Latest news with #seismicactivity
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears
A string of moderate earthquakes off the coast of Japan 's northern island of Hokkaido has reignited concerns among experts and residents about the risk of a catastrophic seismic event – though scientists stress the tremors do not necessarily signal an impending disaster. Local authorities are taking no chances, however, instructing residents to take precautions just in case the new seismic activity proves to be a precursor to a long-feared megaquake A magnitude 4.7 quake struck off the southeast coast of the prefecture at 4.08am on Monday, just 16 minutes after a 6.3 tremor nearby. In a little over six hours from 5.37pm on Saturday, there had been no fewer than five tremors ranging from 4.3 to a magnitude of 6.1 in the same area. The previous day, a 5.4-magnitude quake struck a little further north, but still close to the Chishima Trench. Running parallel to the Japanese coast, the 2,200km (1,400-mile) fault is where the Pacific tectonic plate subducts under the North American plate, causing a great deal of seismic activity. A Japan Meteorological Agency official points to a map showing a magnitude 6.6 earthquake off the southwestern Japan prefecture of Miyazaki in January. Photo: Kyodo The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said that none of the quakes were severe enough to trigger additional seismic activity and that they were being treated as isolated incidents. But the agency did warn that the Chishima Trench had been the source of megaquakes in the past.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ivanhoe disputes Zijin's statement on seismic activity impact at Kakula mine
Ivanhoe Mines has challenged a statement from Zijin Mining regarding the recent seismic activity at the Kakula copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a report by Reuters. The Kakula complex, recognised as Africa's largest copper producer, produced 437,000 tonnes last year. Zijin Mining had mentioned in a statement: 'multiple roof-falling and rib-spalling in the eastern section of the [Kakula] mine,' but Ivanhoe Mines has refuted this claim. Ivanhoe Mines said: "Preliminary indications suggest that seismic activity... resulted in a redistribution of forces underground and caused 'scaling', or rock falls, from the sidewalls of certain mining areas.' The company has emphasised that the seismic event led to a temporary suspension of operations due to safety precautions, with no injuries reported. Ivanhoe Mines focused on the safety of its workforce, successfully evacuating all personnel and securing mobile equipment. Ivanhoe Mines was quoted as saying: 'The operational teams are currently focused on safely repairing damage caused to the cables and pipework that support the underground pumping infrastructure.' This response comes after Zijin Mining Group's earlier warning about the seismic incident potentially affecting the mine's production targets for 2025. Ivanhoe Min has stated it will assess the situation before making any revisions to its production guidance. Additionally, Zijin Mining is reportedly in talks to acquire shares in Zangge Mining, a lithium producer based in Qinghai, China, with a market value of 46.6bn yuan ($6.4bn). This potential acquisition is part of Zijin's strategy to capitalise on the growing demand for battery materials by strengthening its presence in the global lithium market. "Ivanhoe disputes Zijin's statement on seismic activity impact at Kakula mine" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Ivanhoe says it disputes Zijin statement on Congo mine problems
LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - Ivanhoe Mines ( opens new tab on Friday disputed a statement by its Chinese partner about problems at their co-owned Kakula copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo after seismic activity. "The press release by Zijin Mining refers to '..multiple roof-falling and rib-spalling in the eastern section of the [Kakula] mine,' Ivanhoe said. "Ivanhoe Mines does not agree with this statement", it said. "Preliminary indications suggest that seismic activity... resulted in a redistribution of forces underground and caused 'scaling', or rock falls, from the sidewalls of certain mining areas." Ivanhoe had said on Tuesday that some mining operations had been suspended at the Kakula underground mine on Sunday. The Kamoa-Kakula mining complex is Africa's biggest copper producer and one of the world's largest. In Friday's update it added: "The operational teams are currently focused on safely repairing damage caused to the cables and pipework that support the underground pumping infrastructure." Zijin Mining Group Ltd ( opens new tab warned in a statement released earlier on Friday that the problems may have an "adverse impact" on meeting annual production guidance of 520,000 to 580,000 metric tons in 2025 for the Kamoa-Kakula mine complex. The mine produced 437,000 tons last year. Ivanhoe also disputed that, saying it would only be able to know whether production guidance would need to be changed after an investigation was completed.
Times of Oman
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Times of Oman
Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hits Nepal
Kathmandu: An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hit Nepal in the early hours of Friday, as reported by the National Centre of Seismology (NCS). The NCS provided the details in a post on X. According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at 01:33 hours at a depth of 10 kilometres in Nepal. It took place at latitude 29.36 N and longitude 80.44 E. "EQ of M: 4.3, On: 23/05/2025 01:33:53 IST, Lat: 29.36 N, Long: 80.44 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Nepal." There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Further details are awaited. Shallow earthquakes are more dangerous than deeper ones due to their greater energy release closer to the Earth's surface, causing stronger ground shaking and increased damage to structures and casualties, compared to deeper earthquakes, which lose energy as they travel to the surface. Nepal is highly earthquake-prone due to its location on a convergent boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. This collision generates immense pressure and stress, which is released as earthquakes. Nepal is also situated in a subduction zone where the Indian Plate is sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate, further increasing stress and strain. Nepal lies in the Himalayan region, a zone of intense seismic activity caused by the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision results in the Indian plate pushing beneath the Eurasian plate in a process called subduction, creating immense pressure and strain on the Earth's crust. The subduction zone further amplifies the stress, making Nepal highly vulnerable to earthquakes. The collision also contributes to the uplift of the Himalayan mountains, adding to the overall seismic activity in the region. Nepal has a long history of earthquakes, including devastating events like the 2015 earthquake. Earlier on April 26, a minute's silence was observed for 8,969 victims who lost their lives on April 25 2015, in the devastating earthquake of 7.8 Richter scale a decade ago. Standing below the replica of Dharahara Tower that fell down during the earthquake a decade ago, killing dozens, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli remembered those killed in the natural disaster.
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Greek Fire Brigade on High Alert after 6.1 Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Crete
Emergency services were on high alert in Crete on Thursday after a 6.1 magnitude quake hit off the Greek island, causing tremors felt across Türkiye and Israel. The fire brigade said it has not received any calls for assistance so far nor reports of any serious property damage. The tremor, which hit 79 km (49 miles) off the city of Heraklion at 6:19 a.m. (0319 GMT) on Thursday, jolted locals and tourists holidaying on the island at the start of the summer season, according to reports on X. CCTV video posted on Facebook showed plant pots on a balcony shaking for seconds, Reuters reported. Greece is one of Europe's most earthquake-prone countries and an unprecedented level of seismic activity shook the popular tourist island of Santorini for weeks earlier this year, prompting thousands to evacuate and shutting schools.
