Arnold Dix

Arnold Dix (8 March 1964) is a lawyer, Scientist and author from Monbulk, Australia. He is currently the president of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association.^[1]

Dix's father emigrated from New Zealand where he a used-car salesman. His mother is a graduate of Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy. His parents became publicans, causing the family to frequently move around Melbourne, Benalla, Cohuna and Jindabyne.^[2]

Dix hold a Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science (Monash University 1986) and Bachelor of Laws (Monash University 1988).^[3][4]

Dix is a registered barrister at the High Court of Australia and a member of the Victorian bar.^[5][6] He is also former counsel to White & Case legal firm^[7] and also a former partner of law firms Maddock Lonie & the law firm Chisholm and DLA Phillips Fox. Dix was a visiting scholar at the Tokyo City University.^[8] He is also a former visiting scholar of engineering at Queensland University of Technology and at Western Sydney University.^[9]

Dix is the elected president of International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA), which is based in Geneva and is the peak advisory body on the underground to the United Nations. He provides expertise in the legal, environmental, political and ethical aspects of underground construction. He is also the founder of The ALARP Group.^[10]

In 2023, he was part of the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation of 41 workers in India who were trapped in Uttarkashi, India.Dix has also been involved in improving the safety of bulk milk truck tankers. His work in this sector, has resulted to reduction in truck rollovers. In 2023, he was announced by the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) as the keynote speaker for Bulk Tanker Day.^[11][12][13] Dix has also been involved in the investigation of disasters. He was the coroners investigator into the Burnley Tunnel disaster.^[14] He also wrote an expert report for the Victorian coroner on the incident.^[15] In 2020, Dix together with Lord Robert Mair and Peter Vickery QC, established Underground Works Chambers.^[16] The company offers technical and regulatory solutions for challenges related to underground spaces.^[17]

Dix is a member of the National Fire Protection Association standards committees for Road (NFPA 502) and Rail (NFPA 130) Tunnels safety.^[18] He also serves on PIARC for road Tunnel related matters.

On 19 November 2023, Dix joined the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation.^[19] Upon arrival, Dix promised to evacuate all 41 workers safely. Dix played a leading role in the operation that saved 41 workers who were trapped nearly 200ft below the surface. He worked together with five agencies ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL, who had encountered difficulties completing the rescue mission.^[20][21]

Dix suggested that the team use soft mining techniques, to avoid disturbing the mountain and causing another avalanche which would put the workers at further risk. Rescuers had been using large earth drilling machines which caused vibrations that made the tunnel more unsafe. The large drills also broke down from hitting metal obstacles from the collapsed tunnel, forcing the rescue operation to be paused frequently.^[22] Dix proposed much slower and gentle approaches that he considered safer.^[23] The rescuers used a thin pipe to carry the trapped workers to safety. They finally excavated by hand to avoid disturbing the rock and causing further damage.^[1]

Dix displayed faith during the rescue by setting a makeshift temple during the rescue, which gained attention on social media. During the rescue mission, Dix was seen praying at the temple of local deity Baba Bokh Naag ji.^[24][25][26]

Dix has two siblings, Helena Dix and the late Colin Dix. He is married to Divina Dix. He has three children Sam, Hannah and Edward from his first marriage to Karen Beckmann. He has one stepchild, Trisha, from his current marriage.^[2]

In 2011, he was the recipient of the Alan Neyland Tunnelling Society award for tunnel fire safety excellence.^[27]

In 2022, Dix was honored with a Committee Service Award by the National Fire Protection Association of the United States of America for his contribution to road and rail tunnel fire safety.^[28]

Dix received recognition from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his work in the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue.^[29]