WATCH: Scientists have warned South Africans to brace themselves for more earthquakes. They predict that more earthquakes could be experienced in areas with active or disused mines. South Africa has a long history of mining, and among its gold mines are two of the deepest mines in the world. The recent five-point-five magnitude earthquake that hit Klerksdorp in the North West two weeks ago could have been influenced by mining. Experts say more and deeper mines are adding stress to the tectonic plates underground, making the ground unstable. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research researcher Ray Durrheim and his team of experts have found that more than 90% of seismic events recorded originate in areas where there is gold mining activity. Durrheim joined us in studio today.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:42:27 +0000