Observational Studies in South African Mines to Mitigate Seismic Risks

Observe Earthquakes at Proximity at 1-3 km Depths from Earth’s Surface

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  OGASAWARA Hiroshi
  College of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of South Africa

Research Institutions in Japan

Ritsumeikan University / The University of Tokyo / Tohoku University / National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) / Council for Geoscience (CGS) / The University of Witwatersrand

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2009

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Earthquakes caused by rock mass failure induced by mining
Among many mines in the Republic of South Africa, gold mines are excavated to particularly great depths. Mining causes stress concentration to rock mass. The rupture results in mine earthquakes, posing a serious risk. For safe mining, risk of mine earthquakes must be accurately assessed and mining must be planned to minimize the risk. The outcome of this study is also expected to be applicable to effort

Gathering observational data at proximity, improve the accuracy of seismicity assessment
Based upon geological structure and mining schedule, we can anticipate to some degree hypocenters and magnitudes of mine earthquakes. Installing observation instruments in advance at the proximity, we elucidate the preparation and generation of earthquakes. In addition, national observation network on earth’s surface will also be upgraded. Through these steps, an effort will be made to improve the accuracy of earthquake hazard assessment.

Photo gallery

Probing target fault

Researchers, mining rock engineers, geologists and surveyors. Several times the number of people shown here collaborated to establish the dense monitoring network.