Those in the Esterhazy, Sask. area may have had a startling wake-up call this morning, as a tremor was reported in the area. According to Earthquakes Canada the 3.4 magnitude tremor was reported at 7:04 a.m. Tuesday. At a depth of a kilometre and reported around nine kilometres northeast of the community, Earthquakes Canada classified the incident as “suspected” to be mining related. Mosaic, which operates its K1, K2 and K3 potash facilities near Esterhazy, confirmed seismic activity was felt at its facilities. According to the company, the event occurred in a mined out area of its K3 mine. All employees are accounted for and all safety checks and inspections have been completed. Seismic activity is semi-common in the Esterhazy area. Since 1985, 49 earthquakes have been reported within a 30-kilometre radius of the community. Of those incidents, all have been classified as related to industry or mining operations in the area, according to data from Earthquakes Canada. Mosaic reiterated this fact in its statement. “Mining induced seismic activity in this area is common, and our facilities are engineered with seismic loading in mind,” the company wrote. “While the recent event occurred far from current mining areas and presents no immediate safety concerns, we continue to advance our understanding of the geological properties of the K3 ore body and will work with external experts to review seismic activity.” Esterhazy is located around 220 kilometres east of Regina.
