Alexander Oshkin

CTO
Sonica

   
In 2006, he graduated from the Geological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
From 2009 to the present, he has been a lecturer in the Department of Seismometry and Geoacoustics at the Geological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
From 2014 to the present, he has been engaged in entrepreneurial activity providing geophysical research services.
PhD in Physics and Mathematics
His area of ​​interest is seismic exploration. He is currently developing mid-depth seismic exploration (to depths of 500-1000 m), including for applications related to solid minerals.

Pitch-up session 2 - Business to business presentations alongside exhibition
15 April 2026 / 11:45 - 13:00 | Sary Arka 1

Construction of a detailed 3D model of tectonic faults based on 3D seismic exploration data

Tectonic faults significantly impact mine construction and underground mining. Tectonic fault zones are characterized by increased fracturing and weakened rock strength, which reduces rock mass stability, leads to deformation and collapse, and necessitates enhanced mine support measures. Faults often serve as migration pathways for groundwater and gases (primarily methane), leading to water influxes, gas-dynamic manifestations, and explosive and fire hazards. Furthermore, tectonic structures are difficult to study using drilling methods—at best, only individual, major faults can be traced, but a detailed picture is revealed directly during mine development, which does not always allow for timely implementation of appropriate measures. This report demonstrates the authors' experience in using ground-based 3D seismic reflection surveys to construct a detailed 3D model of tectonic faults at a mine site. The resulting volumetric model of tectonic faults can be used at various stages of solid mineral development, from mine design to planning degassing, dewatering, or early injection of fault zones. This will reduce unexpected costs for emergency response and significantly improve mining safety.


Technical session 3 - Finding Mineral Deposits Quickly and at Low Cost: Case-Proven Technologies and Practices in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
16 April 2026 / 09:00 - 11:00 | Sary Arka 2

Construction of a detailed 3D model of tectonic faults based on 3D seismic exploration data

Tectonic faults significantly impact mine construction and underground mining. Tectonic fault zones are characterized by increased fracturing and weakened rock strength, which reduces rock mass stability, leads to deformation and collapse, and necessitates enhanced mine support measures. Faults often serve as migration pathways for groundwater and gases (primarily methane), leading to water influxes, gas-dynamic manifestations, and explosive and fire hazards. Furthermore, tectonic structures are difficult to study using drilling methods—at best, only individual, major faults can be traced, but a detailed picture is revealed directly during mine development, which does not always allow for timely implementation of appropriate measures. This report demonstrates the authors' experience in using ground-based 3D seismic reflection surveys to construct a detailed 3D model of tectonic faults at a mine site. The resulting volumetric model of tectonic faults can be used at various stages of solid mineral development, from mine design to planning degassing, dewatering, or early injection of fault zones. This will reduce unexpected costs for emergency response and significantly improve mining safety.