Open House Management Solutions

01/05/2026

21/04/2026

Open House Management Solutions is excited to welcome Ouma Ngoepe to the team as our Rock Mechanics Laboratory Manager.

Ouma recently obtained her MSc in Geohydrology from the University of the Free State (UFS). She also holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Pretoria and a BSc Honours in Geohydrology from UFS.

Her postgraduate research focused on the hydrogeochemical impacts of climate change on groundwater in the Northeastern Upper Karoo, applying integrated hydrogeochemical and climate-driven modelling approaches.

She joins us after gaining valuable experience at UFS as a Laboratory Coordinator and Assistant Researcher, where she managed laboratory operations, oversaw sample preparation and testing, ensured quality and safety compliance, and supported research and student training.

With her strong technical background and hands-on laboratory expertise, we are confident Ouma will play a key role in strengthening and advancing our rock mechanics laboratory.

Please join us in congratulating her on her MSc achievement and welcoming her to the team.

14/04/2026

Vlok Visser, Director and Instrumentation Specialist at Open House Management Solutions presented at SANCOT, showcasing our comprehensive range of geotechnical instrumentation.

For more information, visit www.ohms.co.za

13/04/2026

Join us at the SANCOT Symposium at the Southern Sun in Rosebank from 13 to 14 April. We look forward to connecting with you—come chat to us about your geotechnical instrumentation needs.

09/03/2026

Open House Management Solutions is expanding!

To apply for this position, please follow the link: http://www.cvassist.co.za/Ref028

07/02/2026

Open House Management Solutions will be attending the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town from 9–12 February.

We invite all clients, partners, and industry colleagues to connect with us during the event. This is a great opportunity to discuss your geotechnical and rock engineering needs, upcoming projects, and how we can support your operations in 2026 and beyond.

If you’ll be attending, let’s schedule a meeting — we’d love to see you there.

20/01/2026

Debunking the Myth: Map3D Models & Tributary Area Theory (TAT) 👨‍💻
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A common fallacy is that elastic numerical models, particularly those built in Map3D, cannot effectively replicate the results of Tributary Area Theory (TAT) when calculating average pillar stress (APS).

We were commissioned by a client to compare TAT-based APS calculations with Map3D elastic models. The result? A negligible difference of less than 0.3% between TAT and Map3D-modelled APS for the centre pillar in a large, regular layout. This confirms that in elastic, static models with repetitive geometries, equilibrium is governed by geometry and tributary area.

So, when is TAT not enough? In smaller or irregular layouts, where abutments provide support or for pillars close to abutments. Here, TAT can overestimate pillar stress, potentially reducing the percentage extraction that you have planned for. You therefore have a good reason why you need 3D numerical models that can demonstrate to the mine owners, the upside potential for percentage extraction.

As a closing remark: Do not attempt to model any aspect of 3D layouts like bord and pillar with 2D, plane strain numerical modelling programs. This is fundamentally flawed.

At Open House Management Solutions, we don’t just run models: we explain them. Want to see how Map3D can enhance your pillar design and layout planning? Invite us for customized, on-site Map3D training. We’ll show you how to leverage elastic modelling confidently. We have trained over 400 engineers since 2016.

Contact [email protected]

09/01/2026

To apply for these vacancies at Open House Management Solutions, please follow the link:

www.cvassist.co.za/Ref027

18/12/2025

On-site Map3D training at Sukari Mine, Marsa Alam, Egypt, December 2025
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Just wrapped up the on-site Map3D training at Sukari Mine, Egypt, tailored for their geotechnical team. The Egyptian nation is one of the friendliest I have encountered, and everyone has a good sense of humor!

We delved into core modelling concepts, and the how-to of importing Surpac & Deswik plans into Map3D for model set-up. We used mXrap/GEM4D for mine plan conversions as well. The session included a site- specific, back analyses of rock mass response, while optimizing model results against field observations and stress measurements.

With 14 years of daily Map3D use and 400+ engineers trained, we offer deep, practical expertise. Interested in customized, on-site training that can also integrate seismic and instrumentation data analysis?

Reach out to discuss: [email protected]

www.ohms.co.za