When compared to seismically active underground mines, the Mount Isa Mines Deep Lead can be considered to be seismically ‘quiet’. Historically, rock noise has been experienced in adverse conditions associated with diminishing crown pillars (rather than a day-to-day occurrence). However, some of the Deep Lead orebodies exhibit intermittent microseismicity, the levels of which are significant in terms of Mount Isa Mines standards.
Current mining activities in Deep Lead are at a depth of just over 1 km below surface, and represent high-grade zinc, lead and silver sources for the Lead Mine. This paper presents a case study of events leading up to the installation of a remote seismic system and subsequent mining of the 14 group of orebodies covering the issues encountered during development over time; the philosophy behind the initial stope designs; the performance of early stope extractions; current issues in Deep Lead; and the experiences learnt from Deep Lead.
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Evolution of Seismicity and Subsequent Learning Experiences in Deep Lead Mount Isa Mines
