: This paper outlines the concepts used to correlate rock failure with microseismic events and presents examples of microseismic monitoring together with associated computer modelling of the rock failure. This study is motivated by the need to develop improved ways to reduce ground control hazards in underground mining. Toward this end we present and compare results from numerical modelling and microseismic monitoring studies conducted at several different mine sites. Emphasis is on integrating results obtained with these tools to characterize, and thus increase our understanding of, important mine deformation processes. The ultimate goal is to use this knowledge to design mine structures, and develop mitigation measures, that minimize specific ground control hazards.
1 INTRODUCTION
The location of microseismic energy release associated with mining activities is well advanced and is practiced regularly. In Australia the method has been used in conjunction with in situ monitoring and
computer modelling to research ground failure characteristics and caving mechanics about longwall panels in underground coal mines. In the USA this approach has been used in similar situations and also within underground limestone mines to assess ground failure in regard to mine design.
