Near-Surface Characterization of an Active Mine through Surface Wave Analyses

Abstract

Summary In the mining space, near-surface imaging is an important task for mine development, managing safety, and environmental risks posed by mining activity. The complexities in the near-surface may be related to complex geology (i.e., due to tectonic related deformation such as faulting, folding, intrusions, and the presence of near-surface aquifers) and human activity (e.g., presence of voids due to historical undocumented mining activities). In this study, we apply surface wave analysis to identify potential fault zones in the vicinity of South Deep Mine (South Africa) that may compromise mining safety, affect future mining development, and intersect mining infrastructure. Surface wave analysis can provide very useful near-surface information through the estimation of near-surface shear-wave velocity models.