For the second time this week, Sudbury residents were rattled by a seismic event triggered by a local mine.
The tremors were reported by residents on social media late Friday morning.
“Not sure what just happened but our house just rumbled for about 45 seconds to a minute!! Anyone else feel that(?),” one poster to Facebook said.
“That was not a typical mine blast,” another person said. “That was insane. House shook for 10 seconds with loud rumbling. Sounded like bomb went off.”
Earthquakes Canada recorded the 3.5 magnitude seismic event at 11:20 a.m. ET with a depth of 2.2 km and geographic coordinates pointing to Creighton Mine near Lively – a 30-minute drive west from downtown Sudbury.
Vale Base Metals confirmed all employees ‘safe and accounted for’
Vale Base Metals, who owns the mine, confirmed that the mine experienced a seismic event in a statement to CTV.
“All employees are safe and accounted for and all established protocols were followed. Members of the public with questions are encouraged to contact Vale’s Community Concerns Line at 705-222-VALE (8253),” the company said in the statement.
Earthquakes Canada said there were no reports of damage and didn’t expect any to be reported.
On Sunday night, a 2.9 magnitude earthquake was felt across much of the Greater Sudbury area.
Vale confirmed that it was the source of the quake in a statement to the Sudbury Star, adding, “The mine has since been inspected and returned to normal operations.”
Tremors triggered by blasting at mines in the Greater Sudbury area are not unusual.
A magnitude 3.0 earthquake means it is a minor event that is often felt by people but causes no damage.
— With files from Sudbury Star
