Ivan Biryuchev, who has оver 23 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering and the management of rock stress in underground mining by a variety of different mining method, is the Head of Geomechanics and Hydrogeology. Prior to joining RAM, he was a researcher at the Institute of Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a senior consultant at SRK Consulting.

He specializes in underground works designing geotechnical characterisation for mining method selection, numeric modelling, ground support selection design. Performs work on determining the optimal sequence of mining of a deposit developed by both open pit and underground method. He has practical experience in modeling the processes of massive thawing during deposit development under permafrost conditions. His work experience covers various underground mining methods, including block caving mining method. Participated in the writing of the Federal Standards and Regulations for the assessment for underground excavation. He specializes in risk assessment, determination of geotechnical and hydrogeological modifying factors in Ore Reserve estimation.