Regional seismic activity in relation to tectonic structure in the PGG S.A. coal mines

¹ PGG S.A., Katowice, Poland
² Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Krakow, Poland
³ State Mining Authority, Katowice, Poland

^* Corresponding author: rpatynska@gmail.com

Abstract

The article presents seismological analysis in the mines of Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A. (PGG S.A.) in relation with the geological and tectonic structure of the exploited rock mass. There are grounds for seismic activity, to be associated with the structural features of the rock mass in which underground exploitation is carried out. The analysis included high-energy tremors (with energy E > 10⁵ J), which occurred in 2018. High energy tremors can cause mining damage on the surface. In 2018, three structural units out of five covering the Upper Silesian Coal Basin formed a rock formation coal mine of PGG S.A. The parameter analyzed was unit energy expenditure (JWE). It reflects the participation of two important pieces of information: total energy of tremors and mining of coal in a given period. The analysis shows that in 2018 JWE fell in total at PGG. However, it grew in the main trough, which translates into an increase in the risk of induced seismicity. Due to geological features, the area of exploitation covering the main trough, induces high-energy tremors that can cause effects on the surface. In other structural units, in 2018, JWE drops.