Identifying and Describing a Seismogenic Zone in a Sublevel Caving Mine

Analysis of caving-induced seismicity can aid in the understanding of rock mass behaviour in the different stages of the caving process. A detailed analysis of caving-induced seismicity at the Telfer sublevel caving mine was undertaken. Interpretation of seismic data in the Telfer mine showed the influence of the major geological features on cave behaviour and helped to identify the phases of cave evolution. Two geological zones with unique seismic characteristics (the M50 and M30 stiff reefs) and four key caving phases (initial undercut blasting, cave initiation, cave propagation and breakthrough) were defined through seismic data analysis. Movement of the seismogenic zone was significantly affected by the stiff reefs within the cave column. Seismic source parameter analysis was used to investigate caving mechanisms at Telfer.