Using legacy 3D seismic data and source parameters of mining‐induced earthquakes to mitigate the risk of rockbursting in Kloof Gold Mine, South Africa

Abstract

AbstractRockbursts pose a significant risk in deep gold mines in the Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa as they may damage the excavation, injure workers, and delay production. We analysed the source mechanisms of 75 large mining‐related seismic events (ML 1.5–2.7) that caused damage to stopes in Kloof Gold Mine and used legacy 3D reflection seismic data to delineate the ore body and geological structures that may be correlated with mining‐related seismic events. The 75 seismic events took place at depths of 1600–4200 m below surface. Most events were located close to stopes mining the Ventersdorp Contact Reef ore body. The S‐to‐P‐wave energy ratio (Es/Ep) from the analysed seismic events ranged from 1.1 to 19.9. The source mechanisms of mining‐induced seismic events aid in understanding the dominant modes of failure. Planes of weakness may be the result of mining‐induced stresses or pre‐existing geological structures such as faults and dykes. The Es/Ep ratio, focal mechanism and moment tensor solutions were correlated to the underground mapped and seismically defined geological structures. Approximately 44% of the events showed strong correlation with the known underground mapped and seismically imaged geological structures (faults and dykes), whereas 56% of the events were related to elements of the mining geometry (dip pillars, abutments and remnants). This information enables mining layouts to be modified to minimize the risk of rockbursting.