Reprint from Pure and Applied Geophysics (PAGEOPH), Volume 129 (1989), No. 3/4

An Introduction to Mining Seismology describes comprehensively the modern methods and techniques used to monitor and study seismicity and rockbursts in mines. Key case histories from various worldwide mining districts clearly illustrate and skillfully emphasize the practical aspects of mining seismology. This text is intended as a handbook for geophysicists and mining and rock mechanics engineers working at mines. It will also serve as an essential reference tool for seismologists working at research institutions on local seismicity not necessarily induced by mining. - Presents a comprehensive description of seismicity induced by mining worldwide - Provides information on optimum network planning and seismic event location procedures in deep mines - Covers a broad array of topics including focal mechanism, moment tensor, and double-couple versus non-double-couple seismic events in mines - Includes data on source parameters and scaling relations for seismic events in mines

These proceedings include the latest developments in research and practice in the area of mining-induced seismicity. Three themes are explored: strong ground motion and rockburst hazard; mechanics of seismic events and stochastic methods; and monitoring of seismicity and geomechanical modelling.

There are few books and long review articles on water reservoir induced seismicity, mining induced seismicity and even on volcanic seismicity but the subjects of induced seismicity following fluid extraction and nuclear explosion and seismicity associated with tidal stress in Earth have not received significant attention though there are research papers in relevant literature. Thus an attempt has been made to discuss all the known forms of induced seismicity in the present book and to bring out common features of the different phenomena causing induced seismicity. The book has six main chapters namely 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the first and last chapters, namely 1 and 8 being introduction and overview of all forms of induced seismicity. Material in Chapters 2 and 3 is rather recent though water reservoirs and petroleum extraction processes have been in existence over many decades. But, literature on chapters 4 and 5 is available since last one century or so as volcanic process and mining operation affect nearby human habitation and mining severely due to induced seismicity associated with mining in particular. However, literature on possible induced seismicity due to tidal stress is fairly old, the same following nuclear explosion is naturally recent.

This book offers an in-depth analysis and interpretation methods applicable to mine-induced seismicity. It is based on over 40 years of experience in mine and exploration geophysics. Another unique feature of this book is the complete history of the caving process as evidenced by the recorded seismicity at the South African copper mine Palabora Lift 1. Until now, the literature has only presented theory and case studies discussing the interpretation of results, and there has been no discussion of the input-data quality or why a certain interpretation technique was applied. This book fills that gap. This book is a fascinating read, written by one of the world’s leading mine seismologists. It summarises the history and progression of mine seismology. It outlines the practical use of back analysis of data and how it can be used on a daily basis. The book explains how mine seismology can be used as an effective monitoring tool for key events as the mine progresses as well as for future caving operations.Anthony Allman MAusIMM, CP(Min), RPEQ Antcia Consulting Pty Ltd, Director, Mining Engineer The content of the book is really solid and robust and I have no doubt it is going to be considered a great contribution for the mining community.Raul Fuentes, Former Director of Master Program in Geomechanics Applied to Mining, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile This book is long overdue and helps to present some difficult concepts in a way that they can be clearly understood by non-experts in this area. Stefan has personally managed to take mine seismology from being a black-art into a useful tool to help make mines a safer and more controlled environment. Neil Hepworth C. Eng, MIMMM, Geomin Consultorio – Brazil, Consultant Mining and Geotechnics Seismic monitoring is an important tool in cave management. The information from monitoring allows a number of key production factors to be determined including cave advance rates, the approximate location of the cave back, insight into the size of the air gap and allows the tracking of broad changes in stress. These all assist in the day to day management of a safe and successful cave. Dr. Glazer’s book provides guidance on the application of microseismicity to cave management through a review of appropriate theory and more importantly illustrates its use through case histories, particularly from the Palabora block cave. The text will be a good addition for all practitioners in cave engineering and operations.Allan Moss, General Manager – Grasberg Underground Liaison, Copper Development, Rio Tinto

In the past several years, some energy technologies that inject or extract fluid from the Earth, such as oil and gas development and geothermal energy development, have been found or suspected to cause seismic events, drawing heightened public attention. Although only a very small fraction of injection and extraction activities among the hundreds of thousands of energy development sites in the United States have induced seismicity at levels noticeable to the public, understanding the potential for inducing felt seismic events and for limiting their occurrence and impacts is desirable for state and federal agencies, industry, and the public at large. To better understand, limit, and respond to induced seismic events, work is needed to build robust prediction models, to assess potential hazards, and to help relevant agencies coordinate to address them. Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies identifies gaps in knowledge and research needed to advance the understanding of induced seismicity; identify gaps in induced seismic hazard assessment methodologies and the research to close those gaps; and assess options for steps toward best practices with regard to energy development and induced seismicity potential.