UPDATE: A 2.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Picton region today, sending tremors felt as far away as 200 kilometers at 11:34 AM on October 12, 2023. This seismic event occurred just three kilometers beneath the earth’s surface, alarming residents in Canberra and Sydney.
The quake’s epicenter was located midway between Menangle Road and Remembrance Driveway (Old Hume Highway). Reports from Geoscience Australia confirm that two individuals reported feeling the tremor—one in Picton and another in St Clair, Sydney’s western suburbs.
This earthquake follows a recent series of seismic activities in the area, including a 2.2 magnitude quake in Appin on June 12 and a 3.6 magnitude tremor on May 28, which had previously garnered 715 reports from residents. Last November, a similar 2.1 magnitude quake was also recorded in Appin, coinciding with increased mining activities.
The frequency of mine blasting in the region has raised concerns. The latest quakes align with increased operations by mining company GM3, which has recently received approval to double the frequency of blasting in the area. These blasts are occurring within 900 meters of previous seismic events, and no seismic assessments were conducted prior to the approval.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the department assured that while blasting will be more frequent, the intensity will be reduced to half of what was previously allowed under Phase 1 of the project.
Residents and officials are now on high alert as the region has experienced more than 20 earthquakes in the last decade, prompting concerns about the effects of mining operations on local seismic activity.
WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities will continue to monitor seismic activity in the Picton and Appin areas. Residents are urged to stay informed about any further developments. For ongoing updates, follow local news sources and official announcements from Geoscience Australia.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the implications of today’s earthquake unfold.
