Seismic event location uncertainty in mining with reference to caving

Authors: Morkel, IG; Wesseloo, J; Potvin, Y

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2205_30

Cite As:
Morkel, IG, Wesseloo, J & Potvin, Y 2022, 'Seismic event location uncertainty in mining with reference to caving', in Y Potvin (ed.), Caving 2022: Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 445-460, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2205_30

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Abstract:
The occurrence of seismicity in high stress underground environments is common and often leads to underground damage, affecting both the safety and profitability of a mine. To manage this risk, it is typical for a mine to install a seismic sensor array which is used to assess the seismic conditions around the excavations and monitor any changes to it. Arguably, one of the most important seismic parameters to determine with any seismic network is the event locations. An accurate catalogue of event locations and times is a requirement for a good understanding of the seismic response to mining and the sources of seismicity. Unfortunately, the process of event location is challenging, and it is typical to have large errors on the location, especially in mining environments with large mine openings (e.g. caves). In this paper, we discuss the results of a new method for estimating the event location uncertainties. We also discuss how this new method allows one to both improve the seismic sensor array to minimise location uncertainties, and how it allows geotechnical teams to consider the impact of inaccurate event locations in seismic interpretations.

Keywords: mine seismicity, seismicity, location accuracy, quality, location error

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