Observational studies to mitigate seismic risks in mines: a new Japanese-South African collaborative research project

Mining-induced earthquakes pose a risk to workers in deep South African mines, while natural earthquakes pose a risk to people living close to plate boundaries. We introduce a 5-year Japanese - South African collaborative project entitled "Observational studies to mitigate seismic risks in mines" that commenced in 2010. The project, which seeks to develop human and instrumental capacity in South Africa, will build on previous studies carried out by Japanese and South African seismologists in deep gold mines. The project has five major work streams: (i) determination of rock properties, (ii) sensitive close monitoring, (iii) seismic hazard assessment methods, (iv) strong ground motion monitoring, and (v) upgrading of the South African National Seismological Network in the mining districts. Some aspects of the study will also cast light on the mechanisms that generate tectonic earthquakes.