Bo Hyun Kim

Assistant Professor, School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources
Member of the Graduate Faculty
Samuel A. Lolon
bohyunkim@arizona.edu

Documents

Bo Hyun Kim CV (PDF)

Bo Hyun Kim is an assistant professor in the University of Arizona's School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources with 28 years of experience in rock mechanics and ground control for both surface and underground excavations. His expertise spans rock mass classification, geotechnical data interpretation, advanced numerical modeling, risk-based design, and AI-enhanced engineering workflows. Kim's work bridges industry, government, and academia, combining hands-on field and laboratory experience with high-performance modeling to deliver practical, science-based solutions.

Kim's career highlights include leadership roles at NIOSH/CDC’s Spokane Mining Research Division, Itasca Consulting Group, MIRARCO’s Geomechanics Research Centre, and Korea Resources Corporation. He has authored more than 120 technical papers, received nine consecutive years of U.S. federal service recognition, and led research and development initiatives that advanced safety, productivity, and decision-making in mining, energy, and infrastructure projects worldwide.

Core Expertise

  • Rock mechanics and ground control (surface and underground)
  • Rock mass classification and geotechnical data interpretation
  • Numerical modeling and seismic hazard assessment
  • AI-driven simulation and data analysis
  • Applied R&D leadership and clear technical communication

Education

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Geomechanics Research Centre, MIRARCO, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
  • Ph.D., Rock Mechanics – Chonnam National University, South Korea
    • Thesis: Reevaluation of the Rock Mass Rating via Multivariate Analysis: Application to Underground Support Design
  • M.Sc., Rock Mechanics – Chonnam National University, South Korea
    • Thesis: Parametric Investigation of Ground Subsidence Characteristics in Abandoned Metal and Non-Metal Mines
  • B.Sc., Mineral and Energy Resources Engineering – Chonnam National University, South Korea

Selected Research Directions

  • Jenga Mining: Intelligent Sequencing for Safe and Profitable Tailings Dam Redevelopment
  • Domino Seismic Triggering – Studying cascading instabilities in underground excavations through lab, numerical, and SX Mine field-scale monitoring.
  • Echo Chamber Fracturing – Investigating wave reflections and fracture amplification in real SX cores under SHPB testing, validated with in-situ seismic and blasting data.

Selected Publications

  • Kim, B. H., T. M. Emery, and M. Armatys, 2025. A 3D-numerical investigation on the energy balance associated with the fragmentation of two mining methods set in a deep underground metal mine in the United States. SME Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (under review).
  • Kim, B. H. and M.K. Larson, 2024. 3DEC Investigation of the Highly Anisotropic Strengths of a Utah Coal using Discrete Fracture Networks, In Proc. of 43rd International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, July 22-25, 2024, Canonsburg, PA.
  • Kim, B. H. and M.K. Larson, 2024. Strength Characteristics of Highly Anisotropic Burst-Prone Coal Considering Mineralogical Compositions, In Proc. of 58th US Rock Mechanics & Geomechanics Symposium, June 23~26, 2024, Golden, CO.
  • Kim, B. H., T. M. Emery, and M. Armatys, 2024. Investigating the energy balance of two mining methods set in a deep underground metal mine in the U.S., In Proc. of 58th US Rock Mechanics & Geomechanics Symposium, June 23~26, 2024, Golden, CO.
  • Kim, B. H. and M.K. Larson, 2023. Stability Analysis of Underground Excavations in Limestone Under Dynamic Loading, In Proc. of 42nd International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, July 25-27, 2023, Canonsburg, PA.
  • Kim, B. H. and M.K. Larson, 2023. 3DEC Simulations of Dynamic Direct Shear Tests Considering Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC), in Proceeding, 57th US Rock Mechanics & Geomechanics Symposium, June 25~28, 2023, Atlanta, GA.
  • Kim, B. H. and M. K. Larson, 2022. Assessment of Floor Heaves associated with Bumps in a Longwall Mine Using the Discrete Element Method, Special Focus Issue on Ground Control in Mining in the SME Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 9p. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00596-y
  • Kim, B. H., G. Walton, M. K. Larson and S. Berry, 2021. Investigation of the Anisotropic Confinement-Dependent Brittleness of a Utah Coal, International Journal of Coal Science and Technology, 8(2): 274-290.

Awards and Honors

  • Nine consecutive years of Outstanding Federal Civilian Employee Awards (USA)
  • Bullard-Sherwood Research to Practice (r2p) Awards, NIOSH (2022, 2023)
  • Minister Secretary Award, South Korea
  • Eleven additional recognitions for research and professional contribution