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/n Application of Computers and Operations Research in [he Mineral Industry (APCOM), Proc. 30'"Intl. Symp., Phoenix, AZ, ed. S. Bandopadhyay, Soc. Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc, 637-647, 2002. Seismic Event Data Acquisition and Processing: Distribution and Coordination Across PC-Based Networks Peter Swanson, Brian Kenner, and Todd Krahenbuhlt ABSTRACT NOSH has developed an automated PC-based seismic event (induced earthquake) monitoring system for use in mine ground control studies. The distribution and coordination of data acquisition and processing functions across a local area network is a central feature of the system. Mine-wide installations utilize multiple, autonomous seismic networks located both underground and on [he surface. Seismic event locations, magnitude estimates, and other processed data are distributed for display and analysis on network nodes both underground and in the offices of mine engineers and managers. This paper describes [he system's design philosophy, hardware and software components, examples of installations, and a few observational results. BACKGROUND When development and production mining take place underground, in situ stresses are redistributed in such a fashion that rock mass instabilities can occur. These instabilities, or dynamic releases of stored energy, range from imperceptible microscopic fracturing in the host rock to catastrophic failures that generate seismic events with magnitudes up to 5 and result in total destruction of mine infrastructure. Throughout the world, mines that experience dynamic failures such as rock bursts and coal bumps use seismic monitoring systems in efforts [o deal effectively with these ground control problems. Examples of the use ofthis technology to identify, characterize, and evaluate these hazards and aid in the development of mitigation procedures can be found in the quadrennial series International Symposium on Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines (e.g., Gibowicz and Lasocki, 1997). In the United States, mine seismicity studies had largely been conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM). When funding for the USBM was eliminated in 1996, the federal responsibility for health and safety research in mining was transferred to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Unfortunately, most of the USBM seismic monitoring hardware, software, and expertise was lost in the transition to NIOSH. Therefore, after the transition, a new automated seismic monitoring system was developed for use in several NIOSH studies seeking to reduce hazards from rock mass instabilities such as rock bursts, coal bumps, mine collapse, and roof falls. tNational Instimte for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane Research Laboratory, Spokane, WA.