Residents in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, were startled by a minor tremor on Friday night as an earthquake shook the town. Earthquakes Canada verified that a 3.3-magnitude quake occurred around 7:35 p.m. CST, originating approximately half a kilometer beneath the surface.
The cause of the earthquake has not been officially disclosed by Earthquakes Canada, but it is suspected to be linked to mining activities. Esterhazy, located about 180 kilometers northeast of Regina, hosts a large mining complex operated by Mosaic, described as the “world’s largest potash operation.”
Kringle Sarmiendo, who was at home with her one-year-old daughter, described feeling the roof of her apartment shake as if someone were stomping above. Sensing the tremor, she quickly took her child outside for safety. Sarmiendo, originally from the Philippines where earthquakes are common, expressed surprise at experiencing one in Saskatchewan.
Esterhazy has encountered several small earthquakes in the past, including a 3.8-magnitude quake in 2016 and a total of 19 earthquakes near that magnitude since 1981. Despite mine workers being underground during the recent quake, Mosaic confirmed no injuries were reported.
Marnel Jones, Mosaic’s director of government and public affairs, highlighted the correlation between mining activities and seismic events in the region. Jones explained that mining-induced rhythmic activity is primarily due to salt removal and injection procedures taking place in the area. While mining activities may influence seismic events, Jones emphasized that the region’s geological characteristics make it prone to earthquakes, making it a strategic location for Mosaic.
Despite the history of seismic events in the area, Jones assured that the recent earthquake did not result in any significant issues. Witnesses like Prabhnoor Sanbhu, who works at the Esterhazy Sunset Inn, described the quake as brief but intense, causing objects to shake and the floor to rumble for a few seconds.
