Use of microseismic source parameters for rockburst hazard assessment

Since 1994 Noranda's Brunswick #12 Mine has complemented their MP250/Queen's Full Waveform seismic systems with an ISS (Integrated Seismic System). Time histories of ISS source parameter information form a component of the daily ground control decision-making This paper discusses a methodology for microseismic hazard assessment, which fillers ISS data using energy, apparent stress and seismic moment criteria to identify those events that are relevant for the assessment and decision-making process. Seismic events are classified into four groups: (1) no or minor hazard; (2) seismically-triggered, gravity-driven hazards; (3) stress-adjustment-driven hazards resulting in bulking due to rock mass fracturing; and (4) deformation-driven hazards exploiting existing rock mass damage. Three case histories from 1994-1996, for the 1000 Level South and the 850 Level at Brunswick Mine, are analyzed using this technique to calibrate and verify the proposed methodology.