Recognition of Low Throw Faults and Fracture Systems Using Seismic Data

This report provides a general review of work performed by the Curtin University research group for a syndication of mining companies over a two year period, July 1995 to June 1997.

The Syndicate was supported by the Australian Coal Association (ACA) under ACARP Project Number C4028, and the support of BHP Coal, BHP Collieries, ISCOR Australia, South Blackwater Mine, and Powercoal.

Two new pieces of seismic equipment were built for testing on this project, while a separate investigation was performed on the application of different geophones. The purpose was to determine how well such equipment performed in a mining environment.

Each sponsor had field work performed on a proprietary research basis on at least one mine site, which in part was funded from Syndicate membership, with additional field expenses being funded from exploration budgets. All sponsors had access to other sponsors' reports and results. All seismic technology developments were provided to Syndicate members and the industry through reports and Symposia papers.

The aim of this two year research project was to expand research into using seismic methods for the prediction of low throw faults and fractures ahead of mining. In addition, it was a goal to demonstrate that seismic interpretation could be improved after tying-in with borehole data, and that gas pockets could be sensed.

The research group performed field work in the Bowen Basin at Goonyella Mine, Wards Well, Daunia and Saraji mine; at Moranbah South at Tower Colliery in the Sydney Basin at Appin and at Angus Place.

Seismic methods can be used to track 1 to 2m throw faults and fracture zones to depths of 500m, if the correct method is used with the correct recording parameters. Methods have been developed to image faults, fractures and sense the presence of gas.

On conclusion of each survey, sponsors received fully documented reports, which were too numerous to include within this report. Technology transfer was performed through ACARP seminars at Middlemount and Newcastle.