The University of New South Wales has a new head of mining engineering, bringing in a expert form years in the field.

Paul Hagan will replace Bruce Hebblewhite at the head of the UNSW department.

UNSW’s Dean of Engineering Graham Davies thanked Hebblewhite “for all his leadership in bringing the School to prominence throughout the world, and welcome Paul into this exciting role to take the School to the next level”.

Hagan holds undergraduate and postgraduate mine engineering degrees, and has spent 16 years in various roles at the school.

He has also served for about 13 years across a variety of coal, gold, and iron ore operations.

His background is in research on the stability of underground mines, which the uni says “is a key area of focus in the school's broader strategy addressing ground control for the hard rock and coal sectors”.

UNSW says it is establishing a research centre dedicated to this task.

“This is an area that is growing in importance as mining companies are forced to go deeper in search of valuable deposits,” Hagan said.

The research school will look at new methods of underground mining including block-caving and longwall top caving, assessing their effectiveness, impact and safety.

Hagan is confident that Australia’s mining sector will stay strong.

“The industry is still producing record tonnes... it’s still growing, and its need for engineers will not lessen in the future,” he said.