Combined Study of a Significant Mine Collapse Based on Seismological and Geodetic Data—29 January 2019, Rudna Mine, Poland

Maya Ilieva,Dorota Olszewska,Grzegorz Lizurek,Kamila Pawłuszek-Filipiak,Łukasz Rudziński,Damian Tondaś,Iwona Kudłacik

doi:10.3390/rs12101570

Abstract

On 29 January 2019, the collapse of a mine roof resulted in a significant surface deformation and generated a tremor with a magnitude of 4.6 in Rudna Mine, Poland. This study combines the seismological and geodetic monitoring of the event. Data from local and regional seismological networks were used to estimate the mechanism of the source and the ground motion caused by the earthquake. Global Navigation Satellite System data, collected at 10 Hz, and processed as a long-term time-series of daily coordinates solutions and short-term high frequency oscillations, are in good agreement with the seismological outputs, having detected several more tremors. The range and dynamics of the deformed surface area were monitored using satellite radar techniques for slow and fast motion detection. The radar data revealed that a 2-km2 area was affected in the six days after the collapse and that there was an increase in the post-event rate of subsidence.

Highlights

Rock bursts and collapses are the most dangerous phenomena associated with seismicity in underground mines
The strongest underground mining-induced seismic events are Volkershausen [5] and Newcastle [6], both M5.6 the magnitudes of such shallow seismic events are usually small in comparison with natural earthquakes, the ground shaking might be felt by local citizens and can damage surface infrastructure
Rock-burst issues have occurred in the Polish copper region known as the Legnica Głogów Copper District (LGCD)

Summary

Introduction

Rock bursts and collapses are the most dangerous phenomena associated with seismicity in underground mines. The collapse of a mine roof can follow strong and shallow seismic events of magnitudes M > 3 [1,2,3,4]. The strongest underground mining-induced seismic events are Volkershausen [5] and Newcastle [6], both M5.6 the magnitudes of such shallow seismic events are usually small in comparison with natural earthquakes, the ground shaking might be felt by local citizens and can damage surface infrastructure. Several are followed by rock bursts or tunnel collapses Both ground shaking (i.e., a seismic event) and local ground failure occur as consequences of mining. Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques were applied to analyse the co-seismic surface deformation

The Collapse and Seismological Analyses

GNSS Short- and Long-Term Monitoring

Long-Term Monitoring

Short-Term Monitoring

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