Potvin, Y & Cumming-Potvin, D 2024, 'Structural models a weak link in managing the risk from large seismic events', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 934-950.
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_G-06/)
Abstract: In caving and stoping mines, very large seismic events (i.e. moment magnitude 3.0+ events) are an important risk in terms of safety and production loss. A significant portion of these very large events are fault-slip type events. In spite of this, many seismically active mines do not have a good understanding of their structural geology from a seismic standpoint. Structural models are typically developed in the early project stages and focused on structures controlling orebody formation and mineralisation, rather than being created with a focus on the potential for generating seismicity. Commonly, the structural models available to the geotechnical team are out of date and can include hundreds of structures which do not influence seismicity, making the interpretation of fault-slip seismicity extremely challenging. Structural geology resources at mine sites are almost entirely focused on exploration and orebody delineation. Geotechnical departments rarely have access to structural geologists before seismicity becomes a major problem. When they do, these personnel often dedicate only a fraction of their time to update the structural model and they lack training or experience in mine seismicity. This paper details the importance of well-constructed, targeted structural models when managing seismicity and analysis methods that can be used to better understand the character and risks of fault-slip seismicity.