Moe Momayez

Professor, School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources
Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors
Member of the Graduate Faculty
Moe Momayez

Mines 241C

520.621.6580
moe.momayez@arizona.edu

Moe Moyamez maintains a longstanding focus on developing technologies to improve mine safety and productivity, specifically in miners' health and safety, geomaterials characterization, rock breakage, energy and process efficiency and renewable energy.

Moyamez leads efforts to address heat-related emergencies in hot underground mines through adaptive ventilation-on-demand systems, identification of heat strain risk factors in deep and hot mines, development of extremely low thermal conductivity geo-foams using recycled mine tailings to reduce refrigeration requirements, contingency cooling measures, rapid evacuation protocols and shelter-in-place strategies.

A physics background enables Moyamez to provide deeper insight into low-temperature geothermal energy extraction from underground mines, electricity production from photovoltaic panels installed on tailings, evaporation reduction on supernatant water in semiarid environments, and thermal efficiency improvements for concentrated solar thermal power generation.

Moyamez investigates why canceling surface charges in geomaterials produces significant improvements in rock fragmentation. He has developed extensive experience in geosensing and contact, non-contact and distributed sensing systems to measure physical, mechanical and geotechnical properties of geomaterials.

Moyamez joined the University of Arizona's Department of Mining and Geological Engineering faculty in 2007 and serves as energy and geosensing team leader at the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources. He holds 14 patents and patent applications related to thermally insulating materials, heat stress prediction for mine workers, rock slope stability prediction, comminution, material characterization and renewable energy generation from mines.

Before joining Arizona, Moyamez worked at McGill University in Montreal as lecturer and manager of the Subsurface Sensing Laboratory, conducting research and providing services to mining and civil engineering companies and government agencies on nondestructive evaluation of underground and concrete structures.

From 2014-2015, Moyamez served as president of the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, the premier near-surface geophysics organization devoted to promoting geophysics applications in environmental and engineering problems.

Degrees

  • PhD Mining Engineering
    • McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    • Stress memory measurement using the Kaiser effect of acoustic emission
  • MS Applied Geophysics
    • McGill University, Montreal, Canada
  • BS Applied Geophysics
    • McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Work Experience

  • The University of Arizona - Department of Mining and Geological Engineering (2021 - Ongoing)
  • The University of Arizona - Department of Mining and Geological Engineering (2011 - 2014)
  • The University of Arizona - Department of Mining and Geological Engineering (2007 - Ongoing)
  • McGill University - Department of Mining and Materials Engineering (2000 - 2006)
  • McGill University - Department of Mining and Materials Engineering (1996 - 2000)
  • McGill University - Center of Intelligent Machines (1994 - 1996)

Interests

Teaching

Geopositioning, mine ventilation, rock excavation, rock mechanics, geosensing, time series analysis, machine learning, image processing, computer programming, instrumentation, renewable energy

Research

Mine ventilation, geomechanics, rock physics, rock breakage, geosensing, rock slope stability, renewable energy, instrumentation and monitoring, signal and image processing, machine learning, nondestructive evaluation

Courses

View the complete course list in UA Profiles.

Selected Publications

Journals/Publications

  • Momayez, M., & Lama, B. (2023). Review of Non-Destructive Methods for Rock Bolts Condition Evaluation. Mining, 3(1), 106-120, doi.org/10.3390/mining3010007.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2020). Development of a modified predicted heat strain model for hot work environments. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 30(4), 447-481, doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2020.05.009.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2020). Heat Stress in Hot Underground Mines: a Brief Literature Review. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Journal, 38(4), 497–508, doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00324-4.
  • Momayez, M., Song, X., Wang, X., Chen, T., & Dang, F. (2020). Research on cross‐well pseudorandom electromagnetic detection method and extraction of response characteristics. Energy Science & Engineering, 8(10), 3602-3626, doi.org/10.1002/ese3.767.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., Runge, K., & Muralidharan, K. (2020). Recent Developments in Thermally Insulating Materials Based on Geopolymers. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 37, 995-1014, doi.org/10.1007/s42461-020-00201-0.
  • Rao, P., Muralidharan, K., Momayez, M., Runge, K., & Loy, D. A. (2020). Direct foaming driven synthesis and thermophysical characterization of silica-alumina foams: Applications for thermal insulation. Journal of Ceramics International, 46(8), 10431-10441, doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.01.042.
  • Song, X., Momayez, M., Wang, X., Chen, T., & Dang, F. (2020). Research on cross‐well pseudorandom electromagnetic detection method and extraction of response characteristics. Journal of Energy Science and Engineering, 1-25, doi.org/10.1002/ese3.767.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2019). Validation of the Predicted Heat Strain Model in Hot Underground Mines. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 36, 1213-1219, doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-0102-6.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2019). Validation of the Predicted Heat Strain Model in Hot Underground Mines. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 7, doi.org/10.1007/s42461-019-0102-6.
  • Xu, D., Sun, R., Yeh, J., & Momayez, M. (2019). Mapping Soil Layers Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Validation: Sandbox Experiments. Journal of Hydrology, 575, 523-536, doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.05.036.
  • Kothari, U., & Momayez, M. (2018). Machine Learning: A Novel Approach to Predicting Slope Instabilities. International Journal of Geophysics, 2018, 9, doi.org/10.1155/2018/4861254.
  • Moe, M., Upasna, C. K., Momayez, M., & Kothari, U. C. (2018). New approaches to monitoring, analyzing and predicting slope instabilities. Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 10(1), 1-14, doi.org/10.5897/jgmr2017.0272.
  • Momayez, M., & Kothari, U. C. (2018). Machine Learning: A Novel Approach to Predicting Slope Instabilities. International Journal of Geophysics, 2018, 1-9, doi.org/10.1155/2018/4861254.
  • Gravley, S., Momayez, M., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., & Diaz, N. B. (2017). Diseño de una Estación de Refugio para Equipo Montado en Rieles – Design of a Refuge Chamber for Rail-Mounted Equipment. RUMBO MINERO, 182-185.
  • Kothari, U., & Momayez, M. (2017). New Approaches to Monitoring, Analyzing and Predicting Slope Instabilities. Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 10(1), 1-14.

Proceedings Publications

  • Alsalhi, A., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., Heath, G., Werner, J. D., & Peters, M. P. (2021, Spring). Development of a Supervisory System for Monitoring Ventilation and Rock Displacement Data at San Xavier Mine Laboratory. In 2021 SME Annual Meeting & Expo (MineXchange 2021).
  • Butani, M., & Momayez, M. (2021, March). Heat management alternatives in deep underground mines as a crucial part of mine ventilation. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Chaurasia, A., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2020, February). More Efficient Way to Increase Ventilation in Deep Underground Mine. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Cordova, V., & Momayez, M. (2020, February). Machine Learning Model for Prediction of Core Body Temperature based on Wearable Non-Invasive Monitoring Devices. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Cordova, V., & Momayez, M. (2020, February). The Effects of Cooling Technologies on Core Body Temperature Monitored During Mining Activity. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2020, February). Modification of the PHS Model to Predict Heat Stress. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Peters, P., Momayez, M., & Heath, G. (2021, March). Advanced automated monitoring of a Tailings Facility: How coupling geophysics and in-situ sensors can increase safety and provide a cost-effective inside into Tailings Dams.. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2020, February). Heat Management Alternatives in Deep Underground Mines as a Crucial Part of Mine Ventilation. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Beltran, C., Belmar, R., Risso, N., Momayez, M., & Salgado, F. (2019, February). Incorporating the use of Renewable Energy in the Mining Industry. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Griffin, S., Burgess, J., Momayez, M., Harber, P., & Staack, D. (2019, February). Assessment of the Predicted Heat Strain Model and Measures of Heat Strain in Mining. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2019, February). Determination and Comparison of Thermal Stress Indices in Mining: TWL, PHS and WBGT. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Lazaro, P., Momayez, M., & Cordova, V. (2019, April). Development of a Modified Predicted Heat Strain Model for Hot Work Environments.. In 2019 North American Mine Ventilation Symposium.
  • Pratish, R., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2019, April). Fabrication of Cost-Effective Heat Insulation as Efficient Solutions in Mine Ventilation Systems.. In 2019 North American Mine Ventilation Symposium.
  • Rao, P., & Momayez, M. (2019, February). Synthesis and Characterization of Sprayable Thermally Insulating Material as Heat Regulators in Deep Underground Mines. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
  • Risso, N., & Momayez, M. (2019, February). Achieving Safety and Comfort with an Environment-Aware Ventilation System for Underground Mines. In Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.

Poster Presentations

  • Lazaro, P., Cordova, V. L., & Momayez, M. (2019, January). Detection and Prevention of Heat Stress in Mines. Mining Summit. Dan Dunlap Stadium Club, University of Arizona Football Stadium: Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources.
  • Momayez, M. (2019, January). Personalized Mine Safetyand Health Monitoring. Mining Summit. Dan Dunlap Stadium Club, University of Arizona Football Stadium: Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources.
  • Do, Y., Rao, P., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2018, December / Fall). GeoFoams: New Materials for Strength and Thermal Applications. 2018 Arizona Tech Council Meeting. San Xavier Underground Laboratory: Arizona Tech Council.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2018, December / Fall). Heat Stress Model. 2018 Arizona Tech Council Meeting. San Xavier Underground Laboratory: Arizona Tech Council.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., Muralidharan, K., & Runge, K. (2018, December / Fall). Sprayable Low-Cost Thermally Insulating Shotcrete. 2018 Arizona Tech Council Meeting. San Xavier Underground Laboratory: Arizona Tech Council.
  • Risso, N., Palomino, O. L., Momayez, M., & Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O. (2018, December / Fall). Smart Mines. 2018 SME Arizona Conference. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa: SME Tucson Section.
  • Yang, S., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., Gravley, S., & Werner, J. D. (2018, September). Study on Pressure Waves Propagation in an Underground Mine. MEI2018 Conference & Expo. Las Vegas, NV.: Mining & Exploration International.
  • Carpio, J. M., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., & Gravley, S. (2016, March). Shaft and Hoisting System Operational Analysis at San Xavier Mine Lab. 2016 Latin America-UA Winter Program. University of Arizona: OLAPI.
  • Diaz, N. B., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., Momayez, M., & Gravley, S. (2016, March). Design of a refuge station for rail-mounted mining equipment. 2016 Latin America-UA Winter Program. University of Arizona: OLAPI.
  • Figueiredo dos Santos, J., Momayez, M., Tenorio Gutierrez, V. O., & Lowell, G. D. (2015, Summer). Updating the 3D model of San Xavier Mine Laboratory using Point Cloud. Latin America Summer Research Program 2015. Mining and Geological Engineering Department.
  • Gamboa, J., & Momayez, M. (2013, December). Snoring Your Way to Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Endothelial Dysfunction and Thrombogenicity. Frontiers - American Heart Association. Tucson, AZ, USA: Frontiers - American Cancer Society.

Presentations

  • Risso, N., Momayez, M., Saavedra, M., Aguilera, C., & Campos, P. (2020, February). Increasing Safety Using IoT-Based Solutions for Mine Tailings Monitoring. 2020 SME Arizona Conference.
  • Lazaro, P., & Momayez, M. (2016, December). Application of Wearable Technologies for the Development of a Heat Strain/Stress Model in Hot Underground Mines. 2016 SME Arizona Conference. Tucson, AZ.
  • Momayez, M. (2016, February). Optical Fiber Based Air Properties Measurement for Distributed Sensing in Underground Mines. Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Denver, CO.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., & Muralidharan, K. (2016, February). Mechanically Robust, Thermally Insulating Alumino-silicate Coatings For Underground Mines. Annual Conference of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Denver, CO.
  • Rao, P., Momayez, M., Muralidharan, K., & Runge, K. (2016, December). Sprayable Low-Cost thermal insulation. 2016 SME Arizona Conference. Tucson, AZ, USA.
  • Momayez, M. (2015, December). Distributed Sensing in Underground Mines. 2015 SME Arizona Conference. Tucson, AZ.
  • Heath, G., & Momayez, M. (2013, December). Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to Map Groundwater Flow Over Time. Mine Water Seminar. Tucson, AZ, Freeport McMoran.
  • Li, P., Chan, C., Hao, Q., Deymier, P. A., Lucas, P., Muralidharan, K., Gervasio, D. F., Momayez, M., Jeter, S. M., Teja, A. S., & Kannan, A. M. (2013, April). Halide and Oxy-halide Eutectic Systems for High Performance High Temperature Heat Transfer Fluids. Concentrating Solar Power Program Workshop. Phoenix, AZ, DOE.
  • Momayez, M. (2012, May). Fiber Optics Distributed Sensing: Could This Technology Change the Future of Border Security Monitoring?. 8th Border Security Conference. El Paso, TX.
  • Liu, Y., & Momayez, M. (2009, March). Slope Stability Analysis Through Integration of Ground Measurement and Remote Sensing. ASPRS 2009 Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD.
  • Momayez, M. (2009, April). Geomaterials Characterization. Weekly Seminar. Tucson, AZ, USA: University of Arizona - Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.
  • Momayez, M. (2009, April). Mine Stability and Earthquake Precursor Detection. GeoDaze 2009, 37th Annual Geosciences Symposium. Tucson, AZ, University of Arizona - Department of Geosciences.
  • Momayez, M. (2009, October). Integration of Ground-Based and Remote Sensing Data for Geotechnical Analysis. Bouyoucos Conference for the Advancement of Geophysical Technologies Applied to Agroecosystems. Albuquerque, NM, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
  • Momayez, M. (2008, November). Geomaterials Characterization. Weekly Seminar. Brisbane, Australia: Queensland University - Department of Mining Engineering.
  • Momayez, M. (2007, December). Evaluation of Refractory Bricks Regression. Seminar. Brisbane, Australia, CRC Mining.

Others

  • Momayez, M. (2012, January). Preface. Proceedings of the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems, SAGEEP.

Awards

  • The John Nicholl Memorial Award (formerly the Gold Award)
    • Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, Spring 2020
  • Excellence at the Student Interface Award
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2020
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2019
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2018
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2016
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2015
  • Tech Launch Arizona Startup of the Year
    • UA College of Engineering, Spring 2017
  • Fellow of the Arizona Center for Accelerated BioMedical Innovation (ACABI)
    • Arizona Center for Accelerated BioMedical Innovation, Spring 2017
  • 2017 SME Henry Krumb Lecturer
    • Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration, Spring 2017
  • Service Award
    • The Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society, Spring 2016
  • James F. Bly MGE Outstanding Faculty Award
    • UA Foundation, Fall 2009