Underground Gold Mine Activity Causes Magnitude 3.5 Earthquake in Victoria

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Activity from an underground gold mine has caused a magnitude 3.5 earthquake in central Victoria.

The quake was recorded at Fosterville Gold Mine, about 26km north-east of Bendigo, at 6.41am today, according to Geoscience Australia.

Forty-seven people across the state reported feeling tremors, with some felt as far as Glen Huntly in Melbourne.

 Geoscience Australia's Senior Seismologist Jonathan Bathgate said the quake was minor and any aftershocks weren't expected.

"The shaking associated with an earthquake of this size would be relatively short-lived and wouldn't be expected to cause any damage," he said.

"Often times, with earthquakes of this size, people report hearing them more than they do the shaking because they are quite short.

 Fosterville Gold Mine confirmed it experienced a "mine-induced seismic event".

"Mine-induced seismicity is complex, the mechanisms are similar to an earthquake, however, they are related to our mining activities," a spokesperson said.

"Our people are safe and we have protocols in place to respond to these events underground, which we are currently working through."

"We understand these events can cause concern for the community.

"We have our dedicated community engagement team available and have had a marquee set up in Axedale throughout the day, where the team have been available to talk to our neighbours about any concerns they may have."

Fosterville Gold Mine is reviewing the event.

 Courtesy: www.9news.com.au