Mining seismicity in the Witwatersrand Basin:monitoring,mechanisms and mitigation strategies in perspective

作     者：K. L. Riemer R. J. Durrheim 

作者机构：Gold FieldsGauteng South Africa University of the Witwatersrand & CSIR Centre for Mining InnovationGauteng South Africa 

出 版 物：《Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering》 (岩石力学与岩土工程学报（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2012年第4卷第3期

页      面：228-249页

学科分类：070801[理学-固体地球物理学] 07[理学] 0708[理学-地球物理学] 

主　　题：Witwatersrand Basin monitoring mechanisms mitigation prevention protection prediction 

摘      要：The Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa hosts one of the largest gold placer deposits in the world. Mining in the Witwatersrand Basin here has been the source of about one third to one half of the gold ever produced in the world. Gold was discovered in the Johannesburg area in 1886 and after 120 years of continuous operation, mining is currently approaching depths of 4 000 m. In spite of the challenges and risks that the industry has had to deal with including rock temperature, ventilation and water, one of the most feared hazards in the basin has been the threat from the ongoing occurrence of seismicity and rockbursts. The problem first manifested itself by way of the occurrence of tremors roughly twenty years after the commencement of mining operations. This paper traces the history of the approach to rockbursts and seismicity during the 120 year history of mining in the basin. It portrays a picture of the mining seismicity in terms of monitoring phases, mechanisms and mitigation strategies. The work of research organizations over the years is highlighted with a brief mention of current regulation strategies on the part of the mining inspectorate.