Exploration of seismic activity will offer insight into the mineworks of Siberia's Taimyr region.
At Taimyr Peninsula's iron ore mines in Russia's far northern Kransnoyarsky Krai, cutting-edge geophysical research is being implemented: high-density 3D seismic exploration. This innovative approach offers a precision look into the mine's structural makeup, allowing for predictions of geological events.
Since 2024, the Talnahskoye iron ore hub has been under geological scrutiny by Norilsk Nickel specialists. The investigation is now advancing around the No8 ventilation shaft.
This seismic exploration enables us to "see" the underground happenings from the surface utilizing the energy of elastic waves.
In this novel exploration method, Russian technology – the electromagnetic impulse sources "Enisey SEM-100" – are employed. These devices generate impulses, which create seismic waves that penetrate the Earth's crust and bounce back to the surface, following a predetermined route. Seismic waves on the surface are captured using autonomous seismic sensors Sercel WTU-508.
On a 4,000 square meter area, there are 3,359 of these sensors – the "ears" that detect minute adjustments, like fractures or water-logged zones. These devices can operate independently for up to 30 days, recording all data in their devices' memory. This information is later processed for analysis. It typically takes about half a year for the 3D model to be created since the seismic exploration begins and the team of geologists, programmers, engineers, and other technical specialists work around the clock.
The resulting precise model of permafrost shows the placement of talik zones, tectonic faults, and other peculiarities of the earth's composition.
"This precise geological model includes tectonic disruptions that will be considered during the mine's operation. In other words, hazard zones will be identified for safe excavation, which will affect the quality of underground work in the near future," explained Ilya Berdugin, a senior manager of the specialized geological enterprise "Norilsk Nickel."
This geophysical research boosts safety and efficiency in mining operations. High-density seismic exploration is indeed the next step towards smart mining that Norilsk Nickel is developing. As previously mentioned, in Talnah, new technologies such as automated mining equipment management systems and mining dispatching are still being introduced.
Currently, the seismic exploration at the No8 shaft is being carried out, which has already been applied at the Octoberskiy Mine, and plans for this year include the Kar'er "Medvedzhii Ruch'e."
"This cutting-edge technology is unprecedented. These industrial applications are being conducted for the first time. Typically, they were performed on open land, but here we collaborated with the Center for Geological Work of the Polar division to develop a monitoring system, planning a method that allows work where exploratory drilling is not always possible. We will continue to employ this method for the other mines and assets that are of the greatest interest from a hydrological safety perspective," concluded Ilya Berdugin.
(Image Credit: Nikolai Shchipko)
- The cutting-edge seismic exploration technique being used at Taimyr Peninsula's iron ore mines not only boosts safety and efficiency in mining operations but also extends to other medical-conditions relevant areas, such as identifying potential health-and-wellness risks related to water-logged zones.
- In the realm of science and technology, Norilsk Nickel's implementation of high-density 3D seismic exploration has the potential to revolutionize not only the mining industry but also news relating to other scientific discoveries, as this method is being used to predict geological events and ensure safe excavation, particularly in the context of medical-conditions like permafrost thawing which can affect health-and-wellness.
