The impact of mine blasting on the occurrence of human-induced tectonic earthquakes in the eastern Orenburg region

The geodynamic situation is analyzed in the area of the eastern Orenburg region for 2006-2022. The number of recorded seismic events averages 742 events per /year. The impact of mining works on the increase of technogenic seismicity is considered. It is established that most of seismic events occur in the territories near the developed mineral deposits. The technogenic earthquakes with a magnitude Ml 3.0 were analyzed. The reasons of intensifying technogenic-tectonic seismicity are revealed. The specific features of strong (Ml ≥ 3.0) technogenic-tectonic earthquakes under the dynamic effects of blasting operations upon mining are described. The time dependence between the explosions carried out at industrial sites and the recorded seismic events (correlation coefficient 0.89) is found. The types of technogenic seismicity, static and dynamic, are considered. Recurrent dynamic impacts of blasting operations can trigger the stress state discharge in tectonic structures. Geodynamic events with magnitude Ml ≥ 4.0 exert the most hazardous impact on industrial and civil buildings and structures; they also affect the environmental situation in the region and the population safety. The zoning of territory was carried out, and two separate areas were distinguished with an elevated number of recorded seismic events with a magnitude of Ml 3.0, i.e., Adamovsky and Yasnensky districts.