UPDATE: A 2.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Picton at 11:34 AM on October 12, 2023, sending tremors felt over 200 kilometers away, including as far as Canberra. This seismic event, occurring just three kilometers below the surface, follows a concerning trend of increased seismic activity in the region.
The quake was detected by 10 earthquake stations, prompting two individuals to report the tremor to Geoscience Australia—one from Picton and another from St Clair in Sydney’s west. Residents are urged to stay alert as the frequency of seismic events has noticeably increased.
This latest tremor adds to a cluster of recent earthquakes in the area, including a 2.2 magnitude quake in Appin on June 12 and a significant 3.6 magnitude quake on May 28, which generated 715 felt reports to Geoscience Australia. These events raise serious concerns about the impact of nearby mining activities in the region.
The Appin coal mine, operated by GM3, is currently conducting blasting operations just 900 meters from where the recent earthquakes have been recorded. In October 2024, GM3 received approval to double the frequency of its blasting, a decision made without a seismic assessment. While officials claim that the blasts will be at half the power of previous allowances, the lack of thorough evaluation raises alarms among local residents and experts.
As the frequency of earthquakes in the Picton, Appin, and Douglas Park regions continues to rise—over 20 earthquakes have been documented in the past decade—the community is left questioning the safety and environmental implications of mining practices.
The situation remains fluid as residents and authorities monitor for any additional seismic activity. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and consider sharing this information with others who may be impacted or concerned.
For further inquiries or updates, contact Geoscience Australia or your local emergency services.
