Case study of seismically-induced damage in four blocks of Kiirunavaara mine, Sweden

• Comprehensively mapped 38 seismic damage cases linked rockburst mechanisms to geology and rock support across four mine blocks. • Integrated failure classification with forensic analysis to assess the effectiveness of dynamic rock support configurations. • Quantified ejection velocity and burst energy using projectile motion analysis to evaluate dynamic loading on support systems. • Demonstrated how mesh termination height and bolt patterns critically influence drift wall and shoulder damage under seismic loads. • Proposed targeted remedial measures including smart bolts, deformable mesh, and steel sets to enhance support in seismically active zones. Mining at deep-seated deposits is associated with high stresses, which upon redistribution during mining, may cause induced seismic events. This mining-induced seismicity can lead to rockbursts that pose a threat to mining activities. Rockburst failures are classified based on the location of their occurrences, sources, and severity. Rockbursts have been recorded in deep and hard rock mines in various countries around the world. In Sweden, rockburst failures have been prominent since the year 2000, attracting researchers to study Swedish deep mines experiencing these failures. An investigation and mapping of failures during seismic events at the Kiirunavaara mine in Sweden from 2014 to 2017 evaluated seismicity parameters but did not focus on the failures and performance of rock supports. This paper analyzes failures mapped and investigated during seismic events in four blocks at the Kirunavaara mine, focusing on the failure mechanisms of the rock and rock supports. It considers geological factors, rock support, and provides remedial suggestions. It was found that most damages were either directly or indirectly influenced by stress changes due to seismic events. This analysis can provide insights for designing rock supports to mitigate rockburst occurrences.