excavation conditions inform support alternatives?
How does rock-mass quality influence mining-method selection?
How can numerical results be interpreted alongside their assumptions and real conditions?
What can geomechanics contribute to rock studies in a geothermal system?
His experience relates closely to the themes of the program below.
Back to FacultyExtractive industries management with an applied perspective on operations, technical decisions and sustainability.
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