Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Fifth Large Open Pit Mining Conference

Conference Proceedings

Fifth Large Open Pit Mining Conference

PDF Add to cart

Seismic Monitoring at the Fimiston Open Pit Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM)

The Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) Fimiston Open Pit is mining through a dense network of disused level workings and open stopes of greatly varying sizes. The condition of the stope crowns and remnants is often unknown, and ultimately these structures become a significant proportion of the production floor and pit walls. Significant seismic events and occasionally rock bursts often occur in the underground workings._x000D_
Seismicity is becoming an issue to the viability of the KCGM Fimiston operations. KCGM needs to take a leading role in understanding mine-induced and regional seismicity. The seismic system trials were initiated in the Fimiston Open Pit in 1996 using the ISS system. The initial system included two triaxial geophone arrays and two triaxial accelerometer arrays installed into two boreholes. The main objectives of the trial were to investigate the suitability of the two types of sensors and the detectability of seismicity in the pit. The trial was regarded as a success and the system has been expanded and improved._x000D_
The current system consists of 12 triaxial geophone and accelerometer arrays and nine uniaxial geophones. The 12 triaxial arrays are installed in nine boreholes drilled from the pit and the nine uniaxial geophones are installed from underground level workings about 660 m below the original surface elevation. The system is designed to provide seismicity coverage for the entire pit area that is about 2.7 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide and about 300 metres deep._x000D_
The accuracy of the source location has always been a challenge due to the existence of the dense concentration of stopes and lack of the sensors. It is uncommon to have direct ray path for the seismic waves to propagate to the sensors across the strike, hence sensors have been located along strike and under the old workings. This paper discusses some of the challenges associated with seismic monitoring near mine remnants and seismically active faults. The results of the seismic monitoring are presented, and contrasted to results of three dimensional boundary element numerical modelling. The impact of the seismicity upon pit slope stability is briefly discussed.
Return to parent product
  • Seismic Monitoring at the Fimiston Open Pit Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM)
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Seismic Monitoring at the Fimiston Open Pit Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM)
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2003
  • PDF Size: 0.917 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P200307006

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.