Statistical Hazard Assessment and Modelling of Mining Seismicity

Induced seismicity is the occurrence of earthquakes which are triggered by various activities related to natural resource extraction or energy production, such as underground mining. The hazard from induced seismicity needs to be carefully assessed and quantified for safe planning and execution of those economic resource or energy-related activities. Mining and exploration industries in Canada can benefit significantly from the in-depth understanding and mitigation of risk associated with induced seismicity. The proposed research program comprises two major projects, in which a research team from Western in collaboration with the industrial partners at Nutrien Ltd. and the International Minerals Innovation Institute will advance further an understanding of the processes that trigger mining seismicity. To accomplish this, the seismicity data for several Nutrien Ltd. operated potash mines in Saskatchewan will be studied in order to infer statistical characteristics of induced seismicity.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robert Shcherbakov

Student:

Partner:

International Minerals Innovation Institute;Nutrien

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: