Earthquakes Canada reports incident near Esterhazy, Sask.
Earthquakes Canada says seismic activity was reported in east central Saskatchewan last Friday.
At 8:34 p.m. CST on Aug. 1, the agency says a seismic event was reported five kilometers northeast of Esterhazy, Sask.
The event's magnitude was classified as 3.3 on the moment of magnitude scale (MwN) at a depth of one kilometre.
The moment of magnitude scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the total energy released by an earthquake.
The higher the number, the more energy was released.
For example, a magnitude 6 earthquake releases about 30 times more energy than a magnitude 5 and about 1,000 times more energy than a magnitude 4.
According to the agency, it is very unlikely that an earthquake of a magnitude less than five could cause any damage.
Earthquakes Canada went on to say in its summary that the incident is believed to be mine-related.
'Given the location of the event, we suspect it was mining induced and not a natural earthquake,' Allison Bent, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, told CTV News.
'However, we are still waiting for confirmation from the mine and cannot provide a definitive response.'
Mosaic operates its K1, K2 and K3 potash facilities north and east of Esterhazy.
CTV News has reached out to the company for comment.
Esterhazy's Mayor Randy Bot told CTV News in a statement that the community is aware of occasional ground disturbances due to mining activity.
'Esterhazy is proud to be home to one of the world's richest potash deposits, and with that comes occasional ground movement. These events are closely monitored by the mining companies and regulatory bodies to ensure safety remains the top priority,' Bot said in a statement.
'We've experienced similar tremors in the past, and there is no indication at this time that there is any cause for concern. Living in a prosperous mining town means we sometimes feel the pulse of the industry beneath our feet.'
Data from the agency shows there have been 11 earthquakes recorded in the region surrounding Esterhazy.
The most serious event on record was a magnitude 5.5 on May 19, 1909.
The most recent earthquakes in the region were a pair reported on Aug 11, 2021 – each reaching a magnitude of 3.9 MwN.
-More details to come…
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