Data driven seismic hazard evaluation in Canadian mines

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Large seismic events are regular occurrences in deep Canadian mines. In Ontario and Quebec, statistics show that large events (magnitude = +2) are recorded almost 3 times per month. This is a common industry problem, occurring in many mines. There are at least 20 seismic monitoring systems in Ontario and Quebec mines. Many of these mines are deep, with excavations at depths of at least 1500 metres.This project proposes a significant research effort into the occurrence of large seismic events, or seismic hazard, in deep Canadian mines. Evaluating seismic hazard is a complex task, as it varies in time and space. Three PhD and two MASc students will research five topics related to seismic hazard. Three mines with high quality seismic systems and long seismic monitoring histories will be the primary focus of the research. The mines are Agnico-Eagle's LaRonde mine, KGHM's Morrison mine, and Vale's Coleman mine. Comprehensive data collection will be undertaken, at all three mines, over a two year period. New and traditional seismic hazard evaluation techniques will be employed. Results will be documented in reports every two months. This data will be used to test existing seismic hazard evaluation techniques and to develop and calibrate new seismic hazard evaluation techniques. The emphasis is on proactive evaluation of seismic hazard, i.e. before large seismic events occur. This project will demonstrate the most promising seismic hazard evaluation techniques for Canadian mining conditions.Research results will be summarized in a final report. The final report will quantify the success of the seismic hazard techniques and discuss how to best apply these techniques for Canadian mines. Two industry workshops will be held to disseminate the project preliminary and final results. This project will help mines to be more proactive about identifying and forecasting seismic hazard. The results will be improved mine safety, higher mine productivity, and lower mining costs.