Back analysis of seismicity from development to open stope extraction at a deep mining operation

Abstract

A detailed review of a deep open stope operation, including the sequential construction steps and their related seismicity, has been completed. The seismic response has been analysed using an integrated geotechnical platform called IGD, which allows the geotechnical team to review the rock mass response in real-time. The seismic response has been compared for the entire sequence of three stopes, indicating that the induced stress concentration has mobilised geological structures, including rock mass closer to the access infrastructure, much later than the actual development of those tunnels. This has resulted in an increased seismic hazard in the area. The implications for the ground support are clear and indicate that it must be designed to withstand the damage from the entire stope extraction sequence.