ABSTRACT: Seismic monitoring systems are becoming widely used in underground mines for monitoring mining-induced seismicity, and in highly stressed ground conditions. In many deep mines, the seismic monitoring system is an integral component in managing ground-related hazards. The capital cost of an average minewide seismic system is in the range of $200,000 to $500,000, with typical yearly operating and maintenance costs in the neighbourhood of 20-40% of the capital cost. With this level of cost and associated responsibility, expectations from the seismic monitoring system are high. This paper gives more than 20 practical suggestions on design, installation, operation of seismic systems in underground, hardrock mines. These suggestions will help to realise the maximum possible benefit from a seismic system, and hopefully avoid costly seismic system design errors.
1 SEISMIC MONITORING IN MINES
Commercial seismic monitoring systems for mines have been available since the 1970’s. Originally seismic monitoring systems were almost exclusively used in rockbursting mines, where they were integral components in managing ground-related hazards. However, they are becoming more common as rockmass monitors in non-bursting conditions. The decision to install a seismic monitoring system is not taken lightly. The installed cost is approximately $Can 10,000 per channel for a minewide, real-time seismic system, with the capital cost of systems typically between $200,000 and $500,000. The yearly operating cost for seismic systems (including labour) is typically about 20% of the capital cost for larger seismic systems, and may be up to 40% of the capital cost for small seismic systems. Seismic monitoring technology has improved greatly in the last 10 years. However, our expectations for seismic monitoring systems have also increased. With the high cost and high expectations, our objective is to get the maximum potential benefit from seismic monitoring in mines.
