Call & Nicholas
Maria Alejandra Franco Montoya is currently a Staff Geotechnical Engineer at Call & Nicholas since August 2023 and previously held the position of Geotechnical Engineer Intern at Rio Tinto from May to August 2023. Maria is also a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Arizona, where studies for a Master of Science in Mining Engineering are ongoing from August 2022 to May 2024. Prior experiences include a Mining Engineer Intern role at CEMEX from February to August 2022 and a Research Assistant position at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in late 2021. Maria holds a degree in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Colombia and has also studied as a Mining Exchange Student at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Call & Nicholas
CALL & NICHOLAS (CNI) is an international mining consulting firm that specializes in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, and hydrogeology. We have been providing a wide range of engineering services to the mining industry for over 35 years. Today, a full staff of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and technicians, with experience in both open-pit and underground mining, provides expertise in: ○Feasibility studies ○Open-pit slope angle recommendations ○Underground rock mechanics and mining method selection ○Open-pit and underground displacement monitoring ○Cost-benefit analysis ○Hydrogeologic evaluation and recommended dewatering plans ○Waste dump and tailings dam stability evaluations ○Site investigation and foundation design for waste dumps, leach pads, and water-retention dams ○Engineering geology ○Geotechnical instrumentation and blast vibration monitoring ○Operations improvement and training for blasting and construction ○Evaluation of the mechanical properties of geologic materials ○Foundation recommendations for mine facilities CNI provides geotechnical engineering services for domestic and international mining projects of all types and sizes. Our clients’ needs range from small projects and feasibility studies, requiring only basic technical assistance and evaluation, to full rock mechanics studies, requiring considerable field work, data collection, follow-up monitoring, and evaluation. To help our clients reduce their costs, we work closely with the on-site technical personnel on all projects, providing training and supervision as necessary. CNI is committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and the most cost-effective solutions to each individual design problem. CNI’s outstanding reputation has been built on the expertise and integrity of our staff and their dedication to excellence.