Seismic hazard in deep hard rock mining: a brief comparison of stoping and caving experience

Authors: Xu, Y-H; Ollila, B; Parsons, J; Joughin, W; Meyer, SG; Jakubec, J; Thomas, A

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_97

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Xu, Y-H, Ollila, B, Parsons, J, Joughin, W, Meyer, SG, Jakubec, J & Thomas, A 2026, 'Seismic hazard in deep hard rock mining: a brief comparison of stoping and caving experience', in A van As, D Cumming-Potvin & J Wesseloo (eds), Caving 2026: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-15, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_97

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Abstract:
As global mineral resources become depleted near the surface, hard rock mining operations are progressing to depths exceeding 1 km metres and approaching ultra-depths of 2 to 3 km or greater, resulting in an escalating seismic hazard. This paper presents a comparative discussion of seismic mechanisms and risk management strategies between deep hard rock stoping and caving mines. First, common mining-induced seismic source mechanisms between these two mining methods are reviewed based on case studies that focus on strong rockburst events. Accordingly, their risk mitigation measures from a practical ground control perspective were compared and discussed. The goal of this paper is to identify first principles that can guide seismic risk management plans for both mining methods.

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