MH Seismic Analysis

The following information utilises the Australian Standards (AS2187.2) to determine the maximum peak particle velocity (PPV) experienced from the underground workings at MH, which has been translated into a magnitude reflecting the impact on the tailings dam.
Table 1 - Australian standards (AS2187.2), recommended maximum peak particle velocities for human comfort.

Type of building or structure Houses and residential buildings or structures Commercial and industrial buildings or structures

Peak particle velocity mm/s 10 25

The ground vibration attenuation estimation formula that has been used in the absence of sitespecific measurements and calibrated models is also derived from AS2187.2 1993, outlined below:
Table 2 - Ground vibration formula determining Peak particle velocity.

Where R = distance to point of concern (m) Q = charge mass per delay (kg) Using a value of R = 566 and Q = 384, where R is a very conservative value as it only considers the horizontal distance between the workings and the tailings dam; neglecting the depth of the workings, and Q which is the largest maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) to date, the expected ground vibration is 5.25mm/s.

Figure 1 Plan view indicating the horizontal distance between the underground workings and the tailings dam.

The PPV has been translated into the Richter scale magnitude using the relationship identified below in Figure 2. Subsequently, it can be concluded that with a PPV value of 5.25, the maximum magnitude to be experienced by the tailings dam is between 0 and 1.

Figure 2 Relationship between the Richter scale and peak particle velocities.