Abstract
An inherent feature of Polish collieries within the Upper Silesia Coal Basin is the high level of mining induced seismicity, resulting in elevated rockburst hazard levels. One of the major causes of high-energy seismic events is that mining operations are continued in the vicinity of major faulting zones. The study summarises the results of geo-mechanical and statistical analysis of mining-induced seismic activity in the region of major faults, in a selected section within a colliery. Seismic activity assessment involves the categorisation of seismic events due to tectonic movements in the context of various face development systems with respect to the faulting zone: perpendicular (advancing towards the faulting zone or retreating) or parallel (along the faulting zone). Registered seismic activity was analysed in the context of epicenter locations and variations of seismic activity in relation to the developing face operations in the function of time and energy ratings (Gutenberg-Richter formulas). Results have demonstrated that increased levels of seismic activity in the strata can be attributable to mining operations in the vicinity of major faulting zones.
Highlights
The geomechanical and statistical analysis of mining-induced seismicity performed in preparing this paper assumes the form of a case study and covers the geological and mining conditions of one of the collieries of the former Katowicki Holding Węglowy S.A. company
The highest rockburst hazard level was associated with the extraction of coal beds in parts K and L in the area of the Kłodnicki Fault and in part J in areas affected by mining events
Seismic events are usually considered as located within faults, related to fault activation, or to a certain extent connected with the presence of faults when the hypocentral distance of their focus from the edge of the fault is no longer than 150÷200m (Fig. 2), such distances are assumed only on the basis of experiences and intuitions regarding the specific conditions of mining
Summary
The geomechanical and statistical analysis of mining-induced seismicity performed in preparing this paper assumes the form of a case study and covers the geological and mining conditions of one of the collieries of the former Katowicki Holding Węglowy S.A. company. The coal beds in the mining area of the selected colliery are found in three major tectonic blocks separating the respective mining sections (J, K and L) The boundaries of these sections constitute fault zones V, VI, VII, VIII, Środkowy and Kłodnicki (Fig. 1) with various azimuths and throw amplitudes (KHW S.A. 2000-2014). The analysis demonstrated that for every specific mining face a group of seismic events can be found which are directly connected with the influence of faults through the anomalous location of their foci in front or behind the wall front Vector calculus was used in the calculations [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
