ESG Solutions, a Kingston, Ontario-based industry leader in microseismic solutions for the mining, oil & gas and geotechnical industries, is working with the Ultra Deep Mining Network (UDMN) to develop and test an innovative method of estimating rock stress using microseismic data.
Stress tensor determination from microseismic source mechanisms provides a relatively inexpensive way to assist in the evaluation of induced stress and mine hazard, according to the company.
"Using microseismic data, mines will also have better opportunities for numerical model calibration and enhanced model forecasting by being able to obtain more accurate stress information from seismic data at remote locations in the mine," said Dr. Dave Collins, manager of ESG's Mining and Geotechnical Consulting Services Group. "Using seismic stress inversion analysis may also help mines increase understanding of failure processes. This can result in improved mine design and safety procedures, contributing to greater operational efficiencies and productivity."
Reducing geotechnical risks associated with mining at depths in excess of 2.5 kilometres is one of the objectives of the UDMN, a national, business-led centre of excellence network managed by the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation in Sudbury.
