The Impact of Surface Water Seepage on Seismicity and Rockbursting in Mines

Retrospective analysis of data obtained from long-term monitoring technogenic seismicity and rockbursts at the Apatitovy Tsirk Rasvumchorr Plateau deposits (Russia) showed that there is a significant (by 50% or more) increase in number geodynamic events during spring snowmelt periods. An upswing seismic activity within this rock massif occurs when following conditions are true: water reserve snow cover on deposit area more than 3 × 108 m3; period exceeds 40 days; ingress rates continues for over 5 days total inflow volume previous daily measurements by least factor 2. Seismic starts to intensify after develops momentum. Major induced earthquakes occurred years these were met (for example, 2005 was magnitude 2.3 earthquake; 2009, M = 1.6 earthquake), 1000 recorded period. It has been established mining reaches depths 500 m, infiltration atmospheric precipitation begin occur depth 100–200 m about 900 m. A possible controlling activation reactivation tectonic faults, which under critically stressed state massif, due decrease their normal compression infiltration. factors contributing strong rockburst (K 10–11) 1990 bauxite mine South Urals shows prior disaster an inrush Ai River waters into workings through large disturbance, not previously taken account analyzing mechanism event. The intrusion fault located field regional stresses subsequent partial relief its plane could have triggered with fault-slip mechanism. study relationship between amount degree encroachment field, one hand, seismicity, other needed draw up recommendations improving environmental safety regions order ensure sustainable development.