Michael Davis

About Michael Davis

I am a forward thinking, driven Geotechnical Engineer with 20 years of experience leading transformative initiatives in mine reclamation, closure planning, dam safety, and permitting. My passion lies in integrating technology and innovation to solve complex environmental and engineering challenges across the mining lifecycle. I love the work I do!From designing and managing post-mine land uses to developing defensible closure strategies and digital inspection workflows, I’ve built a career on bridging the gap between field expertise and digital intelligence. Whether it\'s using UAV data for hydrologic modeling, deploying smart inspection tools, or applying machine learning to surface stability and revegetation assessments, I’m committed to reshaping how we approach reclamation, compliance, and asset transformation.I’ve led multidisciplinary teams across mine permitting, geotechnical monitoring, and dam surveillance—balancing regulatory alignment (e.g, SMCRA, NPDES, state dam safety) with practical, adaptive field implementation. I am especially energized by the opportunity to collaborate on digital mine platforms, where engineering meets user-centered design to enhance insight, usability, and field decision-making.As the mining industry advances toward closure-focused, tech-enabled solutions, I see enormous potential in mentoring the next generation of professionals, building capacity in the workforce, and strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration.If you\'re exploring ways to modernize your mine’s reclamation practices, need strategic insight for permitting or dam safety challenges, or are interested in integrating digital workflows into environmental monitoring—I’d welcome the chance to connect.Let’s innovate how we close the mine—safely, sustainably, and with integrity.

Experience

1. Head of Mine Reclamation and Asset Transformation

   TransAlta

   Mar 2024 — Present · Centralia, WA, US

   As the head of mine reclamation and asset transformation, I lead strategic initiatives across mine reclamation, closure design, permitting, and dam safety—with a strong focus on integrating technology and innovation into every phase of the post-mining lifecycle.I manage the engineering and production performance of dredging operations, applying data-driven insights and advanced tools to optimize efficiency and landform outcomes. My responsibilities include reclamation and compliance planning, supporting SMCRA-aligned permitting efforts, and overseeing landform development and closure strategies that align with long-term post-mine land uses.A core component of my role is managing our dam safety program, which encompasses 31 tailings and sedimentation ponds. I lead the integration of remote sensing, instrumentation, and digital inspection tools to enhance surveillance workflows, minimize risk, and ensure regulatory compliance with state and federal standards.I work closely with multidisciplinary teams—engineers, scientists, regulators, and software developers—to build resilient, adaptive solutions that support both operational goals and environmental stewardship. My focus is on digital mine transformation, where geotechnical expertise is amplified by spatial analytics, UAV data, and predictive monitoring platforms.Ultimately, my role is about advancing safe closure, enhancing site performance, and delivering sustainable land outcomes through innovation and collaboration

Education

• The University of British Columbia

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Civil Engineering

  2002 — 2007

Skills

• Autocad
• Earthworks
• Drilling
• Engineering
• Water Resource Management
• Team Management
• Mining
• Microsoft Office
• Project Management
• Rock Mechanics
• Construction
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Automated Data Acquisition
• Geotechnical Instrumentation
• Geological Mapping
• Instrumentation
• Water
• Slope Stability
• Telemetry
• Geology
• Soil
• Civil Engineering
• Management
• Project Engineering