Retrospective analysis of mine seismicity: Glencore, Kidd Mine

Abstract

Understanding the rock mass response to underground mining is a significant benefit to assist with decisions aimed at maintaining safe access and controlling conditions in which incidents of rock mass failure may occur during excavation development. As Canadian mines get deeper, high stress conditions become more prevalent, often leading to dynamic rock mass failure. This failure results in recordable dynamic stress waves, also called mining induced seismic events. The occurrence of large seismic events has become commonplace in many Ontario hardrock mines. This thesis investigates the mining-induced seismic events recorded in the deepest levels of Glencore’s Kidd Mine, near Timmins, Ontario. The research focuses on mining-induced seismic events in Mine D, which is between 2000 and 3000 metres below surface. Spatial and temporal trends of large seismic events are investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on analysis of the variations in radiated seismic energy associated with large magnitude events. Through analysis of seismic source parameters such as radiated seismic energy, a better understanding of dynamic rock mass failure in a mine is achieved. This improved understanding aids in managing the risks associated with deep mining in high stress conditions.